Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. New Living Translation You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. English Standard Version As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Berean Standard Bible As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺—you⁺ intended evil against me, God intended it for good, in order to bring about a day like this, to keep alive many people. King James Bible But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. New King James Version But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. New American Standard Bible As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive. NASB 1995 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. NASB 1977 “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. Legacy Standard Bible As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive. Amplified Bible As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. Berean Annotated Bible As for you⁺, what you⁺ intended against me for evil, God {Elohim} intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Christian Standard Bible You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Holman Christian Standard Bible You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. American Standard Version And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Contemporary English Version You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing. English Revised Version And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. GOD'S WORD® Translation Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it. This was to keep many people alive, as he is doing now. Good News Translation You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened. International Standard Version As far as you're concerned, you were planning evil against me, but God intended it for good, planning to bring about the present result so that many people would be preserved alive. NET Bible As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day. New Heart English Bible As for you, you meant evil against me, but God turned it into good in order to bring about this present result, to save the lives of many people. Webster's Bible Translation But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. World English Bible As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs for you, you devised evil against me, [but] God devised it for good, in order to do as [at] this day, to keep alive a numerous people; Berean Literal Bible And you⁺—you⁺ intended evil against me, God intended it for good, in order to bring about a day like this, to keep alive many people. Young's Literal Translation As for you, ye devised against me evil -- God devised it for good, in order to do as at this day, to keep alive a numerous people; Smith's Literal Translation And you, ye even purposed evil against me; God purposed it for good, for the sake of doing as this day, to preserve alive much people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleYou thought evil against me: but God turned it into good, that he might exalt me, as at present you see, and might save many people. Catholic Public Domain Version You devised evil against me. But God turned it into good, so that he might exalt me, just as you presently discern, and so that he might bring about the salvation of many peoples. New American Bible Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people. New Revised Standard Version Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it for good, to do as he has done this day, to save many lives. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated You counseled evil against me and God counseled good, to do as it is today, and he will save many people. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye took counsel against me for evil, but God took counsel for me for good, that the matter might be as it is to-day, and much people might be fed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph Comforts His Brothers…19But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. 21Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.… Cross References As for you, Genesis 45:8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Acts 2:23 He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. Acts 4:27-28 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. / They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. what you intended against me for evil, Genesis 37:18-20 Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” Genesis 45:4-5 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. Psalm 105:17-19 He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. God intended for good, Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Proverbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster. in order to accomplish a day like this— Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ to preserve the lives of many people. Genesis 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Acts 27:24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’ Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. / If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? Psalm 105:16-22 He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, … Treasury of Scripture But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. ye thought. Genesis 37:4,18-20 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him… Psalm 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. God meant. Genesis 45:5-8 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life… Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Psalm 105:16,17 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread… Jump to Previous Accomplish Alive Devised Evil Good Great Happy Harm Indeed Intended Kept Meant Mind Numbers Numerous Order Outcome Present Preserve Result Salvation Save Saving Thought TodayJump to Next Accomplish Alive Devised Evil Good Great Happy Harm Indeed Intended Kept Meant Mind Numbers Numerous Order Outcome Present Preserve Result Salvation Save Saving Thought TodayGenesis 50 1. The mourning for Jacob.4. Joseph gets leave of Pharaoh to go to bury him. 7. The funeral. 15. Joseph comforts his brothers, who crave his pardon. 22. His age. 23. He sees the third generation of his sons. 24. He prophesies unto his brothers of their return. 25. He takes an oath of them concerning his bones. 26. He dies, and is put into a coffin. As for you, This phrase addresses Joseph's brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery. It highlights the personal nature of the conversation and the direct accountability of the brothers' actions. This moment is a culmination of a long narrative arc that began in Genesis 37, where Joseph's brothers acted out of jealousy and hatred. what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe central figure in this passage, Joseph is speaking to his brothers. He was sold into slavery by them but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. 2. Joseph's Brothers They initially intended harm against Joseph by selling him into slavery, which set the stage for the events that followed. 