The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 41:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

So Pharao told what he had dreamed: Methought I stood upon the bank of the river,

Douay-Rheims

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶל־יוֹסֵ֑ף בַּחֲלֹמִ֕י הִנְנִ֥י עֹמֵ֖ד עַל־שְׂפַ֥ת הַיְאֹֽר׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

I hold that this vision was not revealed to just a select few, but was made available to everyone, for the seven years of this earthly existence, which are rich and plentiful in material abundance, will eventually be consumed in the age to come, where there will be everlasting peace and adherence to the divine law. This spiritual law will sustain the lineage of Ephraim, bringing forth its fruits for the God of our ancestors, akin to a well-nourished heifer—not one that produces mere physical sustenance, but one that overflows with spiritual nourishment and grace (cf. 1 Cor. 3:2-3; Heb. 5:12-14). God has declared that He resides upon her graceful neck, as it is written, Ephraim is a heifer trained to love victory, but I have turned toward her beautiful neck (Hos. 10:11 LXX).

Read more (131 words)

Thus, let us reject the anointing oil of the wicked (cf. Ps. 140:5 LXX), and let not the fruit of deceit bring us joy, lest it be said of us, You have sown evil and reaped its consequences. You have consumed the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your chariots (Hos. 10:13). I am not troubled by a man with withered ears, who has been scorched by the wind (cf. Gen. 41:23), for even David was in a better state when he became like a spider's web and had a contrite spirit—a true offering to God (cf. Ps. 50:19). Those who have been saved are far more esteemed, for they have been tested by the demands of this age, afflicted by formidable trials (cf. 1 Sam. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 19:9-10).