Genesis · Chapter 50 · Faith
Genesis 50:20 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive."
KJV · King James Version
"But as for you, ye thought2803 evil7451 against me; but God430 meant it2803 unto good2896, to4616 bring to pass6213, as it is this day3117, to save2421 much7227 people5971 alive2421."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses thought, unto, this, day, while the WEB renders these as today, many. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Genesis 50:20 in Genesis 50
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Genesis 50:20 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Genesis 50. Read the full chapter →
- v.18 His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
- v.19 Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
- v.20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive.
- v.21 Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.
- v.22 Joseph lived in Egypt, he, and his father’s house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years.
Book background
About the Book of Genesis
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Author
- Moses (traditional)
- Date written
- c. 1446–1406 BC
- Audience
- Israel during the wilderness wandering
- Chapters
- 50
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, nations, languages, and the covenant family of Abraham. It traces God's plan from creation through the call of Abraham, the lives of Isaac and Jacob, and the descent of Israel into Egypt under Joseph. The book frames every later biblical promise: that through Abraham's seed all peoples on earth would be blessed.
Setting: Written during the Exodus generation; covers events from creation to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph).
Key themes: creation · covenant · promise · family · sovereignty
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Genesis 50:20
Genesis 50:20 contains 27 words in 6 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
As for you
AFY
- 2
you meant evil against me
YMEAM
- 3
but God meant it for good
BGMIFG
- 4
to bring to pass
TBTP
- 5
as it is today
AIIT
- 6
to save many people alive.
TSMPA
Frequently asked
FAQ about Genesis 50:20
What does Genesis 50:20 say?
Genesis 50:20 reads: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive." — from the Old Testament, Genesis (Law (Pentateuch)). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Genesis 50:20 in?
Genesis 50:20 is in the book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional) and written around c. 1446–1406 BC. Genesis is law (pentateuch) in the Old Testament, originally addressed to Israel during the wilderness wandering. Best known for creation, the fall, Noah's flood, and the call of Abraham.
What is Genesis 50:20 about?
Genesis 50:20 is primarily a Bible verse about Faith, with related themes including Hope. Within Genesis, Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, nations, languages, and the covenant family of Abraham. Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Genesis 50:20 in WEB and KJV?
Genesis 50:20 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save many people alive.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "But as for you, ye thought2803 evil7451 against me; but God430 meant it2803 unto good2896, to4616 bring to pass6213, as it is this day3117, to save2421 much7227 people5971 alive2421.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Genesis 50:20?
Genesis 50:20 is 27 words in the WEB translation (126 characters), broken into 6 clauses. It is a longer verse, often broken into smaller phrases for memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 8 seconds.
How can I memorise Genesis 50:20?
To memorise Genesis 50:20, split it into its 6 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Genesis 50:20 matter in Genesis?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, nations, languages, and the covenant family of Abraham. It traces God's plan from creation through the call of Abraham, the lives of Isaac and Jacob, and the descent of Israel into Egypt under Joseph. The book frames every later biblical promise: that through Abraham's seed all peoples on earth would be blessed. Genesis 50:20 sits within this larger story — Genesis as a whole emphasises creation, covenant, promise.
How can I apply Genesis 50:20 today?
Many readers use Genesis 50:20 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Genesis 50:20 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
More designs
10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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Psalms 23:1
“A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
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Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
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Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
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Matthew 6:33
“But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”
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1 John 4:8
“He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.”
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Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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Matthew 7:7
““Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.”
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More featured verses in Genesis
Browse Genesis →
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
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Genesis 1:27
“God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.”
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Genesis 1:31
“God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.”
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Genesis 2:18
“Yahweh God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.””
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