Genesis 50:16 - They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 50:16" mean?
Genesis 50:16 is a complicated verse that raises questions about truthfulness and family dynamics. Here's a breakdown of what it means and the issues surrounding it:
Context: Joseph's father, Jacob (also known as Israel), has died. Joseph, who now holds a powerful position in Egypt, is grieving. Joseph's brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery, are afraid that now that their father is gone, Joseph will finally exact revenge on them.
The Message: The brothers send a message to Joseph. The critical part of this message is that they claim it comes from Jacob, their deceased father.
"Your father commanded before he died, saying..." This is the core of the verse. They are claiming that before Jacob died, he specifically instructed them to ask Joseph for forgiveness and to be merciful to them. They are trying to use their father's supposed last wishes to appeal to Joseph's sense of filial piety and compassion.
Why is this problematic and open to interpretation?
The Bible doesn't record such a command: There is no record anywhere else in Genesis of Jacob giving his sons this instruction before his death. This makes the brothers' claim suspect.
Possibilities and Interpretations:
They are lying: This is the most common interpretation. They are afraid and fabricate this story to manipulate Joseph. They believe a plea based on their father's supposed wishes will be more effective.
They are exaggerating or misinterpreting: Perhaps Jacob did say something about family unity or forgiveness in general, and they are taking this to mean a specific command to Joseph on their behalf. They might be twisting his words to serve their purposes.
Jacob did say something, but it wasn't recorded: While less likely, it's possible Jacob made this request privately, and it wasn't written down in the narrative. This is harder to prove or disprove.
The tradition was oral: It's possible this command was passed down orally within the family and considered legitimate even if not formally written.
Why the Lie (if it is one)? The brothers are motivated by fear. They know what they did was wrong, and they are now vulnerable with their protector gone. They are desperate to avoid the consequences of their actions.
What does it tell us?
The lasting impact of their sin: Their guilt and fear are palpable. The brothers are still burdened by what they did to Joseph many years prior.
The power of forgiveness: The passage highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The brothers are hoping for Joseph's forgiveness, suggesting they recognize the wrong they committed.
The complex nature of family relationships: The verse reveals the complicated dynamics within the family, marked by betrayal, regret, and the potential for reconciliation.
In summary, Genesis 50:16 presents a crucial moment of high tension. It strongly suggests the brothers are lying about their father's dying wish in an attempt to manipulate Joseph and avoid punishment. It emphasizes the lingering effects of past sins and the desperate need for forgiveness within a fractured family.
Genesis 50:16 - They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying,
What does "Genesis 50:16" mean?
Genesis 50:16 is a complicated verse that raises questions about truthfulness and family dynamics. Here's a breakdown of what it means and the issues surrounding it:
Context: Joseph's father, Jacob (also known as Israel), has died. Joseph, who now holds a powerful position in Egypt, is grieving. Joseph's brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery, are afraid that now that their father is gone, Joseph will finally exact revenge on them.
The Message: The brothers send a message to Joseph. The critical part of this message is that they claim it comes from Jacob, their deceased father.
"Your father commanded before he died, saying..." This is the core of the verse. They are claiming that before Jacob died, he specifically instructed them to ask Joseph for forgiveness and to be merciful to them. They are trying to use their father's supposed last wishes to appeal to Joseph's sense of filial piety and compassion.
Why is this problematic and open to interpretation?
The Bible doesn't record such a command: There is no record anywhere else in Genesis of Jacob giving his sons this instruction before his death. This makes the brothers' claim suspect.
Possibilities and Interpretations:
They are lying: This is the most common interpretation. They are afraid and fabricate this story to manipulate Joseph. They believe a plea based on their father's supposed wishes will be more effective.
They are exaggerating or misinterpreting: Perhaps Jacob did say something about family unity or forgiveness in general, and they are taking this to mean a specific command to Joseph on their behalf. They might be twisting his words to serve their purposes.
Jacob did say something, but it wasn't recorded: While less likely, it's possible Jacob made this request privately, and it wasn't written down in the narrative. This is harder to prove or disprove.
The tradition was oral: It's possible this command was passed down orally within the family and considered legitimate even if not formally written.
Why the Lie (if it is one)? The brothers are motivated by fear. They know what they did was wrong, and they are now vulnerable with their protector gone. They are desperate to avoid the consequences of their actions.
What does it tell us?
The lasting impact of their sin: Their guilt and fear are palpable. The brothers are still burdened by what they did to Joseph many years prior.
The power of forgiveness: The passage highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The brothers are hoping for Joseph's forgiveness, suggesting they recognize the wrong they committed.
The complex nature of family relationships: The verse reveals the complicated dynamics within the family, marked by betrayal, regret, and the potential for reconciliation.
In summary, Genesis 50:16 presents a crucial moment of high tension. It strongly suggests the brothers are lying about their father's dying wish in an attempt to manipulate Joseph and avoid punishment. It emphasizes the lingering effects of past sins and the desperate need for forgiveness within a fractured family.