Definition: So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 50:17 together. It’s a really important passage about forgiveness and healing. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jacob’s Dream: The story starts with Jacob, who was in a very difficult situation – he lost his birthright and his family's blessings. He had a vivid dream where God told him that Joseph would be sent to Egypt to find magical animals and treasures for him. Joseph’s Role: Joseph is the one tasked with finding these animals. He’s incredibly important, but he's also facing a huge challenge – he’s being treated unfairly by his brothers. They’ve been plotting against him. The Brothers’ Sin: The brothers, led by their father, are acting very wrongly – they’re stealing Jacob's favorite shawl and trying to make it into a magical artifact. They're essentially betraying Jacob. Joseph’s Plea: God sends Joseph to Egypt. He’s given instructions to forgive his brothers for what they did. What the Verse Says – A Gentle Request: “So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.” "So shall ye say..." : This is a direct command from God. It’s like a gentle reminder to Joseph to act with kindness and forgiveness. "...the trespass of thy brethren..." : This means the brothers' actions – their betrayal, stealing, and scheming against Jacob – are wrong. "...and their sin..." : They did something deeply hurtful and wrong. "Now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father." : This is a very important part. It’s asking Joseph to offer forgiveness to his brothers – to let them go free from the guilt and pain they've caused. What Happens Next? The verse continues with Joseph weeping, showing that he felt immense sorrow and regret over what happened. He was overwhelmed by this situation. Key Takeaway: This passage is about redemption and forgiveness. God’s plan involves Joseph helping to heal the broken relationship between Jacob and his brothers. It emphasizes that even when people make mistakes, God offers a chance for forgiveness and reconciliation. It's a message of hope and second chances. In short, it's a story about a difficult situation, a powerful plea for forgiveness, and the possibility of healing and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Talk more about why this story is significant in the Bible?