فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَأَجْمَعُوٓا۟ أَن يَجْعَلُوهُ فِى غَيَـٰبَتِ ٱلْجُبِّ ۚ وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم بِأَمْرِهِمْ هَـٰذَا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ 15
Translations
So when they took him [out] and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well... But We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity]."
Transliteration
Falamma dhahabo bihi wa ajma'u an yaj'alohu fi ghayabati al-jubbi wa awhayna ilayhi latunabbi'annahum bi-amrihim hadha wa hum la yash'uroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
When Yusuf's brothers took him away and unanimously agreed to cast him into the well, Allah revealed to Yusuf that he would later inform them of their treacherous deed when they would be unaware of his identity or survival. This divine assurance gave Yusuf comfort during his trial and foreshadowed his eventual triumph and reunion with his family. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this revelation (wahy) was a form of consolation and prophecy, strengthening Yusuf's resolve while he faced abandonment by his own family.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the broader narrative of Surah Yusuf, which relates the complete story of the Prophet Yusuf. The context is immediately after the brothers' conspiracy to dispose of Yusuf by throwing him into a well (the pit/jubb). While Surah Yusuf is Meccan in revelation, it recounts historical events and divine intervention in Yusuf's life, serving as consolation to Prophet Muhammad during Meccan persecution.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Yusuf itself is referenced in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim as 'Ahsan al-Qisas' (the best of stories) by the Prophet Muhammad. The theme of divine protection during trials is reinforced in numerous hadiths about sabr (patience) and reliance on Allah during affliction.
Themes
Key Lesson
Even in moments of deepest despair and betrayal, Allah's guidance and assurance can sustain the believer; trust in divine justice means understanding that oppressors' deeds will eventually be exposed and the oppressed vindicated. This teaches modern readers that trials are temporary and that steadfastness in faith leads to ultimate triumph.