Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: New Living Translation So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us English Standard Version So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: Berean Standard Bible So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, Berean Literal Bible And they commanded to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before his death, saying, King James Bible And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, New King James Version So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, New American Standard Bible So they sent instructions to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded us before he died, saying, NASB 1995 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, NASB 1977 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, Legacy Standard Bible So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, Amplified Bible So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded us before he died, saying, Berean Annotated Bible So they sent word to Joseph (YHWH has added), saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, Christian Standard Bible So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: Holman Christian Standard Bible So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: American Standard Version And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, Contemporary English Version So they sent this message to Joseph: Before our father died, English Revised Version And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation They sent a messenger to Joseph to say, "Before your father died, he commanded us, Good News Translation So they sent a message to Joseph: "Before our father died, International Standard Version So they sent this message to Joseph: NET Bible So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave these instructions before he died: New Heart English Bible So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died, saying, Webster's Bible Translation And they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, Thy father commanded before he died, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, World English Bible They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they give a charge for Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before his death, saying, Berean Literal Bible And they commanded to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before his death, saying, Young's Literal Translation And they give a charge for Joseph, saying, 'Thy father commanded before his death, saying, Smith's Literal Translation And they will come forth to Joseph, saying, Thy father commanded before his death, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they sent a message to him, saying: Thy father commanded us before he died, Catholic Public Domain Version So they sent a message to him, saying: “Your father instructed us before he died, New American Bible So they sent to Joseph and said: “Before your father died, he gave us these instructions: New Revised Standard Version So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they came to Joseph and said to him, Your father did command before he died, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they visited and they came near to Yoseph, and they said to him, “Your father commanded before his death and said: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying: 'Thy father did command before he died, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And they came to Joseph, and said, Thy father adjured us before his death, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph Comforts His Brothers15When 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, 17‘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.… Cross References So they sent word to Joseph, saying, Genesis 45:25-28 So the brothers went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. / “Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. / However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived. … 2 Samuel 17:15-16 So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. / Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’” Esther 4:8-9 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. / So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther. “Before he died, Genesis 47:29-30 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” Genesis 48:21-22 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. / And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.” Deuteronomy 31:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. your father commanded, Genesis 49:29-33 Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. … 1 Kings 2:1-3 As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. / And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. Genesis 45:4-5 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 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. 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 45:3 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. Genesis 50:17-18 ‘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!” Exodus 10:16-17 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. / Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.” Treasury of Scripture And they sent a messenger to Joseph, saying, Your father did command before he died, saying, sent. Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Jump to Previous Charge Charged Command Commanded Death Died Instructions Joseph Message Messenger Messengers Orders WordJump to Next Charge Charged Command Commanded Death Died Instructions Joseph Message Messenger Messengers Orders WordGenesis 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. So they sent word to Joseph, saying, This phrase indicates a communication method used by Joseph's brothers, reflecting the cultural practices of the time where direct confrontation might be avoided in favor of sending messages. This approach shows their fear and uncertainty about Joseph's reaction after Jacob's death. It highlights the ongoing tension and lack of trust within the family, despite Joseph's previous forgiveness. The act of sending a message rather than speaking directly can be seen as a strategic move to ensure their safety and to appeal to Joseph's sense of duty and family loyalty. “Before he died, your father commanded, Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe eleventh son of Jacob, who rose to power in Egypt and saved his family from famine. He is a central figure in the account of Genesis, known for his faithfulness and forgiveness. 2. Jacob (Israel) The father of Joseph and his brothers, who had passed away by this point in the account. His death prompts the brothers to seek reconciliation with Joseph. 3. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob who had previously sold Joseph into slavery. They are now seeking forgiveness and assurance of safety after their father's death. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob's family settled during the famine. It serves as the backdrop for the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. 