King James Version

What Does Genesis 45:6 Mean?

Genesis 45:6 in the King James Version says “For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 45:6 · KJV

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 did send me before you to preserve life. nor: Heb. neither let there be anger in your eyes

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.

7

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. to preserve: Heb. to put for you a remnant

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.

Read Genesis 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which the... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּי1 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זֶ֛ה2 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שָׁנִ֔ים3 of 13

“For these two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָֽרָעָ֖ב4 of 13

“hath the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

בְּקֶ֣רֶב5 of 13

“been in”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 13

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעוֹד֙7 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חָמֵ֣שׁ8 of 13

“and yet there are five”

H2568

five

שָׁנִ֔ים9 of 13

“For these two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵין11 of 13

“in the which there shall neither”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

חָרִ֖ישׁ12 of 13

“be earing”

H2758

ploughing or its season

וְקָצִּֽיר׃13 of 13

“nor harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 45:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 45:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 47:23Genesis 41:54Genesis 41:56Genesis 41:29-31Deuteronomy 21:41 Samuel 8:12

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