Genesis 50:15-21

Expanded Bible

The Brothers Fear Joseph

¹⁵ ·After Jacob [^LThe brothers of Joseph saw that their father had] died, ·Joseph’s brothers [^Land they] said, “What if Joseph ·is still angry with [holds a grudge against] us? We did many wrong things to him. What if he plans to pay us back?” ¹⁶ So they ·sent a message to [instructed; commanded] Joseph that said, “Your father gave this command before he died. ¹⁷ He said to us, ‘You have done wrong and have sinned and done evil to Joseph. Tell Joseph to forgive you, his brothers.’ So now, Joseph, we beg you to forgive our wrong. We are the servants of the God of your father.” When Joseph received the message, he cried.

¹⁸ And his brothers went to him and bowed low before him and said, “We are your slaves.”

¹⁹ Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. ·Can I do what only God can do [Am I in the place of God]? ²⁰ You meant ·to hurt [to harm; or evil against] me, but God ·turned your evil into [^Lmeant it for] good to save the lives of many people, which is being done. ²¹ So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your ·children [little ones].” So Joseph ·comforted [consoled; reassured] his brothers and spoke kind words to them.