Genesis 45:6
Genesis 45:6 in Multiple Translations
For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
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.
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.
For these two years have been years of need, and there are still five more years to come in which there will be no ploughing or cutting of grain.
The country has suffered from famine for two years already, but there will be five more years with no plowing or reaping.
For nowe two yeeres of famine haue bene through ye land, and fiue yeeres are behind, wherein neither shalbe earing nor haruest.
'Because these two years the famine [is] in the heart of the land, and yet [are] five years, [in] which there is neither ploughing nor harvest;
For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be no plowing and no harvest.
For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in which there shall neither be tillage nor harvest.
For it is two years since the famine began to be upon the land, and five years more remain, wherein there can be neither ploughing nor reaping.
There has been a famine in this country for two years, and it will continue for five more years, so that no one will plow ground, and there will be no crops to harvest.
You know, we already had 2 dry years with no rain, and there will be 5 more dry years. Yes, for 5 more years, nobody will be able to grow any food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 45:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
זֶ֛ה
שְׁנָתַ֥יִם
הָ/רָעָ֖ב
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/עוֹד֙
חָמֵ֣שׁ
שָׁנִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אֵין
חָרִ֖ישׁ
וְ/קָצִּֽיר
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זֶ֛ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
שְׁנָתַ֥יִם
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fd
הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Art | N-ms
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Conj | Adv
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חָרִ֖ישׁ
chârîysh
H2758
plowing
N-ms
וְ/קָצִּֽיר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:6
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
זֶ֛ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שְׁנָתַ֥יִם
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fd
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
בְּ/קֶ֣רֶב
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Conj | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חָרִ֖ישׁ
chârîysh
H2758
"plowing"
N-ms
Charish means plowing or the season of plowing. It is related to the time of year when the ground is prepared for planting.
Definition: ploughing, ploughing time
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: earing (time), ground. See also: Genesis 45:6; Exodus 34:21; 1 Samuel 8:12.
וְ/קָצִּֽיר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 45:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 45:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:6
- Sermons on Genesis 45:6
Context — Joseph Reveals His Identity
4Then 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!
5And 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.
6For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
7God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8Therefore 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 47:23 | Then Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:54 | the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Genesis 41:56 | When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. |
| 4 | Genesis 41:29–31 | Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 8:12 | He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:24 | The oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and pitchfork. |
| 7 | Exodus 34:21 | Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest. |
| 8 | Genesis 47:18 | When that year was over, they came to him the second year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord that our money is gone and all our livestock belongs to you. There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 21:4 | bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. |
Genesis 45:6 Summary
[Genesis 45:6 tells us that a severe famine had been affecting the land for two years, and there would be five more years of famine, meaning no plowing or harvesting would be possible. This verse helps us understand that God is in control, even in difficult times (Psalm 37:7). Joseph's trust in God's plan is an example to us, showing us how to trust God, even when things seem impossible (Jeremiah 29:11). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and hope, just like Joseph did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seven years of famine in Genesis 45:6?
The seven years of famine, with two years having already passed and five more to come, signify a severe test of the Israelites' faith and trust in God's provision, similar to the trials faced by the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4, Deuteronomy 8:2-3).
How does Joseph's statement about the famine relate to God's sovereignty?
Joseph's words in Genesis 45:6 highlight God's sovereignty over all events, including the famine, as he mentions in Genesis 45:5 that God sent him to Egypt to save lives, demonstrating God's control over human affairs (Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28).
What can we learn from the duration of the famine in Genesis 45:6?
The duration of the famine, seven years, teaches us about the importance of perseverance and trusting in God's long-term plans, even when circumstances seem dire, as expressed in Psalm 37:7 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does Genesis 45:6 relate to the broader narrative of Joseph's life?
Genesis 45:6 is a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, as it reveals his trust in God's plan and his desire to care for his family, reflecting the themes of forgiveness, provision, and God's sovereignty that are woven throughout his story (Genesis 37:1-36, Genesis 50:20).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- How can I, like Joseph, use my experiences to help others and bring glory to God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to persevere and trust in God's long-term plans, despite current challenges?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Genesis 45:6 to my own life, trusting in God's provision and care during times of uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:6
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. For ... yet ... five years ... neither be caring nor harvest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
Neither sowing nor reaping, except in a few places near Nilus, because the people could not spare seed-corn, and would not lose it; understanding from Joseph that their cost and labour would be lost, and that the famine would be of long continuance.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
Genesis 45:6 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. Ver. 6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
(6) Earing.—An old English word for ploughing, derived from the Latin arare, Anglo-Saxon erian, to plough.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:6
Verse 6. There shall neither be earing nor harvest.] EARING has been supposed to mean collecting the ears of corn, which would confound it with harvest: the word, however, means ploughing or seed-time, from the Anglo-Saxon [A.S.] erian, probably borrowed from the Latin aro, to plough, and plainly means that there should be no seed-time, and consequently no harvest; and why? Because there should be a total want of rain in other countries, and the Nile should not rise above twelve cubits in Egypt; See Clarke on Genesis 41:31. But the expressions here must be qualified a little, as we find from Genesis 47:19, that the Egyptians came to Joseph to buy seed; and it is probable that even during this famine they sowed some of the ground, particularly on the borders of the river, from which a crop, though not an abundant one, might be produced. The passage, however, in the above chapter may refer to the last year of the famine, when they came to procure seed for the ensuing year.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:6
6. yet five years] Cf. Genesis 41:30. neither plowing nor harvest] A general phrase for agricultural operations, as in Exodus 34:21; Deuteronomy 21:4; 1 Samuel 8:12. There was not even corn enough for sowing purposes. The drought made the ground too hard for ploughing. A.V. has the Old English “earing” = “plowing.” Cf. A.V. Exodus 34:21, “in earing time and in harvest.” “Let them go to ear the land,” Shakespeare, Rich. II, iii. 2.
Sermons on Genesis 45:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hearing God Speak by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the past four Sundays and the creative energy that has been released. He specifically focuses on a message he preached on fear and worry bo |
|
The Storehouses Opened by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting the various emotions and experiences depicted in Joseph's life that resonate with believers of all ages. He empha |