Genesis 50:15

Genesis 50:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.”

King James Version KJV

¶ And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

American Standard Version ASV

And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now after the death of their father, Joseph's brothers said to themselves, It may be that Joseph's heart will be turned against us, and he will give us punishment for all the evil which we did to him.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers became worried, saying, “Maybe Joseph is holding a grudge against us, and he'll pay us back for all the bad things we did to him.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when Iosephs brethren saw that their father was dead, they sayde, It may be that Ioseph will hate vs, and will pay vs againe all the euill, which we did vnto him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the brethren of Joseph see that their father is dead, and say, 'Peradventure Joseph doth hate us, and doth certainly return to us all the evil which we did with him.'

World English Bible WEB

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will perhaps hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did to him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now he being dead, his brethren were afraid, and talked one with another: Lest perhaps he should remember the wrong he suffered, and requite us all the evil that we did to him.

Translation for Translators T4T

After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers became worried. They realized what might happen. They said, “Suppose Joseph hates us and tries to get revenge for all the evil things that we did to him many years ago?”

Plain English Version PEV

After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers started to worry, and they said to each other, “When our father was alive, Joseph was good to us. But maybe Joseph is still angry about all those bad things that we did to him. Now our father is dead, maybe Joseph will do payback to us.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 50:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 50:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ אֲחֵֽי יוֹסֵף֙ כִּי מֵ֣ת אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ל֥וּ יִשְׂטְמֵ֖/נוּ יוֹסֵ֑ף וְ/הָשֵׁ֤ב יָשִׁיב֙ לָ֔/נוּ אֵ֚ת כָּל הָ֣/רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּמַ֖לְנוּ אֹתֽ/וֹ

וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֲחֵֽי ʼâch H251 brother N-mp

יוֹסֵף֙ Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

מֵ֣ת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל֥וּ lûwʼ H3863 if Conj

יִשְׂטְמֵ֖/נוּ sâṭam H7852 to hate V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

וְ/הָשֵׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

יָשִׁיב֙ shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

לָ֔/נוּ Prep | Suff

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ֣/רָעָ֔ה raʻ H7451 bad Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

גָּמַ֖לְנוּ gâmal H1580 to wean V-Qal-Perf-1cp

אֹתֽ/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 50:15

וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֲחֵֽי ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

יוֹסֵף֙ Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מֵ֣ת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

אֲבִי/הֶ֔ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֥וּ lûwʼ H3863 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.

Definition: 1) if, oh that!, if only! 1a) if (unlikely condition) 1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). See also: Genesis 17:18; 1 Samuel 14:30; Psalms 81:14.

יִשְׂטְמֵ֖/נוּ sâṭam H7852 "to hate" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

This verb means to hate or oppose someone, often implying a long-held grudge. It is used in various books of the Bible, including Psalms and Proverbs, to describe animosity.

Definition: 1) to hate, oppose oneself to, bear a grudge, retain animosity against, cherish animosity against 1a) (Qal) to cherish animosity against

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: hate, oppose self against. See also: Genesis 27:41; Job 16:9; Psalms 55:4.

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

וְ/הָשֵׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

יָשִׁיב֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

לָ֔/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ֣/רָעָ֔ה raʻ H7451 "bad" Art | N-fs

Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.

Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions

Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

גָּמַ֖לְנוּ gâmal H1580 "to wean" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.

אֹתֽ/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

Study Notes — Genesis 50:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 50:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:15
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:15
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:15
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:15
Sermons on Genesis 50:15

Context — Joseph Comforts His Brothers

13They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. 14After Joseph had buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father.

15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.”

16So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, 17‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 28:1	The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2	Genesis 42:21–22	Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!”
3	Psalms 53:5	There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.
4	Genesis 27:41–42	Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.
5	Job 15:21–22	Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword.
6	Psalms 14:5	There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous.
7	Leviticus 26:36	As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them.
8	Romans 2:15	So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them
9	Genesis 37:28	So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
10	Genesis 42:17	So Joseph imprisoned them for three days,

Genesis 50:15 Summary

This verse shows that Joseph's brothers were afraid of him because they knew they had treated him very badly in the past. They thought he might still be angry with them and want to get back at them, which is a natural human feeling. However, as we see in the next verses, Joseph chooses to forgive them instead, which is an example of the kind of forgiveness God wants us to offer to others, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15. This reminds us that we should always try to forgive those who have wronged us, just like Joseph did, and trust God to help us do what is right, as promised in Philippians 4:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Joseph's brothers afraid of him after their father's death?

