Genesis 50:21

19 But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

20 As 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.

Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

22 Now Joseph and his father’s household remained in Egypt, and Joseph lived to the age of 110.

23 He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
KJV
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
WEB
Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.
ASV
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
DARBY
And now, fear not: I will maintain you and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke consolingly to them.
BLB
And now, fear not; I will provide for you⁺ and your⁺ little ones.” And he comforted them, and he spoke to their heart.
ÅB
Så vær da ikke redde, jeg vil sørge for dere og deres barn. Og han trøstet dem og talte vennlig til dem.
OTB
Så vær da ikke redde. Jeg vil sørge for dere og deres små.” Og han trøstet dem og talte vennlig til dem.
B1930
Så vær da ikke redde, jeg vil sørge for eder og eders barn. Og han trøstet dem og talte vennlig til dem.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Genesis 47:12

    Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.

    Read in context
  • 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.

    Read in context
  • 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.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 5:44

    But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

    Read in context
  • 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.”

    Read in context
  • 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.

    Read in context
  • 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.”

    Read in context
  • Matthew 6:14

    For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

    Read in context