Joseph’s Dreams 1Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan. 2This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.a 4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: 7We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” 8“Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. 9Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said. Joseph Sold into Egypt 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.” 14Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem, 15a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?” 16“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” 17“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. 19“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. 20“Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” 21When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said. 22“Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing— 24and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, with no water in it. 25And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. 26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. 28So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silverb to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. 29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, 30returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” Jacob Mourns Joseph 31Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. 32They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” 34Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. 36Meanwhile, the Midianitesc sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Footnotes: 3 a Possibly a robe with long sleeves; also in verses 23 and 32 28 b 20 shekels is approximately 8 ounces or 228 grams of silver. 36 c Hebrew the Medanites Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Genesis 37 Summary Joseph Sold into EgyptVerses 1–4 – Jacob in Canaan and the Special Robe Verses 5–11 – Joseph’s Dreams Ignite Jealousy Verses 12–17 – Sent to Check on the Flock Verses 18–24 – The Plot and the Pit Verses 25–28 – Sold to the Ishmaelites Verses 29–35 – The Deception of Jacob Verse 36 – Joseph in Egypt This chapter unfolds the pivotal narrative of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, whose brothers' jealousy leads to his being sold into slavery in Egypt. The account delves into themes of family dynamics, favoritism, dreams, betrayal, and the initiation of a journey of resilience. Historical Setting: Jacob’s Family in Late Bronze Age Canaan • Canaan under Egyptian influence (15th–13th centuries BC). Nomadic herdsmen like Jacob often grazed near urban centers such as Shechem. • Shechem’s strategic valley invited both trade and conflict (cf. Genesis 34). • Dothan sits on the International Coastal Highway connecting Damascus with Egypt—perfect spot for a slave caravan. Archaeological Insights: Dothan, Pits, and Slavery Prices • Excavations at Tell Dothan reveal large cisterns carved into limestone—dry in summer, fitting the “empty pit” of v. 24. • Mari tablets (18th century BC) list slave prices around 20 shekels—matching Joseph’s sale, underscoring authenticity. • Multicolored textiles dyed with murex purple and madder red have been found in 15th-century contexts, showing such garments existed and were costly. Family Dynamics and Favoritism • Joseph, firstborn of Jacob and Rachel, inherits the affection once given to Rachel (Genesis 29:30). • The “robe of many colors” (kethoneth passim) signals status—comparable to royal tunics given to princess Tamar (2 Samuel 13:18). • Favoritism echoed earlier strife between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:28). Scripture repeatedly warns of the turmoil favoritism causes (Proverbs 28:21). Joseph’s Dreams and God’s Silent Guidance • God never speaks aloud in this chapter; He guides through dreams (see Numbers 12:6; Matthew 2:13). • The bowing sheaves anticipate Genesis 42:6 when brothers bow in Egypt. • Sun, moon, eleven stars foreshadow entire family bowing (Genesis 47:12). • Dream interpretation links Joseph to Daniel (Daniel 2) and to New Testament promise that “your young men will see visions” (Acts 2:17). Reuben and Judah: Two Paths of Leadership • Reuben, the actual firstborn, tries to save Joseph but is powerless—reflecting the loss of primogeniture (Genesis 35:22; 49:4). • Judah evolves from callous broker (v. 27) to sacrificial spokesman in Genesis 44, paving the way for the royal line (49:10). Garments and Symbolism • Stripping the robe removes the symbol of blessing (cf. Numbers 20:28, Aaron’s garments to Eleazar). • Blood-soaked goat skin mirrors Jacob’s own deception with goat skins when stealing Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27). Measure-for-measure justice surfaces throughout Scripture (Galatians 6:7). Foreshadowing Christ • Loved by the father (Matthew 3:17) yet hated by his own (John 1:11). • Sold for silver (Matthew 26:15). • Stripped of robe (Matthew 27:28). • Descends (pit/tomb) yet rises to save many (Genesis 50:20; Acts 5:31). Connections in the Canon • Psalm 105:17–19 celebrates God sending Joseph ahead to preserve life. • Stephen retells Genesis 37 in Acts 7:9–10 as proof of God’s faithful plan despite human evil. • Hosea 12:12 recalls Jacob’s flight and labor, affirming patriarchal history. Practical Takeaways 1. God’s plans run beneath the surface; apparent setbacks become setups. 