5277. 'And seven years of famine will arise after them' means subsequent states when there will be an absence of truth. This is clear from the meaning of 'years' as states, dealt with in 482, 487, 488, 493, 893; from the meaning of 'famine' as an absence of religious knowledge or cognitions. dealt with in 1460, 9364; and from the meaning of 'after them' as subsequent ones.

9364. Faith is no more than persuasion when people believe and love the Word and the teachings of the Church not with a view to serving the neighbour, that is, their fellow citizen, country, the Church, heaven, and the Lord Himself - consequently not with a view to life, for life involves service to these - but with a view to acquiring gain, important positions, and a reputation for being learned. People therefore with this kind of faith do not focus on the Lord and heaven, only on self and the world.