Genesis 45:6

Translations

Modern

For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For these two years the famine has been in the midst of the earth, and there are still five years in which there is no plowing and harvesting.

Latin

Biennium est enim quod cœpit fames esse in terra: et adhuc quinque anni restant, quibus nec arari poterit, nec meti.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.

Notes

Genesis 45:5–8

it was not you who sent me here, but God: This is the main message of Jacob's family story (37:2). As the Lord had told Abraham, he was bringing the Israelites into Egypt (15:13). God sent Joseph ahead to prepare a way to save his family during the famine.

This is a clear statement about God’s sovereignty (his complete rule and control over all things). Joseph explained that God was at work through all events and human actions to carry out his plan.

Because God is in control, people can forgive and be restored to those who have hurt them. If people do not believe that God rules over all, they may blame others and try to get even. But those who trust God believe that he is at work, even through human evil (see also Romans 8:28–30).

Genesis 45:1–15

In one of the book's most dramatic scenes, Joseph told his brothers who he was. This brought the process of reconciling with them to a climax (see also 50:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Famine Symbolic Numbers

Events

Joseph's brothers return to Egyptc. 1706 BC

Related verses

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.
Genesis 41:29–31
Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
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.
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.
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.
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, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
Isaiah 30:24
The oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and pitchfork.
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.
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.

Glossary

Benjamin (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Famine Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Patriarchs, Period of the Remnant

Topics

Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness Forgiveness: Joseph Forgives his Brothers God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity The Harvest: Failure of Sometimes Continued for Years The Providence of God is Exercised in Overruling Wicked Designs for Good

Genesis 45:6

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