Genesis 50:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 50:17 mean?

Genesis 50:17 shows Joseph’s brothers asking him to forgive them for the wrong they did to him, saying it was the wish of their father, and Joseph responds by weeping when he hears their plea. The verse highlights the brothers’ fear and guilt, as well as Joseph’s emotional reaction to their request for forgiveness.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers send a message to him after their father Jacob’s death, worried that Joseph might now seek revenge for their past betrayal. They appeal to Joseph’s sense of family and faith, calling themselves “servants of the God of thy father.” Joseph’s tears suggest he is deeply moved—either by their fear, their repentance, or the pain of the whole situation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 50:17

• The word “forgive” is נָשָׂא (nasa’), which literally means “to lift up” or “to carry.” Here, it is used to ask Joseph to “carry away” or “remove” their guilt, emphasizing the idea of releasing someone from a burden.
• “Trespass” is פֶּשַׁע (pesha’), meaning a deliberate offense or rebellion. The brothers are not just asking forgiveness for a mistake but for a serious wrongdoing.
• “Sin” is חַטָּאָה (chatta’ah), which refers more generally to missing the mark or wrongdoing. The use of both “trespass” and “sin” shows the brothers are acknowledging the full weight of their actions.
• “Wept” is בָּכָה (bakah), meaning to cry or weep openly. Joseph’s weeping shows a strong, visible emotional response, not just sadness but a deep stirring of his heart.

Why Genesis 50:17 matters

• This verse clears up the depth of the brothers’ guilt and fear after Jacob’s death, showing they still worry Joseph might punish them now that their father is gone.
• The language used—especially “servants of the God of thy father”—shows the brothers appealing to shared faith and family ties as a reason for mercy.
• Joseph’s weeping reveals his character and the emotional cost of reconciliation, setting the stage for his response of forgiveness in the following verses.