Bible Strands
Genesis 50:21
Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph addresses his brothers immediately after explaining how God transformed their malicious plot into a mechanism for preserving countless lives.
The words — אֲכַלְכֵּל ('a.khal.Kel) literally means “I will provide for” or sustain, while אַל תִּירָאוּ ('al ti.Ra.'u) commands “do not be afraid.”
The thread — This promise of provision and non-retaliation echoes Genesis 47:12, where Joseph physically sustains his family, and Genesis 45:10, which establishes their settlement in Goshen. It also aligns with 1 Peter 3:9, which commands believers to bless rather than repay evil.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to reject vengeance, trust divine orchestration behind human failure, and extend practical care to those who caused harm.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Cross-references
- Genesis 47:12 Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.
- 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- Genesis 45:10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own.
- Isaiah 40:2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”
- Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
- Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
- Romans 12:20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
- Genesis 34:3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.