What does Genesis 50:21 mean?

Genesis 50:21 highlights themes such as comfort, nourishment, forgiveness when read in context.

How should I apply Genesis 50:21 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

19And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

20But 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.

21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

22And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

23And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

comfortnourishmentforgiveness

Isaiah 40:1
Both verses convey a message of comfort to those in distress.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Paul speaks of God comforting us so we can comfort others, similar to Joseph's actions.