2. Envy blinds and brutalizes; love “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4). 3. Leadership grows through testing—Joseph, Reuben, Judah each face crucibles. 4. Integrity stands out: Joseph’s truthful report (v. 2) contrasts with brothers’ deception (vv. 32-33). 5. Suffering does not nullify calling; it often shapes it (Romans 8:28). Literary Flow: From Patriarch to Providence Genesis pivots here from Jacob to Joseph. The final fourteen chapters trace one main storyline: how God moves a family to Egypt, setting up Exodus. Genesis 37 thus launches the bridge between promise to Abraham (Genesis 12) and redemption from Egypt (Exodus 1–15). Key Hebrew Words Simplified • “Dothan” (דֹּתָן) – “two wells,” hinting at water sources and pits. • “Sold” (מָכַר, makhar) – used of Esau’s sale of birthright (Genesis 25:33); trade often forfeits the sacred for short-term gain. • “Pit/cistern” (בּוֹר, bor) – later symbol of death/despair (Jeremiah 38:6; Zechariah 9:11). Trade Routes and the Ishmaelites Caravans carried balm, myrrh, and spices from Gilead to Nile ports. Archaeological records at Avaris (Tell el-Dabʿa) note Asiatic merchants settling in Egypt—coinciding with the Joseph narrative. Shechem to Dothan: Geography of Betrayal Distances: Hebron → Shechem (~50 mi), Shechem → Dothan (~14 mi). Joseph’s journey mirrors the Good Shepherd seeking the flock (Luke 15). Every step northward increases risk yet fulfills divine purpose. Emotional Spectrum in the Chapter • Hatred (vv. 4, 5, 8) • Envy (v. 11) • Conspiracy (v. 18) • Panic (v. 29) • Crushing grief (v. 35) Scripture captures genuine human feelings, making the account relatable across millennia. Wider Biblical Themes Introduced • Dreams as revelation • Suffering servant motif • God’s sovereignty over nations (Egypt) • The pattern of exile and return • Family reconciliation (to conclude in Genesis 45) Conclusion Genesis 37 is more than a sibling feud; it is the opening act of God turning malice into mercy. Every cloak torn, tear shed, and mile walked pulls the curtain back on a larger rescue plan—one that will save Israel from famine, foreshadow the Gospel, and remind readers that even in pits, Providence reigns. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 8:28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty in Joseph's life. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Joseph's account foreshadows the call to love and forgive those who wrong us. Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger... Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. This passage encourages us to let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness. Teaching Points Joseph's FavoritismNow Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors (Genesis 37:3). Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph sets the stage for familial discord. Joseph's Dreams Joseph's dreams, which he shares with his brothers, foreshadow his future rise to power. Listen to this dream I had, he said. We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine (Genesis 37:6-7). Brothers' Jealousy and Betrayal The brothers' jealousy leads them to conspire against Joseph. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns (Genesis 37:20). Instead, they sell him into slavery. Reuben's Attempt to Save Joseph Reuben, the eldest, tries to rescue Joseph, showing a glimmer of conscience amidst the brothers' treachery. Do not shed his blood, Reuben said. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him (Genesis 37:22). The Deception of Jacob The brothers deceive their father, Jacob, into believing Joseph is dead. We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe (Genesis 37:32). Practical Applications Guard Against FavoritismFavoritism can breed resentment and division. Strive for fairness and love in all relationships. Trust in God's Plan Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is working behind the scenes for a greater purpose. Respond to Jealousy with Grace When faced with jealousy, choose to respond with grace and forgiveness rather than retaliation. Seek Reconciliation Like Reuben, be a voice of reason and seek to mend broken relationships. People 1. Jacob (Israel)Jacob, also known as Israel, is the father of Joseph and his brothers. He is a patriarch of the Israelite people. In Genesis 37:1, it states, "Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan." 2. Joseph Joseph is the central figure in this chapter. He is one of Jacob's sons and is favored by his father, which causes tension with his brothers. Genesis 37:3 says, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." 3. Joseph's Brothers The brothers of Joseph are the sons of Jacob. They are envious of Joseph because of their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams. Genesis 37:4 mentions, "When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." 4. Reuben Reuben is the eldest son of Jacob. He attempts to save Joseph from being killed by his brothers. In Genesis 37:21-22, it states, "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. 'Let us not take his life,' he said. 'Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.' Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father." 5. Judah Judah is another of Joseph's brothers who suggests selling Joseph instead of killing him. Genesis 37:26-27 records, "Then Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.' And his brothers agreed." 6. Ishmaelites The Ishmaelites are traders to whom Joseph's brothers sell him. Genesis 37:28 states, "So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." 7. Midianites The Midianites are mentioned as merchants who are involved in the transaction of selling Joseph. The terms "Ishmaelites" and "Midianites" are used interchangeably in this context. Genesis 37:28 refers to them as "Midianite merchants." 8. Potiphar Although not directly mentioned in Genesis 37, Potiphar is introduced in the subsequent chapter as the Egyptian official who buys Joseph from the Ishmaelites. His role is implied as the destination of Joseph's journey to Egypt. Places 1. CanaanGenesis 37:1: "Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan." Canaan is the region where Jacob and his family resided. It is a significant location in the biblical narrative, often associated with the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for Canaan is "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an), which refers to this ancient region. 2. Dothan Genesis 37:17: "The man replied, 'They have moved on from here, for I heard them say, "Let us go to Dothan."' So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan." Dothan is the place where Joseph found his brothers before they plotted against him. The name Dothan comes from the Hebrew "דֹּתָן" (Dothan), meaning "two wells," indicating a location with water sources. 3. Egypt Genesis 37:28: "So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." Egypt is where Joseph was taken after being sold by his brothers. It plays a crucial role in Joseph's account and the broader narrative of the Israelites. The Hebrew name for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which is often used in the Old Testament to refer to this ancient and powerful civilization. Events 1. Joseph's FavoritismJacob, also known as Israel, shows favoritism towards Joseph, his son from Rachel, by giving him a "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). The Hebrew term for the robe, "כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים" (ketonet passim), suggests a richly ornamented garment, symbolizing Joseph's special status. 2. Joseph's Dreams Joseph shares two dreams with his brothers, which imply his future dominance over them. In the first dream, their sheaves of grain bow to his sheaf (Genesis 37:7). In the second dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow to him (Genesis 37:9). The dreams increase his brothers' jealousy and hatred. 3. Brothers' Jealousy and Plot Joseph's brothers become envious and conspire against him. They initially plan to kill him but decide instead to throw him into a cistern (Genesis 37:18-20). The Hebrew word for cistern, "בּוֹר" (bor), indicates a pit or well, often used for water storage. 4. Reuben's Intervention Reuben, the eldest brother, persuades them not to kill Joseph, intending to rescue him later. He suggests they throw Joseph into the cistern without shedding blood (Genesis 37:21-22). 5. Joseph Sold into Slavery While Reuben is absent, the brothers sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28). The Hebrew term "יִשְׁמְעֵאלִים" (Yishmaelim) refers to descendants of Ishmael, indicating a group of traders. 6. Deception of Jacob The brothers deceive their father by dipping Joseph's robe in goat's blood and presenting it to Jacob, leading him to believe Joseph has been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). 7. Jacob's Mourning Jacob mourns deeply for Joseph, refusing to be comforted, and declares he will go to his grave mourning for his son (Genesis 37:34-35). The Hebrew word "שְׁאוֹל" (Sheol) is used, referring to the grave or the abode of the dead. 8. Joseph in Egypt Meanwhile, Joseph is taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard (Genesis 37:36). This sets the stage for Joseph's future rise to power in Egypt. Topics 1. Joseph's DreamsJoseph, the son of Jacob, shares his dreams with his brothers, which foreshadow his future rise to prominence. The dreams involve sheaves of grain and celestial bodies bowing to him, symbolizing his future authority. The Hebrew word for "dream" (חֲלוֹם, ^chalom^) indicates a vision or revelation from God. 2. Jacob's Favoritism Jacob shows favoritism towards Joseph by giving him a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as a "coat of many colors." This act of favoritism causes jealousy and hatred among Joseph's brothers. The Hebrew term for the robe (כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים, ^ketonet passim^) suggests a long-sleeved or multi-colored garment, signifying special status. 3. The Brothers' Jealousy Joseph's brothers become increasingly envious and hostile towards him due to his dreams and their father's favoritism. This animosity sets the stage for their subsequent actions against him. 4. The Plot Against Joseph The brothers conspire to kill Joseph but ultimately decide to throw him into a cistern. Reuben, the eldest, intends to rescue him later. The Hebrew word for "plot" (נָכַל, ^nakal^) implies deceit and treachery. 5. Joseph Sold into Slavery Instead of killing Joseph, the brothers sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. This transaction leads to Joseph's eventual journey to Egypt. The Hebrew term for "sell" (מָכַר, ^makar^) indicates a transfer of ownership, highlighting the brothers' betrayal. 