The Meaning of Genesis 45:6 Explained

Genesis 45:6

KJV: 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.

YLT: 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;

Darby: For the famine has been these two years in the land; and yet there are five years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Genesis 45:6 Mean?

Context Summary

Genesis 45:1-15 - Joseph Makes Himself Known To His Brothers
It may be that we have here an exact representation of a scene which shall be transacted some day, when our Lord makes Himself known to His brethren, the Jews. The Apostle Paul tells us that ultimately all Israel shall be saved; and may not this be brought about, when He says to them, "I am Jesus, your brother, whom ye delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate"? Was not Joseph's wife rejoiced by his joy, and will not the Church of the redeemed be glad when that great reconciliation takes effect? What a beautiful interpretation Joseph put on their act of treachery-"God did send me before you." Let us always trace God's plan in the malevolence and opposition of men. They could have no power at all, unless it was given them from above. Joseph supplied all their needs-wagons to carry, food to nourish, raiment to clothe, and greetings to welcome! [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 45

1  Joseph makes himself known to his brothers
5  He comforts them in God's providence
9  He sends for his father
16  Pharaoh confirms it
21  Joseph furnishes then for their journey
25  Jacob is revived with the news

What do the individual words in Genesis 45:6 mean?

For this two years the famine [is] in the land and [there are] still five years in which no plowing or harvesting
כִּי־ זֶ֛ה שְׁנָתַ֥יִם הָרָעָ֖ב בְּקֶ֣רֶב הָאָ֑רֶץ וְעוֹד֙ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵין־ חָרִ֖ישׁ וְקָצִּֽיר‪‬

זֶ֛ה  this 
Parse: Pronoun, masculine singular
Root: זֶה  
Sense: this, this one, here, which, this … that, the one … the other, another, such.
שְׁנָתַ֥יִם  two  years 
Parse: Noun, fd
Root: שָׁנָה  
Sense: year.
הָרָעָ֖ב  the  famine  [is] 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: רָעָב  
Sense: famine, hunger.
הָאָ֑רֶץ  the  land 
Parse: Article, Noun, feminine singular
Root: אֶרֶץ  
Sense: land, earth.
וְעוֹד֙  and  [there  are]  still 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Adverb
Root: עֹוד  
Sense: a going round, continuance adv.
חָמֵ֣שׁ  five 
Parse: Number, feminine singular
Root: חָמֵשׁ  
Sense: five.
שָׁנִ֔ים  years 
Parse: Noun, feminine plural
Root: שָׁנָה  
Sense: year.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר  in  which 
Parse: Pronoun, relative
Root: אֲשֶׁר 
Sense: (relative part.).
אֵין־  no 
Parse: Adverb
Root: אַיִן 
Sense: nothing, not, nought n.
חָרִ֖ישׁ  plowing 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: חָרִישׁ  
Sense: ploughing, ploughing time.
וְקָצִּֽיר‪‬  or  harvesting 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, masculine singular
Root: קָצִיר 
Sense: harvest, harvesting.