Genesis 45:6

6 For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.

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 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt!

5 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

6 For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.

7 God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.