What does this quote mean?

“Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin;”

The request comes after their father’s death, when Joseph’s brothers fear retaliation and appeal directly for forgiveness of the wrong they committed against him.

Source note: Genesis 50:17, King James Version; Joseph’s brothers send a message asking pardon for their earlier wrongdoing against him.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble.”

Received comfort becomes a responsibility toward others, turning personal experience of difficulty into practical empathy and support.

Source note: 2 Corinthians 1:4 in the King James Version; the clause is excerpted before the verse repeats the source of comfort.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

The prayer links asking for mercy with practicing mercy toward other people, making forgiveness a reciprocal moral discipline rather than a one-sided demand.

Source note: Matthew 6:12 in the King James Version.

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any.”

The instruction makes unresolved resentment relevant even in a private act of prayer: a grievance cannot simply be separated from the way a person approaches reconciliation and mercy.

Source note: Mark 11:25 in the King James Version; excerpt from the verse.

“If ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

The emphasis falls on forgiveness that is more than outward compliance: the teaching demands a response rooted in the heart rather than merely performed.

Source note: Matthew 18:35, King James Version; the sentence concludes the parable of the unforgiving servant and returns to forgiveness between people.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Forgiveness is framed as conduct expected from people who themselves depend on mercy, tying belief to the way injury is answered.

Source note: Matthew 6:14 in the King James Version.