3. Egypt The land where Joseph rose to power and where the events of this passage take place. It became a place of refuge during the famine. 4. Famine A severe famine affected the region, leading Joseph's family to seek help in Egypt, which Joseph had prepared for under God's guidance. 5. God's Sovereignty The overarching theme of this event is God's ability to use human actions, even those intended for evil, to fulfill His divine purposes. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in AdversityTrust that God can use even the most difficult situations for His purposes and our good. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Joseph's response to his brothers teaches us the importance of forgiveness and seeking reconciliation, even when wronged. Perspective on Trials View challenges as opportunities for God to work in unexpected ways, shaping our character and faith. Purpose in Pain Understand that God can bring about His purposes through our suffering, often using it to bless others. Faith in God's Plan Maintain faith that God's plan is greater than our understanding, and He is always at work behind the scenes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 50:20?2. How can we trust God's plan when facing adversity, like Joseph in Genesis 50:20? 3. What does Genesis 50:20 teach about God's sovereignty over human intentions? 4. How does Romans 8:28 relate to the message in Genesis 50:20? 5. How can we apply Joseph's forgiveness to our personal relationships today? 6. In what ways can we see God's goodness in difficult situations, as Joseph did? 7. How does Genesis 50:20 illustrate God's sovereignty over human intentions? 8. What does Genesis 50:20 reveal about God's purpose in suffering? 9. How can Genesis 50:20 be applied to personal trials today? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 50? 11. What does the Bible say about overcoming rejection? 12. Did God intend it for good? 13. Why do we not find evidence of divine engineering in DNA that goes beyond natural evolution? 14. Did God intend it for good? What Does Genesis 50:20 Mean As for youJoseph turns directly to his brothers. The phrase is personal and pointed, reminding them that they bear responsibility for their past choices (Genesis 37:19-27). Yet even here, Joseph’s tone is not condemning but honest. • Scripture never hides human sin; it names it so grace can be seen all the more (1 John 1:8-9). • Responsibility and forgiveness can coexist. Joseph neither minimizes their wrongdoing nor withholds mercy (Genesis 45:4-5). what you intended against me for evil Their plot—selling Joseph into slavery—was undeniably wicked. Scripture calls evil what it is (Isaiah 5:20). • Human freedom is real: Joseph’s brothers acted from envy and hatred (Acts 7:9). • Evil plans can cause genuine suffering, yet they never escape God’s notice (Psalm 105:17-18). • This line encourages us to be candid about injustice instead of excusing it. God intended for good The same event carried two intentions: human malice and divine mercy. • God’s sovereignty overrides but does not negate human choices (Proverbs 19:21; Job 42:2). • Romans 8:28 applies vividly here: “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” • In Christ’s crucifixion we see the ultimate parallel—men meant it for evil, God meant it for redemption (Acts 2:23). in order to accomplish a day like this Joseph recognizes that God’s purpose is not abstract; it unfolds in real time, on a specific “day.” • Years of slavery, false accusation, and prison led to this moment of deliverance (Genesis 41:14-16). • God’s timing often feels slow, yet it is precise (Galatians 4:4). • Looking back, Joseph can trace the providential thread through each hardship (Psalm 77:11-12). to preserve the lives of many people The famine threatened countless families, including the very ones who wronged Joseph. God’s plan was life-saving. • Preservation of life lies at the heart of God’s covenant promises (Genesis 12:3). • Psalm 105:16-22 highlights Joseph’s role in shielding Israel and Egypt alike. • What began as one man’s suffering became a blessing for multitudes—foreshadowing Christ, whose sacrifice brings salvation “for many” (Mark 10:45). summary Genesis 50:20 reveals the astonishing intersection of human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Joseph’s brothers acted with evil intent, yet God simultaneously directed those same events for good, arranging a specific day on which innumerable lives would be spared. The verse encourages honest acknowledgment of sin, confidence in God’s overruling purpose, patience with His timing, and amazement that He turns even the darkest plots into channels of life and blessing. (20) Ye thought . . . God meant.--The verb in the Heb. is the same, and contrasts man's purpose with God's purpose. In Genesis 45:7 Joseph had already pointed out that the Divine providence had overruled the evil intentions of his brethren for good. At the end of the verse "much people," or a great people, means the Egyptians.Verse 20. - But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good (literally, and ye were thinking or meditating evil against me; Elohim was thinking or meditating for good, i.e. that what you did should be for good), to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive (vide Genesis 45:5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew As for you,וְאַתֶּ֕ם (wə·’at·tem) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you what you intended חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם (ḥă·šaḇ·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2803: To think, account against me עָלַ֖י (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against for evil, רָעָ֑ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative intended חֲשָׁבָ֣הּ (ḥă·šā·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 2803: To think, account for good, לְטֹבָ֔ה (lə·ṭō·ḇāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good in order to לְמַ֗עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent accomplish עֲשֹׂ֛ה (‘ă·śōh) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make a day כַּיּ֥וֹם (kay·yō·wm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day like this— הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that to preserve the lives לְהַחֲיֹ֥ת (lə·ha·ḥă·yōṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 2421: To live, to revive of many רָֽב׃ (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great people. עַם־ (‘am-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Genesis 50:20 NIVGenesis 50:20 NLT Genesis 50:20 ESV Genesis 50:20 NASB Genesis 50:20 KJV Genesis 50:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 50:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 50:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 50:20 French Bible Genesis 50:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 50:20 As for you you meant evil against (Gen. 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