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After testing his brothers
The connecting word “After” begins a sequential clause. Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed and then he revealed who he was. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential)
testing his brothers
Joseph placed his older brothers in a difficult situation to see if they would protect their youngest brother, or treat him as badly as they had treated Joseph. When they protected their youngest brother, Joseph knew they had changed.
if they had changed
Another way to say this would be, “if they were different than they used to be.” Years ago Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph wanted to find out if they would now do what was right.
I am your brother, Joseph!
This is a strong statement that Joseph was indeed their brother, even though he knew they would find it very difficut to believe that. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations)
Do not be afraid
Joseph gave this command to his brothers who were afraid because they had greatly wronged Joseph. Now as a great ruler, he had the power to punish them. Joseph could refuse to sell them food, or even put them in prison or kill them. Another way to say this would be, “You do not need to fear any punishment from me.” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative)
but God used the evil for good!
The connecting word “but” contrasts Joseph’s brother’s desire to do evil to God’s using it for good. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast)
God used the evil for good!
This is a strong statement, because it is surprising that God was able to cause good to happen from the evil thing the brothers did to Joseph. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations)
evil for good
Joseph’s brothers did an evil thing when they sold Joseph as a slave and he was taken to Egypt. But God allowed this so that Joseph could save thousands of people from starving during the famine, including his own family. This was a very good thing.