Genesis 50:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

NIV: But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

NASB: But Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place?

CSB: But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

NLT: But Joseph replied, 'Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you?

KJV: And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

NKJV: Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?

When Joseph was a teenager, his brothers were enraged at his dreams, depicting them as his servants (Genesis 37:5–11). Out of jealousy, they sold him as a slave (Genesis 37:26–28). Years later, after Joseph had become governor of all Egypt (Genesis 41:44), they were unexpectedly reunited by a famine, and Joseph took them in under his care and protection (Genesis 47:11–13). Now that Jacob, their father, is dead (Genesis 50:1–14), they fear vengeance and seek to appease Joseph (Genesis 50:15–17). In doing so, they fall at his feet (Genesis 50:18), further fulfilling those dreams from many years prior.

Joseph's astounding response shows they didn't need to deliver—or, possibly to invent—a deathbed message from Jacob to secure forgiveness. He had already forgiven them. Despite all his power, Joseph clearly understands that ultimate judgment is not his to deliver. He is not "in the place of God." After seeing all that has happened—including his own rise to power, the famine, and Israel's rescue—he clearly understands there has been a divine hand at work. And so, Joseph has left it to God to judge those who have done evil to him. He has surrendered his right to take revenge.

Paul's command in Romans 12:19 will reinforce this idea: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

The following statement (Genesis 50:20) is a powerful, direct summary of Joseph's perspective. This clarifies that God—not man—is ultimately in control, and that even those things men do for evil reasons can be used to achieve His godly ends (Romans 3:28).

Genesis 50:15–21 reveals that Joseph's brothers are consumed with guilt and fear after their father's death. They worry Joseph has been waiting for Jacob to die before taking revenge. This would not be unexpected, as they cruelly sold Joseph into slavery as a teenager (Genesis 37:26–28). The brothers attempt to appease Joseph with a message, supposedly from Jacob, but he tells them not to be afraid. In one of Scripture's most pivotal remarks, Joseph explains his conviction that, though their intent was evil, God's good purposes were behind everything that had happened. Despite their bad intentions, God used their acts to save many lives. Joseph assures them he will not harm them.

Genesis 50 begins with Joseph's weeping over his father's body, followed by the embalming of Jacob, a 70–day period of state mourning, and a trip to Canaan to bury Jacob with his fathers. Joseph's brothers, worried that he would take his revenge on them for selling him into slavery, seek Joseph's forgiveness. He assures them he will not harm them. The chapter skips to the end of Joseph's life. After assuring his people that God will return them to Canaan one day, Joseph dies and is embalmed.

After settling in Egypt, under his son's protection (Genesis 47—49), Jacob dies (Genesis 49:33). He is embalmed and all of Egypt mourns. Joseph buries his father in the family tomb in Canaan, then returns to Egypt. He asks that his body be taken back to Canaan someday. This sets up the events of the book of Exodus. Over centuries, Israel will grow into a prosperous people, only to be enslaved by a jealous Egyptian monarchy. This provides a context for God to rescue Israel and demonstrate His power.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.