Genesis 50:18

18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down in front of him. "We are your slaves," they said.

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. They said, "Your father gave us directions before he died.

17 He said, 'Here's what you must say to Joseph. Tell him, "I'm asking you to forgive your brothers. Forgive the terrible things they did to you. Forgive them for treating you so badly." ' Now then, please forgive our sins. We serve the God of your father." When their message came to Joseph, he sobbed.

18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down in front of him. "We are your slaves," they said.

19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Do you think I'm God?

20 You planned to harm me. But God planned it for good. He planned to do what is now being done. He wanted to save many lives.