Genesis - Chapter 37

Genesis 37.1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. Genesis 37.2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Genesis 37.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. Genesis 37.4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Genesis 37.5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. Genesis 37.6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: Genesis 37.7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. Genesis 37.8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. Genesis 37.9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. Genesis 37.10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? Genesis 37.11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying. Genesis 37.12 And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. Genesis 37.13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. Genesis 37.14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. Genesis 37.15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? Genesis 37.17 And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. Genesis 37.18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. Genesis 37.19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Genesis 37.20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. Genesis 37.21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. Genesis 37.22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. Genesis 37.23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; Genesis 37.24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. Genesis 37.25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. Genesis 37.26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Genesis 37.27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Genesis 37.28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. Genesis 37.29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. Genesis 37.30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? Genesis 37.31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; Genesis 37.32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. Genesis 37.33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. Genesis 37.34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. Genesis 37.35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. Genesis 37.36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.

Genesis : Chapter 37

Genesis Chapter 37: The Story of Joseph

Genesis chapter 37 begins a pivotal narrative about the figure of Joseph. This account highlights how paternal favoritism can trigger a series of crucial and dramatic events. Joseph's dreams, his brothers' jealousy, and his sale into slavery in Egypt are at the heart of this captivating story.

Main Themes

This text explores profound themes such as family favoritism, envy, betrayal, and the mysterious providence of God. Genesis 37 sets the scene for a remarkable journey that will mark not only Joseph's life, but also the future of Israel in Egypt. We invite you to examine five biblical passages that shed light on the eternal principles reflected in this crucial chapter.

Illuminating Bible Passages

Acts 7:9: "The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt, but God was with him." In his speech, Stephen summarizes the story of Joseph, emphasizing his importance in the history of Israel.

John 11:49-52: "One of them, called Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up and said, 'You don't understand! Don't you realize that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation not perish?...' This excerpt evokes a parallel between the story of Joseph, who suffered to save his people, and the sacrifice of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:8: "None of the powerful of this world understood, for if they had understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." This passage emphasizes that, just as Joseph's brothers failed to recognize his future role, the leaders of the time failed to discern the importance of Jesus.

Psalm 105:17-19: "And he sent ahead of him a man, Joseph, who was sold into slavery... until his prophecy came true and the word of the Lord confirmed it." This psalm illustrates how God used Joseph's difficulties to fulfill his divine purpose.

Matthew 27:28: "They stripped him of his garments and covered him with a scarlet robe." This passage reminds us of Jesus' humiliation, which echoes the treatment of Joseph by his brothers when they tore his cloak from him.

Meditating on these passages, we discover profound truths about suffering, redemption, and divine providence that span the ages. Joseph's story is not just an ancient story; it challenges us today about our own relationship with God and our understanding of His plan for us.