¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph carries a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?” ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded us before he died, saying, ¹⁷ ‘You are to say to Joseph, “I beg you, please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ Now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. ¹⁸ Then his brothers went and fell down before him [in confession]; then they said, “Behold, we are your servants (slaves).” ¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] ²⁰ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. ²¹ So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and support you and your little ones.” So he comforted them [giving them encouragement and hope] and spoke [with kindness] to their hearts.