Genesis 50:15

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּרְא֤וּ saw H7200
וַיִּרְא֤וּ saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲחֵֽי brethren H251
אֲחֵֽי brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 2 of 19
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
יוֹסֵ֑ף And when Joseph's H3130
יוֹסֵ֑ף And when Joseph's
Strong's: H3130
Word #: 3 of 19
joseph, the name of seven israelites
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵ֣ת was dead H4191
מֵ֣ת was dead
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 5 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם that their father H1
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם that their father
Strong's: H1
Word #: 6 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ they said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ they said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 7 of 19
to say (used with great latitude)
ל֥וּ will peradventure H3863
ל֥וּ will peradventure
Strong's: H3863
Word #: 8 of 19
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ hate us H7852
יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ hate us
Strong's: H7852
Word #: 9 of 19
properly, to lurk for, i.e., persecute
יוֹסֵ֑ף And when Joseph's H3130
יוֹסֵ֑ף And when Joseph's
Strong's: H3130
Word #: 10 of 19
joseph, the name of seven israelites
יָשִׁיב֙ and will certainly H7725
יָשִׁיב֙ and will certainly
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 11 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יָשִׁיב֙ and will certainly H7725
יָשִׁיב֙ and will certainly
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 12 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לָ֔נוּ H0
לָ֔נוּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 13 of 19
אֵ֚ת H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 15 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣רָעָ֔ה us all the evil H7451
הָ֣רָעָ֔ה us all the evil
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 16 of 19
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 17 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
גָּמַ֖לְנוּ which we did H1580
גָּמַ֖לְנוּ which we did
Strong's: H1580
Word #: 18 of 19
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
אֹתֽוֹ׃ H853
אֹתֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H853
Word #: 19 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis & Commentary

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate ... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal:

  1. God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions
  2. suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment
  3. forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation
  4. God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people
  5. how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes.

Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

Historical Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Questions for Reflection

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