Bible Commentaries
Genesis 37

Introduction

Overview

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

Verse 1

am 2276, bc 1728

wherein his father was a stranger: Heb. of his father's sojournings, Genesis 17:8, Genesis 23:4, Genesis 28:4, *marg. Genesis 36:7, Hebrews 11:9-16

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:12 - in Shechem Genesis 46:19 - Joseph Genesis 48:21 - land Numbers 1:32 - General

Verse 2

the generations: Toledoth, the history, narrative, or account of the lives and actions of Jacob and his sons; for in this general sense the original must be taken, as in the whole ensuing history there is no genealogy of Jacob's family. Genesis 2:4, Genesis 5:1, Genesis 6:9, Genesis 10:1

wives: Genesis 30:4, Genesis 30:9, Genesis 35:22, Genesis 35:25, Genesis 35:26

evil report: 1 Samuel 2:22-24, John 7:7, 1 Corinthians 1:11, 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:29 - Bilhah Genesis 30:24 - And she Genesis 41:46 - years Genesis 46:32 - shepherds Genesis 47:28 - seventeen Ecclesiastes 4:4 - every Ecclesiastes 4:13 - is a poor Matthew 18:31 - and came

Verse 3

loved: John 3:35, John 13:22, John 13:23

son: Genesis 44:20-30

a coat: Genesis 37:23, Genesis 37:32, Judges 5:30, 2 Samuel 13:18, Psalms 45:13, Psalms 45:14, Ezekiel 16:16

colours: Kethoneth passim, a coat made of stripes of different coloured cloth.

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:2 - Rachel Genesis 37:31 - General 2 Kings 4:20 - and then died Proverbs 18:19 - brother Mark 12:6 - his

Verse 4

hated him: Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:11, Genesis 37:18-24, Genesis 4:5, Genesis 27:41, Genesis 49:23, 1 Samuel 16:12, 1 Samuel 16:13, 1 Samuel 17:28, Psalms 38:19, Psalms 69:4, John 7:3-5, John 15:18, John 15:19, Titus 3:3, 1 John 2:11, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:12, 1 John 4:20

and could not speak peaceably unto him: Or, rather, "and they could not speak peace to him," i.e., they would not accost him in a friendly manner: they would not even wish him well, in the eastern mode of salutation of, Peace be to thee! It is not an unusual thing for an Arab or Turk to hesitate to return the salâm, if given by a Christian, or by one of whom he has not a favourable opinion; and this may always be considered as an act of hostility.

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:24 - And she Genesis 37:8 - reign over us Genesis 50:20 - ye thought Ecclesiastes 4:4 - This is Jeremiah 12:6 - thy brethren Matthew 5:22 - That Mark 3:25 - General Acts 7:9 - moved 2 Corinthians 13:11 - live Ephesians 4:31 - with

Verse 5

dreamed: Genesis 37:9, Genesis 28:12, Genesis 40:5, Genesis 41:1, Genesis 42:9, Numbers 12:6, Judges 7:13, Judges 7:14, 1 Kings 3:5, Psalms 25:14, Daniel 2:1, Daniel 4:5, Joel 2:28, Amos 3:7

and they: Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:8, Genesis 49:23, John 17:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:3 - a dream Genesis 37:19 - dreamer Genesis 40:9 - a vine Genesis 41:7 - a dream 2 Kings 4:20 - and then died Jeremiah 23:25 - dreamed Daniel 2:22 - revealeth John 7:3 - Depart

Verse 6

Hear: Genesis 44:18, Judges 9:7

Verse 7

your sheaves: Genesis 42:6, Genesis 42:9, Genesis 43:26, Genesis 44:14, Genesis 44:19

obeisance: Philippians 2:10, Colossians 1:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:9 - another dream Genesis 41:32 - doubled Genesis 43:28 - bowed Genesis 44:16 - behold Genesis 49:8 - thy father's Genesis 50:18 - fell 2 Samuel 1:2 - he fell

Verse 8

reign over us: Genesis 37:4, Exodus 2:14, 1 Samuel 10:27, 1 Samuel 17:28, Psalms 2:3-6, Psalms 118:22, Luke 19:14, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:27, Acts 4:28, Acts 7:35, Hebrews 10:29

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:41 - hated Genesis 37:5 - and they Genesis 42:10 - General 1 Samuel 18:28 - General 1 Kings 22:8 - but I hate him Amos 7:10 - not Matthew 5:22 - That Romans 3:7 - if the truth

