How Did Joseph Show Mercy to Those Who Wronged Him?
The story of Joseph in Genesis is one of the richest biblical examples of mercy, forgiveness, and God-guided compassion. Despite being betrayed, sold, lied about, and forgotten, Joseph responded to wrongdoing with extraordinary grace. His actions reveal a heart shaped by faith, humility, and a deep understanding of God’s sovereignty.
This article explores the specific ways Joseph showed mercy to those who had hurt him—especially his brothers—and what these acts teach us today.
1. He Refused to Take Revenge Against His Brothers
Joseph had every earthly reason to resent his brothers. They stripped him, threw him into a pit, ignored his cries, and sold him as a slave (Genesis 37:23–28). Years later, he rose to power in Egypt, holding the authority to punish or even execute them.
Yet Joseph chose the opposite.
He “spoke harshly” at first only to test their repentance, not to harm them. Once he saw their changed hearts, he released every thought of vengeance. Mercy began with his decision not to repay evil for evil.
2. Joseph Provided Food During the Famine
Mercy was not simply the absence of punishment—it was the presence of blessing.
When his brothers came to Egypt unaware of his identity, Joseph ensured they received grain.
He filled their sacks…
He returned their money…
He allowed them to purchase food again…
Rather than let them starve as their families struggled, Joseph extended kindness that preserved their lives. This mercy aligned with God’s purpose: “to save many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
3. He Protected Simeon and Later Restored Him to His Brothers
Even when Joseph detained Simeon as part of the test, he treated him humanely. Joseph did not abuse his authority or use the imprisonment to inflict suffering.
Once the brothers proved truthful and brought Benjamin, Joseph released Simeon without harm, showing restraint and compassion.
4. Joseph Showed Special Care Toward Benjamin
Benjamin was innocent of any wrongdoing—young, uninvolved, and beloved by Jacob. Joseph’s mercy toward Benjamin included:
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Inviting him to a special banquet
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Giving him a portion five times larger than the others
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Ensuring his safety despite the staged silver cup test
This kindness was also a way of testing whether the brothers had changed—if they would again envy a favored son or protect him. When they demonstrated selflessness, Joseph responded with even deeper mercy.
5. He Wept With Compassion Instead of Responding With Anger
Joseph’s repeated weeping throughout the narrative reflects a heart not hardened by bitterness:
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He wept when he first recognized his brothers (Genesis 42:24)
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He wept upon seeing Benjamin (Genesis 43:30)
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He wept during the dramatic reveal of his identity (Genesis 45:2)
These tears show that Joseph longed not for revenge, but reconciliation. Mercy flowed from a heart touched by compassion rather than rage.
6. He Revealed His Identity Gently and Comforted His Brothers
When Joseph finally disclosed who he was, he didn’t accuse, shame, or threaten them. Instead he said:
“Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves.”
—Genesis 45:5
Rather than focus on their guilt, Joseph emphasized God’s greater purpose. He reframed the entire painful past as part of God’s redemptive plan. This reassured his brothers and removed the fear of retaliation.
7. Joseph Provided for His Entire Family in Egypt
Joseph’s mercy extended far beyond forgiving words. He took tangible action:
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Bringing Jacob’s entire household to Egypt
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Settling them in the fertile land of Goshen
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Supplying food, shelter, and security during famine
His generosity ensured the survival of the family that had once torn his life apart. This was mercy at its highest form—lavish kindness toward past enemies.
8. Joseph Continued Showing Mercy After Jacob’s Death
Even after their father died, Joseph’s brothers feared he might finally take revenge. But Joseph reassured them again:
“You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good.”
—Genesis 50:20
He not only forgave them but promised to continue providing for them and their children.
Joseph’s mercy wasn’t temporary or dependent on outside pressure—it was a lasting commitment rooted in his faith in God.
Conclusion: Joseph’s Mercy Reflects God’s Mercy
Joseph’s life demonstrates that mercy is not weakness—it is strength shaped by divine wisdom. His mercy included:
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Restraining revenge
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Providing practical help
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Showing compassion
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Comforting the guilty
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Restoring relationships
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Offering long-term provision
Joseph showed mercy because he understood that God had been merciful to him. His forgiveness became a powerful testimony of God’s sovereignty, grace, and redemptive purposes.
Joseph teaches us that even deep wounds can become places where God grows mercy, and where His healing can reach many others through us.