King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for [am] I in the place of God?
Complete Jewish Bible:
But Yosef said to them, "Don't be afraid! Am I in the place of God?
Berean Standard Bible:
But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
American Standard Version:
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Joseph{H3130} said{H559} unto them, Fear{H3372} not: for am I in the place of God{H430}?
Cross-References (KJV):
Romans 12:19
- Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Genesis 45:5
- Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 30:2
- And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, [Am] I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
2 Kings 5:7
- And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
Hebrews 10:30
- For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Job 34:19
- [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.
Job 34:29
- When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:
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Commentary for Genesis 50:19
Genesis 50:19 is a part of the narrative that concludes the story of Joseph in the Bible. This verse reflects several key themes and is set within the historical context of the patriarchal narratives, which detail the lives of the early ancestors of the Israelite people.
**Themes:**
1. **Forgiveness and Reconciliation:** Joseph's statement to his brothers, "Fear not: for am I in the place of God?," is an expression of his forgiveness towards them. Despite their earlier betrayal, when they sold him into slavery, Joseph recognizes that he is not in a position to judge or punish them, as that role belongs to God alone.
2. **Divine Providence:** The verse underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the belief that Joseph's trials and tribulations were part of a larger divine plan. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his ability to save his family from famine are seen as evidence of God's guiding hand.
3. **Human fallibility and God's justice:** Joseph's brothers had feared retribution for their wrongdoing, but Joseph's response affirms that ultimate justice rests with God, not with humans. This reflects the understanding that while humans have the capacity to forgive, they should not usurp the role of divine judgment.
**Historical Context:**
The Book of Genesis is part of the Torah (Pentateuch) and is traditionally attributed to Moses. It was likely written down during or after the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE), although it includes much older oral traditions and stories that could date back to the 2nd millennium BCE.
Genesis 50:19 comes at the end of Joseph's story, which takes place in Egypt. The historical setting of Joseph's life is during the time when the Hebrews first settled in Egypt, which eventually led to their enslavement, as described in the subsequent book of Exodus. This period is traditionally associated with the Hyksos rule in Egypt (c. 1650–1550 BCE), though the historical accuracy of the biblical account is debated among scholars.
In this context, Joseph's words reflect both his personal forgiveness of his brothers and a broader theological perspective that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice and mercy. This verse serves as a conclusion to Joseph's narrative, emphasizing themes of familial reconciliation and trust in God's providential care, which would become foundational for the emerging Israelite identity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3130
There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יוֹסֵף
Transliteration: Yôwçêph
Pronunciation: yo-safe'
Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H3372
There are 305 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָרֵא
Transliteration: yârêʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-ray'
Description: a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten; affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). - Strong's Number: H430
There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.