Genesis 50:18

18 And his brothers went to him and bowed low before him and said, "We are 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 a message to Joseph that said, "Your father gave this command before he died.

17 He said to us, 'You have done wrong and have sinned and done evil to Joseph. Tell Joseph to forgive you, his brothers.' So now, Joseph, we beg you to forgive our wrong. We are the servants of the God of your father." When Joseph received the message, he cried.

18 And his brothers went to him and bowed low before him and said, "We are your slaves."

19 Then Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Can I do what only God can do?

20 You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.