Genesis 50:18

18 Then his brothers also came and ¹fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."

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, saying, "Your father charged before he died, saying,

17 'Thus you shall say to Joseph, "Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants."

19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?

20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 37:8-10; Genesis 41:43