Genesis 45:6

6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land, and yet there are five years in which there shall neither be planting nor 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 And Joseph said unto his brethren, "Come near to me, I pray you." And they came near; and he said, "I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

5 Now therefore be not grieved nor angry with yourselves that ye sold me hither, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land, and yet there are five years in which there shall neither be planting nor harvest.

7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.