Genesis 50:20
Genesis 50:20 in Multiple Translations
As 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.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
As for you, it was in your mind to do me evil, but God has given a happy outcome, the salvation of numbers of people, as you see today.
While you planned bad things for me, God planned it for good so that in the end many lives could be saved.
When ye thought euill against mee, God disposed it to good, that he might bring to passe, as it is this day, and saue much people aliue.
As for you, ye devised against me evil — God devised it for good, in order to do as [at] this day, to keep alive a numerous people;
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.
You thought evil against me: but God turned it into good, that he might exalt me, as at present you see, and might save many people.
As for you, yes, you wanted to do something very evil to me. But God caused something good to come from it! He wanted to save many people from dying of hunger, and that is what happened! Today they are alive!
Then Joseph said, “You know, a long time ago, you mob made a plan to hurt me. But God had a plan too. His plan was good, and it was more powerful than your plan. You did bad things, but God used them to make good things happen. Yes, he brought me here to Egypt country, so that I helped lots of people stay alive when the food plants didn’t grow. And those people are still alive today.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 50:20
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 50:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתֶּ֕ם
חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
עָלַ֖/י
רָעָ֑ה
אֱלֹהִים֙
חֲשָׁבָ֣/הּ
לְ/טֹבָ֔ה
לְמַ֗עַן
עֲשֹׂ֛ה
כַּ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
לְ/הַחֲיֹ֥ת
עַם
רָֽב
וְ/אַתֶּ֕ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
חֲשָׁבָ֣/הּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
לְ/טֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
לְמַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
עֲשֹׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Inf-a
כַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
לְ/הַחֲיֹ֥ת
châyâh
H2421
to live
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עַם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
רָֽב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 50:20
וְ/אַתֶּ֕ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
אֱלֹהִים֙
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.
חֲשָׁבָ֣/הּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
לְ/טֹבָ֔ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לְמַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
עֲשֹׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כַּ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לְ/הַחֲיֹ֥ת
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
עַם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רָֽב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Genesis 50:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 50:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
- Sermons on Genesis 50:20
Context — Joseph Comforts His Brothers
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. 22Now Joseph and his father’s household remained in Egypt, and Joseph lived to the age of 110.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 8:28 | And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:71 | It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. |
| 3 | Genesis 45:5–8 | 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. For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. |
| 4 | Acts 2:23 | He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. |
| 5 | Genesis 37:18–20 | Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” |
| 6 | Psalms 105:16–17 | He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave. |
| 7 | Acts 3:13–15 | The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact. |
| 8 | Acts 3:26 | When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” |
| 9 | Genesis 37:4 | When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. |
| 10 | Psalms 56:5 | All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. |
Genesis 50:20 Summary
[This verse means that even when people try to do bad things to us, God can use those things to help us and others, as seen in Joseph's story. It reminds us that God is in control of everything and can use anything for good, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust God because He loves us and wants what is best for us, and we can have confidence that He will use all things to help us and bring us closer to Him, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God intended something for good, even if people intended it for evil?
This verse shows that God can take bad situations and turn them into good ones, as seen in Joseph's life, and it reminds us that God is sovereign over all things, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4.
Does this verse mean that everything that happens to me will be good?
No, this verse does not promise that everything will be good, but it does promise that God can use everything for good, as seen in Joseph's story and in verses like Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
How can I trust that God will use bad situations for good in my life?
We can trust God because He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and loving, as described in verses like Psalm 23:4, Jeremiah 29:11, and Matthew 6:33, and we can have confidence in His promise to work all things together for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What does it mean to 'preserve the lives of many people' in this verse?
In this context, it means that God used Joseph to save many people from famine and death, as seen in Genesis 41:53-57 and Genesis 47:13-26, and it reminds us that God often uses His people to help and care for others, as seen in verses like Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like things were going badly, but God turned them into something good?
- How can I trust God when things seem to be going wrong, and how can I have faith that He will use them for good?
- What are some ways that I can be used by God to help and care for others, just like Joseph was used by God?
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and control over all things, and how can I apply that to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me,.... That must be said and owned, that their intentions were bad; they thought to have contradicted his dreams, and made them of none effect, to have token
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 50:20
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 50:20
Ye thought evil against me, therefore I do not excuse your guilt, though I comfort you against despondency.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.Ver. 20. But God meant it unto good.] God altereth the property, as of his people’ s sufferings, which in themselves are the fruit of sin and a piece of the curse, so of their misdoings, which also he turns to the best unto them and others; according to that sweetest text, Romans 8:28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
(20) Ye thought . . . God meant.—The verb in the Heb. is the same, and contrasts man’s purpose with God’s purpose. In Genesis 45:7 Joseph had already pointed out that the Divine providence had overruled the evil intentions of his brethren for good. At the end of the verse “much people,” or a great people, means the Egyptians.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 50:20
20. meant] i.e. devised or purposed. Joseph here, as in Genesis 45:7, points to the Divine purpose behind the petty schemes and wrong-doings of men. as it is this day] According to P’s chronology (Genesis 47:28) the famine was long past. Here, however, in E’s narrative, it is evidently still raging; as is shewn also, in the next verse, by the words “I will nourish you.” The E narrative, therefore, must have recorded Jacob’s death as occurring not long after his arrival in Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 50:20
20. Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good — “He accepts their confession of sin, but now again, as when he first made himself known to them, (Genesis 45:5-8,) generously strives to
Sermons on Genesis 50:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Meaning of Life - 4. From Negative to Positive Believing by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that humans are naturally inclined towards negativity due to the negative world we live in. They discuss how people often view their problems |
|
(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
|
|
Always Giving Thanks (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a spirit of thankfulness and praise, even in the face of challenges and false accusations. It highlights how God can use difficult s |
|
Satan's Wiles to Accuse and Trouble the Saint (Reading) by William Gurnall | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of holding on to the receipts of God's forgiveness for our sins. He emphasizes that there are special moments, like jubilee fe |
|
Bearing Much Fruit by Bob Hoekstra | This sermon focuses on the theme of God's faithfulness and provision in times of uncertainty and challenges, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His promises and seeking His |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 12 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Abraham in the Bible and how he has remained famous for over 4,000 years. Abraham was not only a wealthy man but also a gen |