Genesis 50:15-21

Holman Christian Standard Bible

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 Then 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 little ones.”^(E) And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.^[a]