Joseph’s Kindness

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”(A)

16 So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: 17 ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept(B) when their message came to him. 18 His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?(C) 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.(D) 21 Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.”(E) And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.[a]

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Notas al pie

  1. 50:21 Lit spoke to their hearts

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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Notas al pie

  1. Genesis 50:20 Or a numerous people