Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 50:15

"And when Joseph`s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully requite us all the evil which we did unto him." — Genesis 50:15 (ASV)

Joseph will perhaps ... — Hebrew: What if Joseph should hate us, etc. They had not seen any change in his treatment of them, but if it were the case that he cherished feelings of revenge, they felt that they were now in his power.