Genesis 50:20

KJV

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

KJV (with Strong's)

But as for you, ye thought {H2803} evil {H7451} against me; but God {H430} meant it {H2803} unto good {H2896}, to {H4616} bring to pass {H6213}, as it is this day {H3117}, to save {H2421} much {H7227} people {H5971} alive {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good -so that it would come about as it is today, with many people's lives being saved.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:20 is Joseph's profound declaration to his brothers, encapsulating the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and providence throughout the patriarchal narrative. Despite his brothers' malicious intent to harm him, Joseph proclaims that God orchestrated their evil act for a benevolent purpose: to preserve life and fulfill His divine plan, ultimately saving many people, including the nascent nation of Israel, from famine. This verse powerfully contrasts human sin with divine purpose, affirming God's ability to redeem even the darkest human actions for ultimate good.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 50:20 occurs shortly after the death of Jacob (Israel), marking a pivotal moment at the close of the book. Joseph's brothers, fearing retribution now that their protective father is gone, approach Joseph with renewed anxiety about their past betrayal—selling him into slavery years earlier ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Read about Joseph being sold into slavery in Genesis 37:28")). Joseph weeps upon hearing their fear and reassures them, culminating in this profound declaration. He acknowledges their wicked intent but highlights God's overarching purpose that turned their evil action into a means of salvation for their family and many others during a severe famine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Joseph's statement in Genesis 50:20 is a masterful theological summary of his life's trials and triumphs, revealing a deep understanding of God's active hand in human affairs.

The verse begins with a direct confrontation of his brothers' past: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me." This acknowledges their culpable intent, demonstrating that Joseph did not minimize their sin. The Hebrew word for "thought" here is *chashav* (חָשַׁב), meaning "to think," "to plan," or "to devise." It implies a deliberate, calculated intention for harm (**_ra'ah_**, רָעָה - evil).

However, Joseph immediately juxtaposes this human malice with divine purpose: "[but] God meant it unto good." The same Hebrew root, *chashav*, is used for "meant," indicating God's counter-plan or intention. The contrast lies in the outcome: while the brothers' *chashav* was for evil, God's *chashav* was *letovah* (לְטֹבָה), "unto good" or "for good." This highlights the vast difference between human perspective and divine purpose, demonstrating that God can take the very actions intended for harm and redirect them to serve His benevolent will.

The ultimate outcome of God's good purpose is then stated: "to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive." This phrase points to the tangible, present reality of salvation from famine, not only for Joseph's family (the nascent nation of Israel) but also for the Egyptians and surrounding peoples. Joseph's suffering and rise to power in Egypt were not random events but divinely orchestrated steps to preserve the covenant line and fulfill God's promises.

The verse thus encapsulates several profound truths:
* **Human Responsibility:** Joseph explicitly holds his brothers accountable for their evil intentions, affirming that human beings are morally responsible for their choices.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Despite human sin, God remains sovereign, capable of working through and even overriding human plans to accomplish His ultimate will. His purposes are not thwarted by human wickedness.
* **Providence:** This verse is a classic illustration of God's providence—His active, guiding hand in human history and individual lives, steering events towards His predetermined goals. He is not merely reactive but proactively directs circumstances.
* **Redemption from Evil:** God's ability to take what is intended for harm and use it for ultimate good is a central theme. The brothers' sin and Joseph's subsequent suffering became the very means through which God preserved the covenant family and "saved much people alive."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Sovereignty and Free Will:** Genesis 50:20 presents a foundational biblical tension between God's absolute sovereignty and human free will and responsibility. It asserts that while humans are accountable for their actions, God's ultimate plan is never derailed by human sin; rather, He incorporates and transcends it.
* **Divine Providence:** This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's active involvement in the world. It assures believers that even in seemingly chaotic or malevolent circumstances, God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His purposes.
* **The Problem of Evil:** While not fully explaining the origin of evil, the verse offers a profound response to its presence: God can redeem evil and use it to achieve greater good, demonstrating His power and wisdom even in the face of human depravity.
* **God Working for Good:** This principle resonates throughout Scripture, most notably in the New Testament with Paul's declaration in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Learn how God works all things for good in Romans 8:28") that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to who are the called according to his purpose." Joseph's experience is a powerful Old Testament precursor to this promise.
* **Forgiveness and Reconciliation:** Joseph's ability to articulate God's purpose enabled him to forgive his brothers. Seeing the divine hand in his suffering allowed him to release bitterness and embrace reconciliation, as further evidenced in [Genesis 50:21](/genesis/50-21 "Read Joseph's words of comfort in Genesis 50:21").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 50:20 offers profound comfort and a significant challenge to believers. It comforts us by reminding us that even in the face of betrayal, suffering, or seemingly senseless hardship caused by others, God is actively at work. His plans are far grander and more intricate than human malice or limited understanding. This verse challenges us to trust God's sovereign hand even when we don't comprehend our circumstances, fostering a perspective of faith that looks beyond immediate pain to see the possibility of God working good from evil. Furthermore, Joseph's example implicitly calls for radical forgiveness, demonstrating that embracing God's redemptive purpose can liberate us from bitterness and enable genuine reconciliation.

### FAQ

**Does 'God meant it unto good' excuse human evil?**

Answer: No, Joseph explicitly states, "ye thought evil against me," clearly attributing the evil intent to his brothers. This verse distinguishes between human culpability and divine purpose. God's ability to bring good out of evil does not negate the sinfulness of the human act; it highlights His sovereignty and power to redeem, not to excuse.

**How can God use evil for good without being the author of evil?**

Answer: God is not the author of evil, which originates from the free will of His creatures. However, because God is sovereign, He can permit evil to occur within His creation and, through His infinite wisdom and power, weave it into His larger redemptive plan. He does not cause evil, but He can use its effects to achieve His righteous purposes, often bringing about a greater good that would not have been possible otherwise.

**Is this a promise that everything bad will turn out good for me personally?**

Answer: While Genesis 50:20 illustrates God's providential care, it's important to interpret it within its broader biblical context. It means that God has a ultimate, good purpose for all things, and He works all circumstances, even difficult ones, for the good of His ultimate plan and for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (as echoed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Learn how God works all things for good in Romans 8:28")). This "good" is primarily spiritual formation, conformity to Christ, and the advancement of His kingdom, rather than necessarily immediate personal comfort or worldly success.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 50:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion, the most heinous act of human evil and betrayal, was simultaneously the very means by which God accomplished the greatest good: the salvation of humanity. As Peter declared on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus was "delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23), even though He was "taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." Just as Joseph's suffering led to the salvation of many, Christ's suffering, intended for evil by His crucifiers, was "meant unto good" by God to "save much people alive" eternally, establishing the new covenant and securing redemption for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Psalms 119:71

¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

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 45:8

So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 37:18

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

Genesis 37:20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: