Genesis 50:18

18 Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."

Genesis 50:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 50:18

And his brethren also went
The messengers being returned to them, and acquainting them with what Joseph had said, they took courage and went from Goshen to Joseph's house or palace, be it where it may:

and fell down before his face;
in an humble suppliant manner:

and they said, behold, we be thy servants;
they were content to be so, would he but forgive their sin, and not resent their ill behaviour to him; thus they further fulfilled his dream of the eleven stars making obeisance to him, ( Genesis 37:9 ) .

Genesis 50:18 In-Context

16 So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command:
17 Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin - all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?" When Joseph received their message, he wept.
18 Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."
19 Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God?
20 Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now - life for many people.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.