King James Version
What Does Genesis 50:16 Mean?
“And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, sent: Heb. charged”
Context
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.
18
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16, 17) **Thy father did command . . . —**Many Jewish expositors consider that this was untrue, and that Jacob was never made aware of the fact that his brethren had sold Joseph into slavery. It is, however, probable, from Genesis 49:6, that Jacob not only knew of it, but saw in Simeon and Levi the chief offenders. But besides the father’s authority the message brings a twofold influence to bear upon Joseph: for first it reminds him that they were his brethren, and next, that they shared the same religious faith—no slight band of union in a country where the religion was so unlike their own.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 50:16 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 50:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge