Genesis 45:6

6 For these two years the famine [has been] in the midst of the land, but [there will be] five more years where there is no plowing or harvest.

Genesis 45:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 45:6

For these two years [hath] the famine [been], in the land
In the land of Egypt and in the countries round about: and yet [there are] five years;
still remaining, which he knew by the above dreams and the interpretation of them: in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest;
that is, no tillage of land, neither ploughing nor sowing, and so no reaping, or gathering in of the fruits of the earth, as used to be in harvest; at least, there would be very little ground tilled, only it may be on the banks of the Nile, since they had no corn to spare for seed; and besides, as the Egyptians knew by Joseph's prediction that the Nile would not overflow, it was to no purpose to attempt to plough their land, which through seven years of drought was become very difficult, or to sow, could they get the seed into the ground, since there was no likelihood of its springing up again.

Genesis 45:6 In-Context

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they drew near. And he said, "I [am] Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.

5 So now, do not be distressed and do not be angry {with yourselves} that you sold me here, for God sent me as deliverance before you.

6 For these two years the famine [has been] in the midst of the land, but [there will be] five more years where there is no plowing or harvest.

7 And God sent me before you [all] to preserve for you a remnant in the land and to keep alive among you many survivors.

8 So now, you yourselves did not send me here, but God put me here as father to Pharaoh and as master of all his household, and a ruler over all the land of Egypt.