5. The Message The brothers send a message to Joseph, invoking their father's command, as a means to secure their safety and forgiveness. Teaching Points The Power of ForgivenessJoseph's willingness to forgive his brothers, despite their past wrongs, exemplifies the transformative power of forgiveness. As believers, we are called to forgive others as Christ forgave us. Trust in God's Sovereignty Joseph's life demonstrates a deep trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. We are encouraged to trust God's sovereignty in our own lives. Reconciliation and Peace The brothers' plea for forgiveness highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and living at peace with others, as much as it depends on us. The Role of Family The account underscores the significance of family relationships and the need for healing and unity within the family unit. The Legacy of a Godly Life Jacob's influence continues even after his death, reminding us of the lasting impact of a godly life on future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 50:16?2. How does Genesis 50:16 demonstrate the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation? 3. What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' approach to conflict resolution in Genesis 50:16? 4. How does Genesis 50:16 connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15? 5. How can we apply the lesson of humility from Genesis 50:16 in our lives? 6. What role does honesty play in resolving family conflicts, as seen in Genesis 50:16? 7. What does Genesis 50:16 reveal about forgiveness and reconciliation in family relationships? 8. How does Genesis 50:16 reflect the theme of repentance and seeking forgiveness? 9. What historical context influences the message of Genesis 50:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 50? 11. What does the Bible say about holding grudges? 12. How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt? 13. Does the claim in Genesis 50:2-3 that Jacob was embalmed for forty days align with known Egyptian practices, or does it conflict with historical records? 14. What does the Bible say about holding grudges? What Does Genesis 50:16 Mean So they sent word- The phrase signals deliberate action: Joseph’s brothers choose a messenger rather than facing him themselves. - Their fear is fresh (Genesis 50:15: “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us…?”). - Similar attempts at indirect reconciliation appear earlier—Esau coming toward Jacob prompts Jacob to “send messengers ahead” (Genesis 32:3-5). - Scripture encourages facing offenses yet also shows God using intermediaries (Matthew 5:23-24 urges reconciliation, while Philemon 8-12 models an appeal through a letter). - The brothers’ method highlights their lingering guilt and the distance sin creates, contrasting with God’s desire for open fellowship (1 John 1:7). to Joseph - Joseph is the target because he now wields both political power (Genesis 41:41) and personal authority within the family. - Earlier, Joseph himself had been “sent” by God for preservation (Genesis 45:7). Their sending a message to him is an ironic reversal: the rescued now appeal to their rescuer. - This mirrors a broader biblical pattern—people in need approach the one exalted by God (Philippians 2:9-11 speaks of every knee bowing to Christ; here, every brother bends toward Joseph). saying - The message opens with reported speech, hinting that they craft their words carefully, hoping to sway Joseph’s emotions. - Their speech stands against Joseph’s previous assurances of forgiveness (Genesis 45:5-8). Human fear often re-litigates what grace has already settled. - Proverbs 15:1 reminds that “A gentle answer turns away wrath”; the brothers hope their carefully composed words will do just that. ‘Before he died - Invoking a deathbed scene instantly adds solemnity; final words carry weight throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 33; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). - Jacob’s own last acts included blessings and burial instructions (Genesis 49:28-33), so the brothers know Joseph will take anything “before he died” seriously. - Hebrews 9:27 underlines the finality of death; no further clarifications can come from Jacob, so the brothers’ claim is unverifiable—illustrating how fear can tempt even redeemed people toward half-truths. your father commanded - By calling Jacob “your father,” they subtly appeal to Joseph’s filial loyalty; it is not merely their father, but his. - Honoring a father’s command is divinely mandated (Exodus 20:12). The brothers lean on that commandment to obligate Joseph. - Throughout Genesis, patriarchal commands shape destiny—Abraham sending a servant for Isaac’s wife (Genesis 24:2-4), Isaac directing Esau (Genesis 27:3-4). The brothers hope the pattern holds: Joseph will obey Jacob just as earlier generations obeyed their fathers. - Yet Joseph has already shown he lives by a higher principle of grace (Genesis 50:20). Obedience to Jacob will align with, not override, Joseph’s God-given perspective. summary Genesis 50:16 captures a moment where guilt collides with grace. Joseph’s brothers, still haunted by old sins, seek safety behind a messenger and a purported deathbed command. Each phrase reveals their anxiety: sending word, targeting Joseph’s authority, crafting speech, invoking Jacob’s final hours, and leaning on paternal commandment. In contrast, Joseph’s previous forgiveness and God’s providential plan remain unchanged. The verse reminds us that human hearts often struggle to rest in grace, yet God’s redemptive purposes stand firm, inviting us to exchange fear for confident trust in His settled forgiveness. (16, 17) Thy father did command . . . --Many Jewish expositors consider that this was untrue, and that Jacob was never made aware of the fact that his brethren had sold Joseph into slavery. It is, however, probable, from Genesis 49:6, that Jacob not only knew of it, but saw in Simeon and Levi the chief offenders. But besides the father's authority the message brings a twofold influence to bear upon Joseph: for first it reminds him that they were his brethren, and next, that they shared the same religious faith--no slight band of union in a country where the religion was so unlike their own.Verses 16, 17. - And (under these erroneous though not unnatural apprehensions) they sent a messenger unto Joseph, - literally, they charged Joseph, i.e. they deputed one of their number (possibly Benjamin) to carry their desires to Joseph - saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying (though not recorded, the circumstance here mentioned may have been historically true), So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil (nothing is more inherently probable than that the good man on his death-bed did request his sons to beg their brother's pardon): and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. Joseph's brethren in these words at once evince the depth of their humility, the sincerity of their repentance, and the genuineness of their religion. They were God's true servants, and they wished to be forgiven by their much-offended brother, who, however, had long since embraced them in the arms of his affection. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him - pained that they should for a single moment have enter-rained such suspicions against his love.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So they sent wordוַיְצַוּ֕וּ (way·ṣaw·wū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Joseph, יוֹסֵ֖ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites saying, לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “Before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face he died, מוֹת֖וֹ (mō·w·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin your father אָבִ֣יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father commanded, צִוָּ֔ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order Links Genesis 50:16 NIVGenesis 50:16 NLT Genesis 50:16 ESV Genesis 50:16 NASB Genesis 50:16 KJV Genesis 50:16 BibleApps.com Genesis 50:16 Biblia Paralela Genesis 50:16 Chinese Bible Genesis 50:16 French Bible Genesis 50:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 50:16 They sent a message to Joseph saying (Gen. 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