Genesis 45:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:6 mean?

Genesis 45:6 means that there have already been two years of famine in the land, and there are still five more years to come, during which there will be no planting or harvesting of crops. Joseph is explaining to his brothers how serious and long-lasting the famine will be.

Joseph is speaking to his brothers in Egypt after revealing his identity to them. He is explaining the reason for the ongoing hardship and why they should not be surprised by the lack of food. By saying there will be neither "earing" (an old word for plowing or planting) nor harvest, Joseph is making it clear that normal farming will not be possible for several more years, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:6

• "Earing" comes from the Hebrew word חָרֵשׁ (ḥāresh), which means plowing or preparing the ground for planting. This word shows that the famine is so severe that even the first steps of farming are not happening, not just the harvest.
• "Harvest" is from the Hebrew קָצִיר (qatsir), meaning the gathering in of crops. By pairing this with "earing," the verse covers the entire farming process, stressing that the famine affects every stage of agriculture.

Why Genesis 45:6 matters

• Genesis 45:6 clarifies the length and seriousness of the famine, showing that it is not a short-term problem but a disaster lasting seven years in total.
• The verse helps explain why Joseph's brothers had to come to Egypt for food and why Joseph's earlier dreams and preparations were so important for survival.
• This statement sets up the reason for Jacob’s family to move to Egypt, which is a key turning point in the story of Israel’s history.