Genesis 50:19
Genesis 50:19 in Multiple Translations
But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
And Joseph said, Have no fear: am I in the place of God?
“You don't need to be afraid!” he told them. “I don't stand in the place of God, do I?
To whome Ioseph sayde, Feare not: for am not I vnder God?
And Joseph saith unto them, 'Fear not, for [am] I in the place of God?
Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
And Joseph said to them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
And he answered them: Fear not: can we resist the will of God?
But Joseph replied to them, “Do not be afraid! God is the one who punishes people; ◄am I God?/I am not God!► [RHQ]
But Joseph said to his brothers, “Don’t be frightened. God is the only true judge. I’m not God, so I will not judge you mob.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 50:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 50:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם
יוֹסֵ֖ף
אַל
תִּירָ֑אוּ
כִּ֛י
הֲ/תַ֥חַת
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אָֽנִי
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּירָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֲ/תַ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Part | Prep
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 50:19
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֲ/תַ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Part | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Genesis 50:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 50:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
- Sermons on Genesis 50:19
Context — Joseph Comforts His Brothers
17‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”
19But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. 21Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:19 | Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” |
| 2 | Genesis 45:5 | And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. |
| 3 | Genesis 30:2 | Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” |
| 4 | Hebrews 10:30 | For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 5:7 | When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 7 | Job 34:19–29 | who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment. He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways. They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, |
| 8 | Matthew 14:27 | But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” |
| 9 | Luke 24:37–38 | But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? |
Genesis 50:19 Summary
[Genesis 50:19 shows us that Joseph chose not to take revenge on his brothers, even though they had hurt him deeply. Instead, he forgave them and showed kindness, just like God has shown us kindness and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 3:16. This verse reminds us that we should not try to take God's place in judging or punishing others, but rather leave that to Him and focus on showing love and mercy. By doing so, we can reflect God's character and bring glory to Him, as we are called to do in 1 Corinthians 10:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joseph trying to say to his brothers in Genesis 50:19?
Joseph is reassuring his brothers that he will not take revenge on them, and he is acknowledging that only God is in the position to judge and punish, as seen in Romans 12:19 which reminds us that vengeance belongs to God.
Is Joseph saying he is not in a position of authority over his brothers?
While Joseph is in a position of authority, his statement in Genesis 50:19 emphasizes that his authority is not equivalent to God's, and he will not use his power for revenge, instead choosing to forgive as seen in Matthew 6:14-15.
How does Joseph's response relate to the concept of forgiveness?
Joseph's response highlights the importance of forgiveness, as he chooses not to take revenge on his brothers, demonstrating the kind of forgiveness that God calls us to, as seen in Ephesians 4:32, where we are told to forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
What does Joseph mean by 'Am I in the place of God?'
Joseph is humbly acknowledging that he is not God, and therefore, it is not his place to judge or punish his brothers, but rather to forgive and show mercy, as God has shown him, reflecting the principle in Psalm 103:10 that God does not treat us as our sins deserve.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joseph, choose to forgive those who have wronged me, and trust God to handle the situation?
- In what ways can I acknowledge God's sovereignty in my life, and recognize that He is the ultimate judge and authority?
- How does Joseph's response challenge my own tendencies to seek revenge or hold grudges, and what would it look like for me to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my desire for control or revenge, and trust God to work everything out for my good, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:19
And Joseph said unto them, fear not,.... That any hurt would be done by him to them, or that he would use them ill for their treatment of him: for am I in the place of God?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:19
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
It is God’ s prerogative to take vengeance, which I dare not usurp. See . Or, can I do what I please with you without God’ s leave? Therefore fear him rather than me, and upon your experience of his wonderful care and kindness to you, believe that God will not, and therefore that I neither can nor will do you any hurt. But it is not unusual to put the Hebrew he for halo, as it is , &c.; and so the words may be very well rendered, Am not I under God, i.e. subject to his will, a minister of his providence? Dare I destroy those whom God so eminently designed to save? Dare I punish those whom God hath pardoned.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for [am] I in the place of God?Ver. 19. Am I in the place of God?] q.d., Can I hurt you when God intends good to you? Is it for me to cross his decree?
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
(19) Am I in the place of God?—That is, am I to act as judge, and punish? Judges are sometimes in Hebrew even called God (as in Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8-9; 1 Samuel 2:25), as exercising His authority.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
Verse 19. Am I in the place of God?] These words may be understood either as a question, or an affirmative proposition. How should I take any farther notice of your transgression? I have passed it by, the matter lies now between God and you. Or, in the order of Divine providence I am now in God's place; he has furnished me with means, and made me a distributor of his bounty; I will therefore not only nourish you, but also your little ones, Genesis 50:21: and therefore he spake comfortably unto them, as in Genesis 45:8, telling them that he attributed the whole business to the particular providence of God rather than to any ill will or malice in them, and that, in permitting him to be brought into Egypt, God had graciously saved their lives, the life of their father, the lives of the people of Canaan, and of the Egyptians: as therefore God had honoured him by making him vicegerent in the dispensations of his especial bounty towards so many people, it was impossible he should be displeased with the means by which this was brought about.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:19
19. am I in the place of God] i.e. “am I the person to punish for wrongdoing? God alone knows the hearts.” LXX mistakes the meaning, τοῦγὰρθεοῦἐγὼεἰμί = “for do I belong to God”; Lat. num Dei possumus resistere voluntati. Symmachus is correct, μὴγὰρἀντὶθεοῦεἰμιἐγώ. Cf. the occurrence of the same words in Genesis 30:2 and 2 Kings 5:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:19
19. Am I in the place of God — “It is true that you have sinned, but it is not mine to punish; God is your judge and mine.” — Newhall.
Sermons on Genesis 50:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holiness and Unconscious Influence by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound and often unconscious influence of a holy life, illustrating how individuals filled with the Holy Spirit can inspire and bless others w |
|
The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Romans 12 for Christians today. He explains that seeking revenge or taking vengeance goes again |
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Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging |
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Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent |
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Anger Management by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. He emphasizes how Moses became angry with the people when they complained and rebelle |
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The Valley of Decision by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing to serve either God or the world. He warns against being indecisive and divided in devotion. The speaker reference |