Genesis 50:15 When 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."

◄ Genesis 50:15 ►

New International Version
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”

New Living Translation
But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.

English Standard Version
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
When 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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”

New American Standard Bible
When Joseph’s brothers had seen that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!”

NASB 1995
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!”

NASB 1977
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph should bear a grudge against us and pay us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, and they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and returns back to us all the evil which we dealt against him!”

Amplified Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph carries a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?”

Christian Standard Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”

American Standard Version
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

Contemporary English Version
After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers said to each other, "What if Joseph still hates us and wants to get even with us for all the cruel things we did to him?"

English Revised Version
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joseph's brothers realized what their father's death could mean. So they thought, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us? What if he decides to pay us back for all the evil we did to him?"

Good News Translation
After the death of their father, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph still hates us and plans to pay us back for all the harm we did to him?"

International Standard Version
Later, after Joseph's brothers faced the reality of their father's death, they asked themselves, "What happens if Joseph decides to hold a grudge against us? What if he pays us back in full for all the wrong things we did to him?"

Majority Standard Bible
When 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.”

NET Bible
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph bears a grudge and wants to repay us in full for all the harm we did to him?"

New Heart English Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will pay us back in full for all of the evil that we did to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will perhaps hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did to him.

World English Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the brothers of Joseph see that their father is dead, and say, “Perhaps Joseph hates us, and certainly returns to us all the evil which we did with him.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the brethren of Joseph see that their father is dead, and say, 'Peradventure Joseph doth hate us, and doth certainly return to us all the evil which we did with him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joseph's brethren will see that their father died, and they will say to him, Joseph will lie in wait for us, and turning back, will turn back to us all the evil which we did to him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now he being dead, his brethren were afraid, and talked one with another : Lest perhaps he should remember the wrong he suffered, and requite us all the evil that we did to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now that he was dead, his brothers were afraid, and they said to one another: “Perhaps now he may remember the injury that he suffered and requite us for all the evil that we did to him.”

New American Bible
Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful and thought, “Suppose Joseph has been nursing a grudge against us and now most certainly will pay us back in full for all the wrong we did him!”

New Revised Standard Version
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they were afraid, saying. It may be Joseph will harm us, and perhaps he will requite us all the evil which we did to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And after he buried his father, the brothers of Yoseph saw that their father was dead, and they were afraid and they were saying, “Lest Yoseph will harm us, and lest he will pay us all the evil that we did to him.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said: 'It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when the brethren of Joseph saw that their father was dead, they said, Let us take heed, lest at any time Joseph remember evil against us, and recompense to us all the evils which we have done against him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joseph Comforts His Brothers
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,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 37:18-28
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” ...

Genesis 45:3-5
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

Genesis 42:21-22
Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!”

Genesis 44:18-34
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ ...

Genesis 45:15
Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.

Genesis 50:17-21
‘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. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

Luke 17:3-4
Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Romans 12:19-21
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / 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.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

Treasury of Scripture

And when Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did to him.

their father.

Genesis 27:41,42
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob…

Joseph.

Genesis 42:17
And he put them all together into ward three days.

Leviticus 26:36
And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Job 15:21,22
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him…

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Genesis 50

1. The mourning for Jacob.
4. Joseph gets leave of Pharaoh to go to bury him.
7. The funeral.
15. Joseph comforts his brothers, who crave his pardon.
22. His age.
23. He sees the third generation of his sons.
24. He prophesies unto his brothers of their return.
25. He takes an oath of them concerning his bones.
26. He dies, and is put into a coffin.

Berean Study Bible

When Joseph’s brothers saw
This phrase sets the scene for a moment of realization and fear among Joseph's brothers. The Hebrew root for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but also understanding or perceiving. This indicates a deeper awareness among the brothers of the potential consequences of their past actions. Historically, this moment follows the death of Jacob, their father, which removes a protective barrier they might have felt. The brothers' perception is not just about the absence of their father but also about the potential change in their relationship with Joseph.

that their father was dead
The death of Jacob is a pivotal moment in the narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the patriarch of a family held significant authority and influence. Jacob's death signifies a shift in family dynamics and the loss of a unifying figure. The Hebrew word for "dead" is "muwth," which is often used in the Old Testament to denote physical death but also carries connotations of separation and finality. This event forces the brothers to confront their past actions without the buffer of their father's presence.

they said
This phrase indicates a collective response or discussion among the brothers. The Hebrew word "amar" is used here, which can mean to say, speak, or think. It suggests an internal dialogue or a shared concern that prompts them to voice their fears. This moment of communication reflects their anxiety and the need to address unresolved issues with Joseph.

What if Joseph bears a grudge
The brothers' question reveals their fear of retribution. The Hebrew word for "bears a grudge" is "satam," which means to cherish animosity or hold a grudge. This reflects their awareness of the gravity of their past actions against Joseph and their understanding of human nature's potential for holding onto past wrongs. It also highlights their guilt and the lack of assurance in Joseph's forgiveness, despite his previous acts of kindness.

against us
This phrase personalizes their fear, acknowledging that the potential grudge is directed specifically at them. It underscores their collective guilt and shared responsibility for their actions against Joseph. The brothers are acutely aware that their past misdeeds have consequences that could directly impact their lives.

and pays us back in full
The concept of retribution is central here. The Hebrew word "shalam" is used, which means to complete, make amends, or recompense. It suggests a full measure of justice or repayment for wrongs done. The brothers fear that Joseph might seek to balance the scales by repaying them for their betrayal, reflecting the ancient principle of justice and retribution.

for all the wrong we did to him
This phrase is a confession of guilt and acknowledgment of their past sins. The Hebrew word for "wrong" is "ra'ah," which means evil or harm. It is a candid admission of the moral and ethical breach they committed against Joseph. This acknowledgment is crucial for understanding the depth of their fear and the potential for reconciliation. It also sets the stage for Joseph's response, which will reveal his character and the overarching theme of forgiveness and redemption in the narrative.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) Joseph will peradventure . . . --Heb., What if Joseph should hate us, &c. They had not seen any change in his treatment of him, but if it were the case that he cherished feelings of revenge, they felt that they were now in his power.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - And when (literally and) Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they (literally, and they) said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, - literally, If Joseph hated us, or pursued us hostilely (sc. what would become of us?), לוּ with the imperfect or future setting forth a possible but undesirable contingency (vide Ewald's 'Hebrew Syntax,' § 358a; Gesenius, 'Lexicon,' sub voce) - and will certainly requite us (literally, if returning he caused to return upon us) all the evil which we did unto him. "What then?" is the natural conclusion of the sentence. "We must be utterly undone."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When Joseph’s
יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

brothers
אֲחֵֽי־ (’ă·ḥê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

saw
וַיִּרְא֤וּ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

their father
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

was dead,
מֵ֣ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

they said,
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What if
ל֥וּ (lū)
Preposition
Strong's 3863: If, would that!

Joseph
יוֹסֵ֑ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

bears a grudge?
יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ (yiś·ṭə·mê·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 7852: To bear a grudge or cherish animosity against

Then he will surely repay
וְהָשֵׁ֤ב (wə·hā·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

us for all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the evil
הָ֣רָעָ֔ה (hā·rā·‘āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

we did
גָּמַ֖לְנוּ (gā·mal·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1580: To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen

to him.”
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

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OT Law: Genesis 50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father (Gen. Ge Gn)