Genesis 45:6

6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.

Genesis 45:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years - neither plowing nor harvesting.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and there are yet five years, in which there shall be neither plowing nor harvest.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 The famine has been in the land for two years. There will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 "For two years now, there hasn't been enough food in the land. And for the next five years, people won't be plowing or gathering crops.

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, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!
5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.
7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Genesis 41:30
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