Joseph's brothers were afraid because they remembered how they had treated him cruelly in the past, as seen in Genesis 37:18-28, and they feared he would now take revenge on them, as stated in Genesis 50:15.

Did Joseph's brothers really think he would hold a grudge against them?

Yes, Joseph's brothers believed he might hold a grudge, which shows they knew they had wronged him deeply and were aware of the natural human tendency to seek revenge, as warned against in Romans 12:19.

What does this verse reveal about the brothers' understanding of their past actions?

This verse reveals that Joseph's brothers acknowledged the evil they had done to him, as stated in Genesis 50:15, and recognized the gravity of their past mistakes, which is a crucial step towards repentance and forgiveness, as seen in Luke 15:18-20.

How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness in the Bible?

This verse sets the stage for Joseph's demonstration of forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 50:17-21, which is a powerful example of the kind of forgiveness God calls believers to offer, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have wronged others in the past, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
How do I respond when I feel threatened or afraid of someone who has the power to harm me, and what can I learn from Joseph's brothers' fears?
In what ways can I demonstrate forgiveness to those who have wronged me, just as Joseph did with his brothers?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of acknowledging and repenting of my past mistakes, and how can I apply this to my life?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:15

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead,.... And buried; for this and what follows were after their return to Egypt, from the burial of their father; though some think it was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:15

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:15

Genesis 50:15 And when Joseph’ s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.Ver. 15. Joseph will peradventure hate us.] An ill conscience, we are sure, still haunts them as a hell-hag, and fills them with unquestionable conviction and horror. Better be langold [tied] to a lion than to an unquiet conscience. Such take no more rest than one upon a rack or bed of thorns. There were not many to kill Cain besides his father and his mother, and yet he cries, "Every one that finds me," &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:15

(15) Joseph will peradventure . . . —Heb., What if Joseph should hate us, &c. They had not seen any change in his treatment of him, but if it were the case that he cherished feelings of revenge, they felt that they were now in his power.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:15

Verse 15. Saw that their father was dead] This at once argues both a sense of guilt in their own consciences, and a want of confidence in their brother. They might have supposed that hitherto he had forborne to punish them merely on their father's account; but now that he was dead, and Joseph having them completely in his power, they imagined that he would take vengeance on them for their former conduct towards him. Thus conscience records criminality; and, by giving birth to continual fears and doubtfulness, destroys all peace of mind, security, and confidence. On this subject an elegant poet has spoken with his usual point and discernment: - Exemplo quodcumque malo committitur, ipsi Displicet auctori. Prima est haec ultio, quod se Judice nemo nocens absolvitur, improba quamvis Gratia fallaci Praetoris vicerit urna. JUV. Sat. xiii. 1, c. Happily metaphrased by Mr. Dryden: - He that commits a fault shall quickly find The pressing guilt lies heavy on his mind. Though bribes, or favour shall assert his cause, Pronounce him guiltless, and elude the laws, None quits himself his own impartial thought Will damn, and conscience will record the fault. This, first, the wicked feels. We have seen this in the preceding history often exemplified in the case of Joseph's brethren.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:15

14–21. Joseph and his Brethren 15. It may be … hate us] Lit. “supposing Joseph were to hate us.” LXX μήποτεμνησικακήσῃἡμῖνἸωσήφ. Joseph’s brethren fear lest, Jacob being dead, Joseph will no longer restrain his desire for revenge. requite] Their conscience cannot leave them alone. Cf. their fear in Genesis 42:28, Genesis 44:16, Genesis 45:3.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:15

15. Joseph will peradventure hate us — The Hebrew here is a conditional, unfinished sentence: If Joseph should hate us, and return with intensity (verb in inf.

Sermons on Genesis 50:15

	Sermon	Description
	Death Works in Us by J.B. Stoney	J.B. Stoney preaches on the importance of accepting the tunnel of darkness in order to experience the light and glory of God. Using the story of Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifi
	Worship - Then Prayer - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prophets as God's gift to humanity, especially in times of crisis. He highlights that the world is currently in a crisis a
	(Proverbs) ch.27:17 - 28:18 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching wisdom to children from a young age. They highlight the need for parents to prioritize instilling wisdom in their
	Stop Running From Your Fears by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own struggles with fully committing to God's calling. He recalls a moment when he was preaching about giving one's all for God's glory,
	John 3:16 by Neil Fraser	In this sermon, the speaker discusses three key things that made a difference in the lives of certain individuals, particularly the apostle Paul. Firstly, Paul had grasped the purp
	The Shield of Faith by Erlo Stegen	The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is
	His Heart Is Fixed by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of having a fixed heart in trusting the Lord, highlighting the privileges and blessings of a righteous man who delights in God's command