Genesis 45:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The famine has been over the land for the last two years, and for yet another five years there will be neither plowing nor harvest.

Berean Standard Bible:

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

American Standard Version:

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 with Strong’s Numbers:

For these two years^{H8141} hath the famine^{H7458} been in^{H7130} the land^{H776}: and yet there are five^{H2568} years^{H8141}, in the which there shall neither^{H369} be earing^{H2758} nor harvest^{H7105}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 45:6

Genesis 45:6 is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later rose to a position of power in Egypt. The historical context of this verse is set during a severe famine that affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Joseph's family lived.

In this verse, Joseph is revealing his identity to his brothers, who had come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph speaks of the famine, mentioning that it has been ongoing for two years and will continue for another five years. This information is significant because it sets the stage for the subsequent reunification of Joseph with his family and their relocation to Egypt, which is a central theme in the narrative.

The verse reflects themes of God's providence and sovereignty over human affairs. Joseph's earlier interpretations of Pharaoh's dreams had predicted seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, and his wise governance had allowed Egypt to store enough grain to survive the famine. This foresight and preparation are seen as a direct result of divine wisdom given to Joseph.

Moreover, the verse underscores the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Joseph, despite his powerful position, does not seek vengeance against his brothers for their past wrongs but instead recognizes the greater purpose of God in his life. The famine, which is the backdrop of this family reunion, serves as a catalyst for the fulfillment of God's plan for Joseph and his family, which will eventually lead to the formation of the Israelite nation.

In summary, Genesis 45:6 is a verse that speaks to the harsh reality of famine, the wisdom and foresight of Joseph, and the overarching themes of divine providence, forgiveness, and family redemption within the narrative of Joseph's life. It is a moment of revelation and emotional climax, where past betrayals are set aside in light of God's larger plan for the patriarchs of Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8141
   There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁנֶה
   Transliteration: shâneh
   Pronunciation: shaw-neh'
   Description: (in plural or (feminine) שָׁנָה; from שָׁנָה; a year (as a revolution of time); [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly).
   
2. Strong's Number: H7458
   There are 88 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָעָב
   Transliteration: râʻâb
   Pronunciation: raw-awb'
   Description: from רָעֵב; hunger (more or less extensive); dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7130
   There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶרֶב
   Transliteration: qereb
   Pronunciation: keh'-reb
   Description: from קָרַב; properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition); [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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2568
   There are 273 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָמֵשׁ
   Transliteration: châmêsh
   Pronunciation: khaw-maysh'
   Description: masculine חֲמִשָּׁה; a primitive numeral; five; fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece).
   
6. Strong's Number: H369
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַיִן
   Transliteration: ʼayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle; 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 אַיִן.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2758
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָרִישׁ
   Transliteration: chârîysh
   Pronunciation: khaw-reesh'
   Description: from חָרַשׁ; ploughing or its season; earing (time), ground.
   
8. Strong's Number: H7105
   There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָצִיר
   Transliteration: qâtsîyr
   Pronunciation: kaw-tseer'
   Description: from קָצַר; severed, i.e. harvest (as reaped), the crop, the time, the reaper, or figuratively; also a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage); bough, branch, harvest (man).