Verse 9

another dream: Genesis 37:7, Genesis 41:25, Genesis 41:32

the sun: Genesis 37:10, Genesis 43:28, Genesis 44:14, Genesis 44:19, Genesis 45:9, Genesis 46:29, Genesis 47:12, Genesis 50:15-21, Acts 7:9-14

stars: Daniel 8:10, Philippians 2:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:3 - a dream Genesis 37:5 - dreamed Genesis 42:6 - bowed Genesis 44:16 - behold Jeremiah 23:25 - dreamed Romans 3:7 - if the truth

Verse 10

Shall I: Genesis 27:29, Isaiah 60:14, Philippians 2:10, Philippians 2:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:9 - the sun Genesis 43:28 - bowed Daniel 7:28 - but Mark 15:18 - Hail

Verse 11

envied: Genesis 26:14-16, Psalms 106:16, Ecclesiastes 4:4, Isaiah 11:13, Isaiah 26:11, Matthew 27:18, Mark 15:10, Acts 7:9, Acts 13:45, Galatians 5:21, Titus 3:3, James 3:14-16, James 4:5

observed: Genesis 24:31, Daniel 7:28, Luke 2:19, Luke 2:51

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:1 - Rachel envied Genesis 37:4 - hated him Genesis 37:19 - dreamer 1 Samuel 17:28 - Eliab's anger Proverbs 18:19 - brother Proverbs 27:4 - but Ezekiel 31:9 - envied Mark 9:10 - they Mark 12:6 - his Luke 1:66 - laid 1 Corinthians 13:4 - envieth

Verse 12

in Shechem: Genesis 37:1, Genesis 33:18, Genesis 34:25-31

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:34 - Thy servants' Joshua 17:7 - Shechem 2 Chronicles 10:1 - Shechem

Verse 13

come: 1 Samuel 17:17-20, Matthew 10:16, Luke 20:13

Here am I: Genesis 22:1, Genesis 27:1, Genesis 27:18, 1 Samuel 3:4-6, 1 Samuel 3:8, 1 Samuel 3:16, Ephesians 6:1-3

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:2 - And Abel Genesis 34:5 - now his Genesis 44:28 - the one 2 Chronicles 10:1 - Shechem

Verse 14

see whether it be well with: Heb. see the peace of thy brethren, etc. Genesis 29:6, Genesis 41:16, 1 Samuel 17:17, 1 Samuel 17:18, 2 Samuel 18:32, 1 Kings 2:33, Psalms 125:5, Jeremiah 29:7, Luke 19:42

Hebron: Genesis 23:2, Genesis 35:27, Numbers 13:22, Joshua 14:13, Joshua 14:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:18 - Hebron Genesis 34:5 - now his Genesis 43:27 - welfare Genesis 44:28 - the one Joshua 10:3 - Hebron Joshua 17:7 - Shechem Judges 18:15 - saluted him 1 Samuel 17:22 - saluted his brethren 2 Samuel 11:7 - how Joab did 2 Kings 4:26 - Is it well with thee Esther 2:11 - how Esther did

Verse 15

he was: Genesis 21:14

What: Judges 4:22, 2 Kings 6:19, John 1:38, John 4:27, John 18:4, John 18:7, John 20:15

Verse 16

seek: Luke 19:10

tell me: Song of Solomon 1:7

Verse 17

Dothan: 2 Kings 6:13

Reciprocal: Matthew 10:36 - General

Verse 18

conspired: 1 Samuel 19:1, Psalms 31:13, Psalms 37:12, Psalms 37:32, Psalms 94:21, Psalms 105:25, Psalms 109:4, Matthew 21:38, Matthew 27:1, Mark 12:7, Mark 14:1, Luke 20:14, Luke 20:15, John 11:53, Acts 23:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:42 - comfort himself Genesis 37:4 - hated him Genesis 44:7 - General Genesis 44:16 - God hath Genesis 49:23 - General Genesis 50:20 - ye thought Psalms 76:10 - Surely Proverbs 18:19 - brother Matthew 27:23 - Why Acts 7:9 - sold

Verse 19

Behold: Simulated Irony: Where the words in question are used by man either in dissimulation or hypocrisy. For other instances of this figure, see note on 2 Samuel 6:20, Psalms 22:8, Isaiah 5:19, Matthew 22:16, Matthew 27:29, Matthew 27:40, Matthew 27:42, Matthew 27:43, Mark 15:29.

dreamer: Heb. master of dreams, Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:11, Genesis 28:12, Genesis 49:23, *marg.

