Genesis 41:4

4 And the gaunt and thin cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. And Pharaoh awoke.

Genesis 41:4 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:4

And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven
well favoured and fat kine
So it seemed in the dream as if this was done, was very strange and surprising that animals should devour one another; and especially that tame ones, cows or heifers, should eat those of their own species, which was never known to be done: so Pharaoh awoke;
through surprise at the strange sight he had in his dream.

Genesis 41:4 In-Context

2 and behold, there came up out of the Nile seven cows sleek and fat, and they fed in the reed grass.
3 And behold, seven other cows, gaunt and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile.
4 And the gaunt and thin cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. And Pharaoh awoke.
5 And he fell asleep and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk.
6 And behold, after them sprouted seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.