Genesis 50:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider once more how generous Joseph was to his brothers, expressing a fervent desire to comfort them and reassure them that they had not wronged him in any manner. He tells them, "Do not be afraid: I am the God of God. You plan evil against me, but God intends it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." He encourages them not to fear and not to be troubled; he is a servant of the Lord, striving to respond to those who have inflicted great harm on him with kindness: "I am a servant of God."

The noble Joseph, blessed by both heaven and earth, deserving of the appreciation of all Christians and all who hear of his virtuous actions, spoke to his brothers, “Do not be afraid! I am a servant of God. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. His plan has been realized. Many have been nourished, and lives have been spared. There is no need to fear: I will care for you and your families. A faith that truly believes in God and perceives His divine Providence through a pure heart raises humanity above all misfortunes, transcending the deep-seated anguish of anger and vindictiveness.”

For I hold reverence for God. This is how this passage is interpreted in the Samaritan versions of Onkelos and Jonathan, as well as in the Exaplaeans. The clarity of this interpretation surpasses that of the current Hebrew text and reflects the sentiment previously expressed by Joseph (Genesis 42:18).

Joseph's brothers approached him, motivated by his tears that demonstrated his affection towards them, and declared, "Behold, we are your servants." This statement signified their readiness to surrender their freedom and accept the consequences of their wrongdoing. Joseph's response was likely more reassuring to his brothers than his tears. "Do not be afraid," he reassured them, "for I am a servant of God." He acknowledged the same God they had declared as their own, and recognizing His divine plans evident in the events of his life, he deemed it a serious wrongdoing to seek retribution against those whom God had designated to fulfill His purpose for him and others.