The mention of "corn" in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 41, is a translation issue rather than a historical or botanical inaccuracy. The term "corn" used in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which was translated in the early 17th century, does not refer to the maize or corn as we understand it today. Instead, in biblical contexts, "corn" often refers to a generic term for grains or cereal crops.
In Genesis 41, Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows being devoured by seven lean cows and seven plump ears of grain being consumed by seven thin ears. The word translated as "corn" in the KJV actually refers to grain or cereal, not the maize commonly referred to as corn in modern English.
Modern translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) or the English Standard Version (ESV), accurately use terms like "grain" or "cereal" to better reflect the original meaning of the text.
It's important to recognize that the Bible, as a collection of ancient texts, reflects the language and understanding of the time in which it was written. Translators make efforts to convey the intended meaning to contemporary readers, but the evolution of language can lead to potential misunderstandings or anachronisms. In this case, the use of the term "corn" in the KJV does not imply an anachronism; rather, it is a translation choice that has been clarified in more recent translations to avoid confusion.
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