Joseph Forgives His Brothers

¹⁵ Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?”^{(A) 16} So they approached^[a] Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ¹⁷ ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. ¹⁸ Then his brothers also wept,^[b] fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.”^{(B) 19} But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God?^{(C) 20} Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.^{(D) 21} So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.^(E)