Reciprocal: Genesis 43:26 - bowed Genesis 44:20 - a child Exodus 2:14 - Who Proverbs 19:21 - many Matthew 26:68 - Prophesy Matthew 27:23 - Why Luke 23:35 - derided

Verse 20

and let: Psalms 64:5, Proverbs 1:11, Proverbs 1:12, Proverbs 1:16, Proverbs 6:17, Proverbs 27:4, Titus 3:3, John 3:12

Some: 1 Kings 13:24, 2 Kings 2:24, Proverbs 10:18, Proverbs 28:13

and we: 1 Samuel 24:20, 1 Samuel 26:2, Matthew 2:2-16, Matthew 27:40-42, Mark 15:29-32, John 12:10, John 12:11, Acts 4:16-18

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:26 - conceal Genesis 37:30 - General Genesis 37:33 - evil beast Genesis 42:36 - Me have ye Genesis 43:26 - bowed Exodus 2:14 - Who Proverbs 19:21 - many Matthew 26:68 - Prophesy Mark 12:7 - This Mark 15:18 - Hail Luke 23:35 - derided John 7:3 - Depart Romans 3:7 - if the truth

Verse 21

Reuben heard: Genesis 35:22, Genesis 42:22

not kill him: Heb. nephesh, Joshua 10:28, Genesis 9:5, Matthew 10:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:32 - his name Luke 23:51 - had not Ephesians 4:31 - with

Verse 22

Reuben said: Genesis 42:22

Shed: Matthew 27:24

lay: Genesis 22:12, Exodus 24:11, Deuteronomy 13:9, Acts 12:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:32 - his name Genesis 37:27 - sell him Genesis 45:24 - See that Jeremiah 36:25 - made Luke 23:51 - had not

Verse 23

stript, Genesis 37:3, Genesis 37:31-33, Genesis 42:21, Psalms 22:18, Matthew 27:28

colours: or, pieces, Genesis 37:3

Verse 24

and cast: Psalms 35:7, Lamentations 4:20

the pit: Psalms 40:2, Psalms 88:6, Psalms 88:8, Psalms 130:1, Psalms 130:2, Jeremiah 38:6, Lamentations 3:52-55, Zechariah 9:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 49:23 - General

Verse 25

they sat: Esther 3:15, Psalms 14:4, Proverbs 30:20, Amos 6:6

Ishmeelites: Genesis 37:28, Genesis 37:36, Genesis 16:11, Genesis 16:12, Genesis 25:1-4, Genesis 25:16-18, Genesis 31:23, Psalms 83:6

Gilead: Genesis 31:21, Genesis 43:11, Jeremiah 8:22

spicery: Nechoth, is rendered by the LXX "incense;" Syriac, "resin;" Samaritan, "balsam;" Acquila, "storax;" which is followed by Bochart. This drug is abundant in Syria, and here Moses joins with it resin, honey, and myrrh; which agrees with the nature of the storax, which is the resin of a tree of the same name, of a reddish colour, and peculiarly pleasant fragrance.

balm: Tzeri, which in Arabic, as a verb, is to flow, seems to be a common name, as balm or balsam with us, for many of those oily, resinous substances, which flow spontaneously, or by incision, from various trees or plants; accordingly the ancients have generally interpreted it resin.

myrrh: Lot, is probably, as Junius, Deut. Dieu, Celsius, and Ursinus contend, the same as the Arabic ladan, Greek כבהבםןם, and Latin ladanum.

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:54 - did eat Genesis 39:1 - the Ishmeelites Judges 8:6 - General Judges 8:24 - because Jeremiah 22:6 - unto Jeremiah 25:24 - the mingled Jeremiah 46:11 - Gilead Jeremiah 49:29 - camels

Verse 26

What profit: Genesis 25:32, Psalms 30:9, Jeremiah 41:8, Matthew 16:26, Romans 6:21

conceal: Genesis 37:20, Genesis 4:10, Deuteronomy 17:8, 2 Samuel 1:16, Job 16:18, Ezekiel 24:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 44:31 - servants shall Esther 7:4 - But if we Psalms 76:10 - Surely Proverbs 12:10 - but Jeremiah 36:25 - made Zechariah 11:5 - sell Matthew 26:15 - thirty

Verse 27

sell him: Genesis 37:22, Exodus 21:16, Exodus 21:21, Nehemiah 5:8, Matthew 16:26, Matthew 26:15, 1 Timothy 1:10, Revelation 18:13

let not: 1 Samuel 18:17, 2 Samuel 11:14-17, 2 Samuel 12:9

he is our: Genesis 29:14, Genesis 42:21

were content: Heb. hearkened

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:15 - Ishmael Genesis 17:13 - bought Genesis 44:31 - servants shall Judges 11:7 - Did not ye hate Nehemiah 5:5 - our flesh Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Romans 7:14 - sold

