Genesis 50:21

21 And he said to them, Fear not, I will maintain you, and your families: and he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 50:21 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 50:21

Now therefore, fear ye not
Which, is repeated to dispossess them of every fear they might entertain of him on any account whatever:

I will nourish you, and your little ones;
provide food for them, and their families, not only for themselves and their sons, now grown up, but their grandchildren and even the youngest and latest of their families should share in his favours:

and he comforted them, and spake kindly to them;
even "to their heart" {w}; such things as were quite pleasing and agreeable to them, served to banish their fears, revive their spirits, and afford comfort to them. Just so God and Christ do with backsliding sinners, and would have done with his own people by his servants; see ( Isaiah 40:1 Isaiah 40:2 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F23 (Mbl le) "ad cor eorum", Pagninus, Montanus, Drusius

Genesis 50:21 In-Context

19 And Joseph said to them, Fear not, for I am God's.

20 Ye took counsel against me for evil, but God took counsel for me for good, that might be as to-day, and much people might be fed.

21 And he said to them, Fear not, I will maintain you, and your families: and he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his brethren, and all the family of his father; and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years.

23 And Joseph saw the children of Ephraim to the third generation; and the sons of Machir the son of Manasse were borne on the sides of Joseph.