Genesis 50:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As Joseph and his siblings came back to Egypt, they were anxious about their safety. They thought that during their father's lifetime, Joseph had shown them mercy out of his love for Jacob. However, with their father now gone, they felt there was no one to protect them and no expectation of Joseph’s previous kindness. They realized that there was nothing to prevent Joseph from seeking retribution for the wrongs they had done to him.