Genesis 50:21

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

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). 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, where he states that what they meant for evil, God meant for good.

Key Themes

  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Joseph's words are a profound act of genuine forgiveness. He doesn't just pardon; he actively reassures and offers continued care, demonstrating a complete release from past wrongs. This stands as a powerful biblical example of true reconciliation.
  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: Underlying Joseph's comfort is his deep 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.
  • Comfort and Assurance: The verse highlights Joseph's role as a source of comfort. His gentle words and promise of sustenance directly address his brothers' deepest fears, offering peace where there was anxiety.
  • Overcoming Fear: 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.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Nourish" (KJV): The Hebrew word used here is kul (ื›ึผื•ึผืœ), 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.
  • "Spake kindly unto them" (KJV): The Hebrew phrase is dabar al lev (ื“ึธึผื‘ึทืจ ืขึทืœึพืœึตื‘), 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.

Practical Application

Joseph's response in Genesis 50:21 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Embrace Forgiveness: Joseph's example challenges us to offer genuine forgiveness, even to those who have deeply wronged us. True forgiveness, like Joseph's, extends beyond words to actions of grace and continued care, leading to profound reconciliation (Colossians 3:13).
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Like Joseph, we are called to see God's hand at work even in difficult or painful circumstances. Our trials can be part of God's greater plan for good, leading to unexpected blessings and provision (Romans 8:28).
  • Be a Source of Comfort: We are called to minister to others, especially those burdened by fear or guilt. Joseph's "speaking kindly to their heart" reminds us of the power of empathetic words and actions to bring healing and assurance.
  • Release Fear: The repeated biblical injunction to "fear not" is echoed here. Joseph's brothers were paralyzed by past guilt and future uncertainty. This verse encourages us to release our fears, trusting in God's unfailing provision and the reconciliation He offers through Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 47:12 (8 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 3:9 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (3 votes)

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