King James Version

What Does Genesis 50:18 Mean?

Genesis 50:18 in the King James Version says “And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.”

Genesis 50:18 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

20

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.

Read Genesis 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.... 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.

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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 deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙1 of 9
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

גַּם2 of 9
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶחָ֔יו3 of 9

“And his brethren”

H251

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

וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ4 of 9

“and fell down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לְפָנָ֑יו5 of 9

“before his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ6 of 9

“and they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֶּ֥נּֽוּ7 of 9
H2009

lo!

לְךָ֖8 of 9
H0
לַֽעֲבָדִֽים׃9 of 9

“Behold we be thy servants”

H5650

a servant

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 50:18 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 50:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:7-11Genesis 27:29Genesis 44:14Genesis 45:3Genesis 42:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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