Topical Encyclopedia The term "illfavored" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible, primarily in the context of describing something or someone as unattractive or lacking in beauty. In the Berean Standard Bible, this term is often translated into more contemporary language, such as "ugly" or "unattractive."Biblical References: 1. Genesis 41:3-4 : The most notable occurrence of the term "illfavored" is found in the account of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis. Pharaoh dreams of seven ugly and gaunt cows that come up out of the Nile and stand beside seven healthy and well-fed cows. The illfavored cows then consume the healthy ones. This dream is interpreted by Joseph as a divine revelation of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine in Egypt. The illfavored cows symbolize the years of famine that will consume the abundance of the previous years. "And behold, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up after them out of the Nile and stood beside the cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly, gaunt cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first." (Genesis 41:3-4) 2. Genesis 41:19-21 : The term is reiterated when Pharaoh recounts his dream to Joseph, emphasizing the stark contrast between the healthy and the illfavored cows. This repetition underscores the severity of the impending famine and the divine warning given to Pharaoh through the dream. "After them, seven other cows came up—sickly, ugly, and gaunt. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. And the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first. But when they had devoured them, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was just as ugly as before. Then I awoke." (Genesis 41:19-21) Theological Significance: In the biblical narrative, the use of the term "illfavored" serves as a metaphor for spiritual and physical desolation. The illfavored cows in Pharaoh's dream are not merely a depiction of physical ugliness but represent a deeper, more profound lack of prosperity and blessing. This aligns with the biblical theme that external appearances often reflect deeper spiritual realities. The illfavored cows consuming the healthy ones illustrate how sin and spiritual famine can consume the blessings and abundance that God provides. Moral and Spiritual Lessons: From a moral and spiritual perspective, the account of the illfavored cows in Genesis serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding divine warnings and preparing for future challenges. Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his subsequent actions to store grain during the years of abundance highlight the virtues of wisdom, foresight, and reliance on God's guidance. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to be prudent stewards of the resources and blessings He bestows. Furthermore, the concept of being "illfavored" can be extended to the spiritual realm, where individuals are called to seek inner beauty and righteousness rather than focusing solely on outward appearances. The Bible consistently teaches that true beauty and favor come from a heart aligned with God's will, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 16:7, where the Lord reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. In summary, the term "illfavored" in the biblical context serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual and physical deprivation, urging believers to seek God's wisdom and prepare for both temporal and eternal challenges. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ILL; ILL-FAVOREDil, il-fa'-verd. Thesaurus Illfavored/i/illfavored.htm - 6k Ill-favored (5 Occurrences) Ill-established (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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