^{15 Ref} Now after the death of their father, Joseph's brothers said to themselves, It may be that Joseph's heart will be turned against us, and he will give us punishment for all the evil which we did to him.

^{16 Ref} So they sent word to Joseph, saying, Your father, before his death, gave us orders, saying,

^{17 Ref} You are to say to Joseph, Let the wrongdoing of your brothers be overlooked, and the evil they did to you: now, if it is your pleasure, let the sin of the servants of your father's God have forgiveness. And at these words, Joseph was overcome with weeping.

^{18 Ref} Then his brothers went, and falling at his feet, said, Truly, we are your servants.

^{19 Ref} And Joseph said, Have no fear: am I in the place of God?

^{20 Ref} As for you, it was in your mind to do me evil, but God has given a happy outcome, the salvation of numbers of people, as you see today.

^{21 Ref} So now, have no fear: for I will take care of you and your little ones. So he gave them comfort with kind words.