Genesis 50:16
Genesis 50:16 in Multiple Translations
So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded,
And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
So they sent word to Joseph, saying, Your father, before his death, gave us orders, saying,
So they sent a message to Joseph to tell him, “Before your father died, he gave this order:
Therefore they sent vnto Ioseph, saying, Thy father commanded before his death, saying,
And they give a charge for Joseph, saying, 'Thy father commanded before his death, saying,
They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying,
And they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, Thy father commanded before he died, saying,
And they sent a message to him, saying: Thy father commanded us before he died,
So they sent someone to tell this to Joseph for them: “Before our father died, he told us this:
So Joseph’s brothers sent a message to Joseph. This is what they said in that message, “Joseph, our father talked to us before he died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 50:16
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 50:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַוּ֕וּ
אֶל
יוֹסֵ֖ף
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
אָבִ֣י/ךָ
צִוָּ֔ה
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
מוֹת֖/וֹ
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְצַוּ֕וּ
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אָבִ֣י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
צִוָּ֔ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מוֹת֖/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 50:16
וַ/יְצַוּ֕וּ
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אָבִ֣י/ךָ
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.
צִוָּ֔ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מוֹת֖/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 50:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 50:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
- Sermons on Genesis 50:16
Context — Joseph Comforts His Brothers
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. 18His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:25 | The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. |
Genesis 50:16 Summary
This verse shows that Joseph's brothers were afraid of what he might do to them after their father died, so they sent a message reminding him of their father's wish that Joseph forgive them. They wanted Joseph to know that their father had asked him to forgive them before he died, as seen in Genesis 50:17. This verse teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and making things right with others, as also seen in Matthew 6:14-15. By seeking forgiveness and forgiving others, we can restore relationships and find peace, just like Joseph and his brothers were able to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph's brothers send a message to him after their father's death?
Joseph's brothers sent a message to him because they feared he would take revenge on them for their past wrongdoings, as seen in Genesis 50:15, and they wanted to remind him of their father's dying wish, as stated in Genesis 50:16-17.
What was the content of the message that Joseph's brothers sent to him?
The message was a reminder of their father's command to forgive his brothers for their transgressions, as stated in Genesis 50:17, and to beg for Joseph's forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 50:17-18.
How did Joseph respond to the message from his brothers?
Joseph wept when he received the message, as seen in Genesis 50:17, showing his emotional response to their request for forgiveness and his brothers' humility in bowing down before him, as stated in Genesis 50:18.
What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends for past wrongdoings, as seen in Genesis 50:16-18, and the value of humility, as demonstrated by Joseph's brothers in Genesis 50:18, which is also emphasized in other Bible verses such as Proverbs 28:13 and Matthew 5:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek forgiveness from others, and how can I take steps to make amends?
- How can I, like Joseph's brothers, demonstrate humility and acknowledge my past wrongdoings, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:13 and Matthew 5:23-24?
- What role does forgiveness play in my relationships with others, and how can I extend forgiveness to those who have wronged me, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15?
- How can I, like Joseph, respond to those who have wronged me with compassion and empathy, rather than seeking revenge, as encouraged in Romans 12:14-21?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:16
And they sent a messenger unto Joseph,.... Not Bilhah, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, nor her sons, Dan and Naphtali, as Jarchi, grounding it on Genesis 37:1 though it is not improbable
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:16
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
This looks like a lie; for Jacob either did not know this fact, or rather, was so well assured of Joseph’ s clemency and goodness, that he never feared his revenge. But guilt doth so awaken fear, that it makes a man never to think himself secure.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
Genesis 50:16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,Ver. 16. Thy father did command, &c.] It is a just question, whether there were ever a true word of all this. For Jacob, probably, never knew how ill they had used Joseph, as is above said. But if this had been his command howsoever, as they pretend, would not Jacob have spoken himself for them to Joseph before he died? "Fear of man" causeth lying, and so "brings a snare to the soul."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
(16, 17) Thy father did command . . . —Many Jewish expositors consider that this was untrue, and that Jacob was never made aware of the fact that his brethren had sold Joseph into slavery. It is, however, probable, from Genesis 49:6, that Jacob not only knew of it, but saw in Simeon and Levi the chief offenders. But besides the father’s authority the message brings a twofold influence to bear upon Joseph: for first it reminds him that they were his brethren, and next, that they shared the same religious faith—no slight band of union in a country where the religion was so unlike their own.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
Verse 16. Thy father did command] Whether he did or not we cannot tell. Some think they had feigned this story, but that is not so likely. Jacob might have had suspicions too, and might have thought that the best way to prevent evil was to humble themselves before their brother, and get a fresh assurance of his forgiveness.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:16
16. sent a message] Lit. “charged” (Lat. mandaverunt), the same word as in Genesis 49:29, in the sense of “commissioned,” persons to go to Joseph. LXX παρεγένοντο and Syr. Pesh. follow a different reading, “they drew near unto.” Perhaps the original text contained the delegation of two or three brothers to go unto Joseph. Thy father did command] An unrecorded dying charge.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:16
16. They sent a messenger — Literally, they commanded, or gave a charge to Joseph.
Sermons on Genesis 50:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Two Kingdoms and a Miracle by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant |
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Ger-17 True Repentance for the German by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a church that truly loves and cares for its members' souls. They argue that such a church will not shy away from speaking t |
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(Proverbs) ch.29:18 - 30:9 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last verse of the book of Judges, which states that people did what was right in their own eyes. The speaker argues that this is the condi |
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The Fear of Man by Jono Sims | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of the fear of man and its impact on our lives. He acknowledges that overcoming this fear may not happen immediately, but with the h |
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Stubbornness by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own experiences and the importance of humility and submission before God. He emphasizes the need for grace and the willingness to be us |
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The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church, focusing on prophecy, discernment, and sensitivity in conscience. I |
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(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with word |