6. Deception of Jacob The brothers deceive their father, Jacob, by dipping Joseph's robe in goat's blood and presenting it to him, leading Jacob to believe that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. The act of deception (רָמָה, ^ramah^) underscores the brothers' moral decline. 7. Jacob's Mourning Jacob mourns deeply for Joseph, refusing to be comforted. His grief is profound, as indicated by the Hebrew word for "mourn" (אָבַל, ^aval^), which conveys intense sorrow and lamentation. 8. Joseph in Egypt The chapter concludes with Joseph being sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh in Egypt. This marks the beginning of Joseph's journey in a foreign land, setting the stage for God's providential plan. The Hebrew name "Potiphar" (פּוֹטִיפַר, ^Potiphar^) suggests a connection to Egyptian culture and authority. Themes 1. Favoritism and Family DynamicsGenesis 37 highlights the theme of favoritism within a family, as Jacob shows preferential treatment to Joseph, his son. This favoritism is evident in Genesis 37:3, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." The Hebrew word for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) indicates a deep affection, which creates tension and jealousy among Joseph's brothers. 2. Jealousy and Envy The narrative illustrates the destructive power of jealousy and envy. Joseph's brothers become envious of him due to their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams. Genesis 37:11 states, "And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind." The Hebrew word for "jealous" (קָנָא, qanah) conveys a sense of intense rivalry and resentment. 3. Dreams and Divine Revelation Joseph's dreams are a central theme, representing divine revelation and future prophecy. In Genesis 37:5-7, Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers, which foreshadow his future rise to power. The dreams are symbolic and serve as a means through which God communicates His plans, despite the immediate negative reaction from Joseph's family. 4. Betrayal and Deception The theme of betrayal is evident when Joseph's brothers conspire against him. In Genesis 37:18-20, they plot to kill him but ultimately sell him into slavery. The act of deception is further highlighted when they deceive their father by presenting Joseph's robe dipped in goat's blood, as seen in Genesis 37:31-33. The Hebrew root for "deceive" (רָמָה, ramah) underscores the treachery involved. 5. Suffering and Providence Joseph's suffering, as a result of his brothers' actions, introduces the theme of divine providence. Although Joseph endures hardship, the narrative sets the stage for God's greater plan. This theme is implicit in the unfolding story, where Joseph's trials are part of a divine purpose that will later be revealed. 6. Sibling Rivalry and Conflict The chapter underscores the theme of sibling rivalry, as Joseph's brothers harbor animosity towards him. This conflict is rooted in their perception of Joseph as a threat to their status and is exacerbated by his dreams and their father's favoritism. The Hebrew word for "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane) in Genesis 37:4, "And they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him," reflects the deep-seated hostility among the siblings. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Genesis 37:3) How can this special coat legitimately exist without any historical or archaeological evidence of such unique garments from that time? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does favoritism impact family dynamics, as seen in this chapter? 2. How can dreams be interpreted in the context of this story, and how might we interpret dreams in our own lives? 3. If you were Joseph, would you have shared your dreams? Why or why not? 4. How do you understand the brothers' reaction to Joseph's dreams? How do you handle jealousy in your life? 5. If you were in Reuben's position, how would you handle the situation differently? 6. What motivations led to Judah suggesting the sale of Joseph? How do we justify actions that might not be morally right? 7. Consider the brothers' decision to deceive their father. Have there been times when you have deceived someone to cover a mistake? How did that affect you and the person involved? 8. How did Jacob's reaction to Joseph's supposed death influence the family's dynamics? 9. How does this chapter show the possible consequences of jealousy and resentment? 10. If you were Joseph, how would you react to the situation in Egypt? 11. How might Joseph's journey to Egypt fit into God's larger plan? 12. Can good ever emerge from betrayal? Can you provide any examples from your own life? 13. How does this chapter address the theme of resilience in the face of adversity? 14. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's grief? 15. How can one maintain faith in times of despair, as experienced by Joseph and Jacob? 16. What lessons about conflict resolution can we learn from this narrative? 17. How does this chapter highlight the theme of divine providence? 18. Compare and contrast Joseph's brothers' treatment of him with the ideal of brotherly love. How can this inform our relationships with our own siblings? 19. What could Joseph's story teach us about perseverance in the face of hardship? 20. How does this story speak to issues of forgiveness and reconciliation that will come later in Joseph's life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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