King James Version

What Does Genesis 50:15 Mean?

Genesis 50:15 in the King James Version says “And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certain...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.”

Genesis 50:15 · KJV

Context

13

For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

14

And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

15

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

16

And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, sent: Heb. charged

17

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: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

Read Genesis 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate ... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּרְא֤וּ1 of 19

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲחֵֽי2 of 19

“brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹסֵ֑ף3 of 19

“And when Joseph's”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

כִּי4 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵ֣ת5 of 19

“was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם6 of 19

“that their father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ7 of 19

“they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֥וּ8 of 19

“will peradventure”

H3863

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ9 of 19

“hate us”

H7852

properly, to lurk for, i.e., persecute

יוֹסֵ֑ף10 of 19

“And when Joseph's”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

יָשִׁיב֙11 of 19

“and will certainly”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יָשִׁיב֙12 of 19

“and will certainly”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לָ֔נוּ13 of 19
H0
אֵ֚ת14 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל15 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה16 of 19

“us all the evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

גָּמַ֖לְנוּ18 of 19

“which we did”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

אֹתֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 50:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 50:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:1Psalms 53:5Job 15:21-22Genesis 27:41-42Genesis 42:21-22Leviticus 26:36

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 50 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 50 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes