Genesis 41:6 Commentary - Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

east wind. In Egypt the prevailing winds are N. and S.: in Palestine E. and W. The wind here is the Ckamsin (Hebrew. kadim), which is southeast, and is a blighting wind. Hebrews had only the four quarters. Had it said here south, it would have meant nothing, but east conveys the nature of the wind, especially as evil was supposed to come from the east and good from the west, as in other countries.