Genesis 37:12
New International Version
Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem,

New Living Translation
Soon after this, Joseph’s brothers went to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem.

English Standard Version
Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.

Berean Standard Bible
Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem.

King James Bible
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

New King James Version
Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.

New American Standard Bible
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.

NASB 1995
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.

NASB 1977
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.

Amplified Bible
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.

Christian Standard Bible
His brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem.

American Standard Version
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

Contemporary English Version
One day when Joseph's brothers had taken the sheep to a pasture near Shechem,

English Revised Version
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His brothers had gone to take care of their father's flocks at Shechem.

Good News Translation
One day when Joseph's brothers had gone to Shechem to take care of their father's flock,

International Standard Version
Some time later, his brothers left to tend their father's flock in Shechem.

Majority Standard Bible
Some time later, Joseph?s brothers had gone to pasture their father?s flocks near Shechem.

NET Bible
When his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem,

New Heart English Bible
Now his brothers went to pasture their father?s flock near Shechem.

Webster's Bible Translation
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

World English Bible
His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his brothers go to feed the flock of their father in Shechem,

Young's Literal Translation
And his brethren go to feed the flock of their father in Shechem,

Smith's Literal Translation
And his brethren will go to feed their father's sheep in Shechem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when his brethren abode in Sichem feeding their father's docks,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And while his brothers were lodging at Shechem, pasturing their father’s flocks,

New American Bible
One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem,

New Revised Standard Version
Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joseph's brothers went to feed their father's, flock in Shechem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the brothers of Yoseph went to shepherd the flock of their father in Shekim.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his brethren went to feed the sheep of their father to Sychem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph Sold by His Brothers
12Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem. 13Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied.…

Cross References
Genesis 29:7
“Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”

Genesis 31:4
So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,

Genesis 45:4-5
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

Genesis 46:31-34
Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. / The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ / When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ ...

Genesis 47:3-4
“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” / Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”

1 Samuel 17:15
but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 17:34-37
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ...

1 Samuel 25:16
They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.

1 Chronicles 4:39-41
and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. / There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly. / These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings as well as the Meunites who were there, devoting them to destruction even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.

Psalm 23:1-2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Jeremiah 23:4
I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:12-16
As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. / I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ...

John 10:11-14
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

in Shechem.

Genesis 37:1
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 33:18
And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.

Genesis 34:25-31
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males…

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Genesis 37
1. Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.
5. His dreams and the interpretation.
12. Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.
21. At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;
25. and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites;
29. while Ruben grieves at not finding him.
31. His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.
36. Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.














Some time later
This phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events, where Joseph had shared his dreams with his brothers, causing jealousy and animosity. It suggests a transition in the narrative, moving from the familial tensions to the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph's life.

Joseph’s brothers had gone
The brothers' departure signifies a separation from Joseph, setting the stage for the events that will lead to Joseph's journey to Egypt. This separation is crucial for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as it allows for the circumstances that will lead to Joseph's eventual rise to power.

to pasture their father’s flocks
Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs. The brothers' role as shepherds underscores their responsibility within the family and their connection to the land. This task also highlights the agrarian society in which they lived, where livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance.

near Shechem
Shechem holds significant historical and biblical importance. It was a central city in Canaan and a place of earlier events in Genesis, such as Abraham's first altar to God and the violent incident involving Dinah and the Shechemites. The mention of Shechem may evoke memories of past family conflicts and foreshadow future tensions. Geographically, Shechem was located in a fertile valley, making it a suitable location for pasturing flocks.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and the coat of many colors. His journey from favored son to a slave in Egypt is a pivotal account in Genesis.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who were envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams, which foretold his future prominence over them.

3. Jacob (Israel)
The father of Joseph and his brothers, who showed favoritism towards Joseph, causing tension within the family.

4. Shechem
A significant location in biblical history, previously the site of Dinah's defilement and the subsequent revenge by Simeon and Levi, Joseph's brothers.

5. Flocks
Representing the wealth and livelihood of Jacob's family, the flocks were a central part of their pastoral life.
Teaching Points
Family Dynamics and Favoritism
The account of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the destructive nature of favoritism within a family. Believers are encouraged to reflect on how favoritism can lead to division and to strive for fairness and love in family relationships.

The Significance of Shechem
Understanding the historical and emotional significance of Shechem in Jacob's family history can deepen our appreciation for the account. It serves as a reminder of past sins and the need for reconciliation and healing.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Joseph's journey, beginning with his brothers' actions at Shechem, is a testament to God's ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Believers can find hope in God's sovereignty over their own trials.

The Consequences of Envy
The brothers' envy of Joseph led to actions that had long-lasting consequences. This serves as a warning against allowing envy to take root in our hearts.

The Role of Shepherding
The pastoral life of Jacob's family is a metaphor for spiritual leadership and care. Believers are called to be shepherds in their communities, guiding and nurturing others in faith.(12) Shechem.--Jacob's sons seem to have retained Shechem, by right of their high-handed proceedings. related in Genesis 34:27-29. By seizing the "tafs" of the Shechemites, Simeon and Levi must have added. large numbers of grown men to the roll of their retainers; and after accustoming them to their service. they would have become powerful enough to resist any attacks of the natives. (See Genesis 34:29, and Note on Genesis 17:13). But it gives us a great idea of Jacob's wealth and power, that while dwelling a little to the north of Hebron, he should send part of his. cattle so far away as to Shechem, a distance of sixty miles.

Verse 12. - And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem - i.e. the modern Nablous, in the plain of Muknah, which belonged to Jacob partly by purchase and partly by conquest (vide Genesis 33:19; 34:27). Shechem was at a considerable distance from the vale of Hebron, where the patriarchal family at this time resided.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Some time later, [Joseph’s] brothers
אֶחָ֑יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

had gone
וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to pasture
לִרְע֛וֹת (lir·‘ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

their father’s
אֲבִיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

flocks
צֹ֥אן‪‬ (ṣōn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

near Shechem.
בִּשְׁכֶֽם׃ (biš·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor


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OT Law: Genesis 37:12 His brothers went to feed their father's (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 37:11
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