Genesis 50:21
Genesis 50:21 in Multiple Translations
Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
So now, have no fear: for I will take care of you and your little ones. So he gave them comfort with kind words.
So don't worry. I'll go on taking care of you and your children.” Speaking kindly like this he calmed them down.
Feare not nowe therefore, I will nourish you, and your children: and hee comforted them, and spake kindly vnto them.
and now, fear not: I do nourish you and your infants;' and he comforteth them, and speaketh unto their heart.
Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.
Fear not: I will feed you and your children. And he comforted them, and spoke gently and mildly.
So I say again, do not be afraid! I will make sure that you and your children have enough to eat.” In that way he reassured them and made made them feel much better.
So don’t be frightened. I will not do payback to you mob. No, I will keep on looking after you and your little kids, and I will make sure that you always have enough food to eat.”Joseph told his brothers that he will not do payback to them In that way, Joseph talked in a friendly way to his brothers, and he helped them feel happy again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 50:21
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 50:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּה֙
אַל
תִּירָ֔אוּ
אָנֹכִ֛י
אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
וְ/אֶֽת
טַפְּ/כֶ֑ם
וַ/יְנַחֵ֣ם
אוֹתָ֔/ם
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
עַל
לִבָּֽ/ם
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּירָ֔אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
V-l-Imperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
טַפְּ/כֶ֑ם
ṭaph
H2945
child
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יְנַחֵ֣ם
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לִבָּֽ/ם
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 50:21
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָ֔אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
V-l-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
טַפְּ/כֶ֑ם
ṭaph
H2945
"child"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a child or a group of children, often used to describe little ones or families. It appears in passages like Matthew 18:10 and Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus teaches about children. Jesus loves them.
Definition: children, little children, little ones
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (little) children (ones), families. See also: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 1:39; Jeremiah 40:7.
וַ/יְנַחֵ֣ם
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
אוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לִבָּֽ/ם
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 50:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 50:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
- Sermons on Genesis 50:21
Context — Joseph Comforts His Brothers
19But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
21Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
22Now Joseph and his father’s household remained in Egypt, and Joseph lived to the age of 110. 23He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 47:12 | Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 3 | Genesis 45:10–11 | You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
| 5 | Romans 12:20–21 | On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 6 | Matthew 6:14 | For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. |
| 7 | Isaiah 40:2 | “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” |
| 8 | Matthew 5:44 | But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 9 | Genesis 34:3 | And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. |
Genesis 50:21 Summary
Genesis 50:21 shows us that Joseph, after being hurt by his brothers, chose to forgive them and take care of them. He told them not to be afraid because he would provide for them and their families, just as God had provided for him. This verse teaches us that we can trust God to take care of us, even when others have wronged us, and that we should forgive and show kindness to those around us, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15. By trusting in God's provision, we can have peace and reassurance, just like Joseph did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph tell his brothers not to be afraid?
Joseph told his brothers not to be afraid because he wanted to reassure them that he had forgiven them and would provide for them, as seen in Genesis 50:21, just as God had provided for him in the past, as noted in Genesis 45:5.
What did Joseph mean by 'I will provide for you and your little ones'?
Joseph meant that he would take care of his brothers' physical needs and the needs of their families, just as God had taken care of him, as stated in Genesis 50:21, and as promised in Psalm 37:25.
How did Joseph's words reflect his trust in God?
Joseph's words reflected his trust in God because he was confident that God would continue to provide for him and his family, as he had in the past, and he was passing on that provision to his brothers, as seen in Genesis 50:21 and supported by Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Joseph's example in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's example that forgiveness and kindness can be powerful tools in healing relationships and that trusting in God's provision can bring peace and reassurance, as seen in Genesis 50:21 and Matthew 6:33.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joseph, choose to forgive those who have wronged me and provide for them in their time of need?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for me and my loved ones, just as Joseph trusted Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty, just as Joseph did in Genesis 50:20-21?
- How can I speak kindly to those around me, even in difficult situations, as Joseph did with his brothers in Genesis 50:21?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:21
Now therefore, fear ye not,.... Which, is repeated to dispossess them of every fear they might entertain of him on any account whatever: I will nourish you, and your little ones; provide food for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:21
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 50:21
I will nourish you; expect not only a free pardon from me, but all the kindness of a loving brother.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
Genesis 50:21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.Ver. 21. I will nourish you.] To requite your kindness, that consulted to starve me in the waterless pit. This was a noble way of revenging; this was heroical, and fit for Christian imitation. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
(21) Your little ones.—Heb., your “tafs” rendered in the LXX., “your households,” and in the Syriac, “your families,” your dependents—its usual translation in that Version.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:21
21. nourish you] Cf. Genesis 45:11, Genesis 47:12. kindly] Heb. to their heart. So LXX: cf. Genesis 34:3. The Latin gives the sense blande ac leniter.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:21
21. Spake kindly unto them — Hebrews, spake to their heart, as in the margin; a beautiful form of speech, which it would have been well to retain in translation.
Sermons on Genesis 50:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina |
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The Surprising Ways of God by Otto Koning | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and t |
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(Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th |
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1 Peter 1 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life committed to God, even in the face of trials and conflicts with the world. He encourages believers to trust |
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Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth | The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte |
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Let Love Be Victorious by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilias Schlink emphasizes the importance of love and reconciliation in building God's kingdom. He encourages listeners to not be estranged from anyone and to acti |
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Are We Laying Hold of What God Says by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying hold of God's word and not letting it slip away. They compare this to the act of pinning down a wriggling animal to |