Genesis 50:21

KJV

Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore fear {H3372} ye not: I will nourish {H3557} you, and your little ones {H2945}. And he comforted {H5162} them, and spake {H1696} kindly {H3820} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

So don't be afraid -I will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he comforted them, speaking kindly to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.

American Standard Version

Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:21 captures Joseph's profound act of grace and reassurance towards his brothers after their father Jacob's death. Despite their past betrayal, Joseph dispels their lingering fears of retribution, promising to provide for them and their families, thereby reaffirming his complete forgiveness and demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan to turn their evil intent into good for the entire family.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 50:21 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph and his brothers, immediately following the death of their father, Jacob. For years, Joseph's brothers had lived with the guilt of selling him into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")). Despite Joseph's earlier demonstrations of kindness and provision during the famine, his brothers feared that with Jacob, their patriarchal buffer, now gone, Joseph would finally exact revenge. This verse captures Joseph's compassionate response, dispelling their fears and reaffirming his commitment to them, a direct follow-up to his powerful declaration in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's sovereign purpose"), where he states that what they meant for evil, God meant for good.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Joseph's words in [Genesis 50:21](/genesis/50-21 "Joseph's reassurance to his brothers") are a testament to his spiritual maturity and deep understanding of divine providence. He addresses his brothers' palpable fear directly, commanding them, "Now therefore fear ye not." This imperative is not merely a dismissal of their anxiety but an invitation to trust in his benevolent intentions, which are rooted in God's larger redemptive plan. Joseph's subsequent promise, "I will nourish you, and your little ones," extends beyond mere sustenance; it signifies a comprehensive commitment to their well-being, security, and future. The verse concludes by emphasizing the tender nature of his interaction: "And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them." This highlights the emotional depth of the reconciliation, demonstrating that Joseph's forgiveness was complete and heartfelt.

* **"Nourish" (KJV):** The Hebrew word used here is *kul* (כּוּל), which means to sustain, support, or provide for. It implies not just giving food, but comprehensive care and maintenance, emphasizing Joseph's commitment to their ongoing well-being and security. This promise echoes God's own character as a provider.
* **"Spake kindly unto them" (KJV):** The Hebrew phrase is *dabar al lev* (דָּבַר עַל־לֵב), which literally translates to "spoke to their heart." This is a tender and empathetic expression, indicating that Joseph's words were not merely polite, but deeply comforting and reassuring, designed to soothe their inner turmoil and relieve their guilt. It signifies a profound level of empathy and genuine desire for reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Forgiveness and Reconciliation:** Joseph's actions exemplify radical forgiveness, extending beyond mere pardon to active reassurance and ongoing provision. This stands as a powerful biblical model for genuine reconciliation, demonstrating that true forgiveness seeks to restore relationships and alleviate the burden of guilt.
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** Underlying Joseph's comfort is his profound understanding that God was orchestrating events. His promise to "nourish you" is an extension of God's faithful provision, turning a history of betrayal into a story of deliverance for the entire family and nation. This reinforces the theme that God can use human evil for His ultimate good ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")).
* **Comfort and Assurance:** The verse highlights Joseph's role as a source of comfort, mirroring God's own character as the "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "God of all comfort")). His gentle words and promise of sustenance directly address his brothers' deepest fears, offering peace where there was anxiety.
* **Overcoming Fear through Trust:** Joseph's direct command, "fear ye not," challenges his brothers to let go of their apprehension and trust in his benevolent intentions, which are rooted in God's larger plan. This theme resonates with many biblical injunctions against fear, encouraging reliance on God's faithfulness and provision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's response in [Genesis 50:21](/genesis/50-21 "Joseph's compassionate assurance") offers timeless lessons for believers today. We are challenged to emulate Joseph's profound forgiveness, extending grace and active reconciliation even to those who have deeply wronged us, remembering that true forgiveness seeks restoration and peace. Furthermore, Joseph's unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even amidst personal suffering, calls us to see God's hand at work in all circumstances, believing that He can redeem our trials for His greater purposes. Finally, we are encouraged to be sources of comfort and assurance to others, speaking words that soothe and heal, just as Joseph "spake kindly to their heart," thereby reflecting God's own compassionate nature in our interactions.

### FAQ
**Why were Joseph's brothers still afraid of him after Jacob's death?**

Answer: Joseph's brothers feared that his kindness and forgiveness during Jacob's lifetime were merely a facade, maintained out of respect for their father. With Jacob, the patriarchal figure and buffer, now gone, they worried Joseph would finally exact revenge for their past betrayal of selling him into slavery. Their fear stemmed from a deep-seated guilt and a lack of full comprehension of Joseph's genuine forgiveness and his understanding of God's sovereign plan.

**How does Joseph's statement "I will nourish you" reflect God's character?**

Answer: Joseph's promise to "nourish" (Hebrew *kul*, meaning to sustain, support, and provide comprehensively) mirrors God's character as the ultimate Provider and Sustainer of His people. Just as God faithfully provides for all creation and specifically for His chosen, Joseph, in his divinely appointed role, extends this same comprehensive care to his family. It demonstrates a commitment to ongoing provision and protection, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's role in [Genesis 50:21](/genesis/50-21 "Joseph's comforting words") serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, though wronged by his brothers, became their savior and provider, delivering them from famine and fear, so too does Christ, though innocent, bear the sins of humanity and offer salvation. Joseph's undeserved forgiveness and his promise to nourish his family foreshadow Christ's ultimate act of atonement, where He forgives our immense spiritual debt and promises to nourish us with eternal life and spiritual sustenance. Joseph's comforting words and compassionate heart point to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, offering perfect peace, complete reconciliation, and everlasting provision to all who trust in Him.

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

Genesis 47:12

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to [their] families.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Genesis 45:10

And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

Genesis 45:11

And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 6:14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].