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Genesis 50:15-21
English Standard Version
Genesis 50:15-21
English Standard Version
God's Good Purposes
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of (A)the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and (B)fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for (C)am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but (D)God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; (E)I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
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- Genesis 50:20 Or a numerous people
Genesis 50:15-21
New International Version
Genesis 50:15-21
New International Version
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge(A) against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”(B) 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions(C) before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins(D) and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’(E) Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.(F)” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.(G)
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him.(H) “We are your slaves,”(I) they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?(J) 20 You intended to harm me,(K) but God intended(L) it for good(M) to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.(N) 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.(O)” And he reassured them and spoke kindly(P) to them.
English Standard Version (ESV) 
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.