Verse 28

Midianites: Genesis 37:25, Genesis 25:2, Exodus 2:16, Numbers 25:15, Numbers 25:17, Numbers 31:2, Numbers 31:3, Numbers 31:8, Numbers 31:9, Judges 6:1-3, Psalms 83:9, Isaiah 60:6

sold: Genesis 45:4, Genesis 45:5, Psalms 105:17, Zechariah 11:12, Zechariah 11:13, Matthew 26:15, Matthew 27:9, Acts 7:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:36 - the Midianites Genesis 39:1 - the Ishmeelites Genesis 40:15 - stolen Genesis 49:23 - General Genesis 49:26 - was separate Exodus 21:16 - selleth him Exodus 21:32 - General Deuteronomy 33:16 - and upon the top Judges 8:6 - General Judges 8:24 - because 1 Chronicles 1:32 - Midian Jeremiah 32:9 - seventeen shekels of silver

Verse 29

he rent: Genesis 37:34, Genesis 34:13, Numbers 14:6, Judges 11:35, 2 Kings 19:1, Job 1:20, Joel 2:13, Acts 14:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 29:32 - his name Genesis 42:22 - Spake I Genesis 44:13 - General Leviticus 13:45 - his clothes Joshua 7:6 - rent 2 Samuel 1:2 - clothes 2 Samuel 1:11 - rent 2 Samuel 3:31 - Rend 2 Samuel 13:31 - arose 2 Kings 18:37 - with their clothes rent Ecclesiastes 3:7 - time to rend Jeremiah 48:37 - upon the loins

Verse 30

Genesis 37:20, Genesis 42:13, Genesis 42:32, Genesis 42:35, Jeremiah 31:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 5:24 - he was not Genesis 42:22 - Spake I Judges 11:35 - rent his clothes Matthew 2:18 - would

Verse 31

Genesis 37:3, Genesis 37:23, Proverbs 28:13

Verse 32

thy son's: Genesis 37:3, Genesis 44:20-23, Luke 15:30

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:9 - I know Genesis 38:25 - Discern Genesis 44:17 - in peace 2 Samuel 13:18 - a garment Job 1:19 - they are dead

Verse 33

evil beast: Genesis 37:20, Genesis 44:28, 1 Kings 13:24, 2 Kings 2:24, Proverbs 14:15, John 13:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:26 - acknowledged Genesis 42:38 - his brother Genesis 44:17 - in peace Genesis 44:20 - and his brother Genesis 48:11 - I had not 1 Samuel 30:4 - lifted up Job 1:19 - they are dead Matthew 2:18 - would

Verse 34

Genesis 37:29, Joshua 7:6, 2 Samuel 1:11, 2 Samuel 3:31, 1 Kings 20:31, 1 Kings 21:27, 2 Kings 19:1, 1 Chronicles 21:16, Ezra 9:3-5, Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:1-3, Job 1:20, Job 2:12, Psalms 69:11, Isaiah 22:12, Isaiah 22:13, Isaiah 32:11, Isaiah 36:22, Isaiah 37:1, Isaiah 37:2, Jeremiah 36:24, Joel 2:13, Jonah 3:5-8, Matthew 11:21, Matthew 26:65, Acts 14:14, Revelation 11:3

Reciprocal: Leviticus 21:10 - uncover Numbers 14:6 - rent their clothes Judges 11:35 - rent his clothes 2 Samuel 1:2 - clothes 2 Samuel 13:31 - arose 2 Kings 18:37 - with their clothes rent 1 Chronicles 7:22 - mourned Ecclesiastes 3:7 - time to rend Jeremiah 45:3 - added Jeremiah 48:37 - upon the loins

Verse 35

his daughters: Genesis 31:43, Genesis 35:22-26

rose up: 2 Samuel 12:17, Job 2:11, Psalms 77:2, Jeremiah 31:15

For I: Genesis 42:31, Genesis 44:29-31, Genesis 45:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:67 - comforted Genesis 42:38 - his brother Genesis 44:31 - servants shall Genesis 45:26 - And Jacob's Genesis 48:11 - I had not Judges 11:35 - rent his clothes 2 Samuel 12:23 - I shall go 2 Samuel 13:39 - comforted Esther 4:4 - but he received it not Job 42:11 - they bemoaned Psalms 30:11 - turned Proverbs 15:15 - All Jeremiah 45:3 - added John 11:19 - to comfort John 11:31 - She goeth 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - ye sorrow

Verse 36

the Midianites: Genesis 37:28, Genesis 25:1, Genesis 25:2, Genesis 39:1

officer: Heb. eunuch, But the word signifies not only eunuchs, but also chamberlains, courtiers, and officers. Esther 1:10, Isaiah 56:3

captain: Or, chief marshal, Heb. chief of the slaughtermen, or executioners, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:4, 2 Kings 25:8, *marg.

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:13 - bought Genesis 37:25 - Ishmeelites Genesis 41:10 - captain Genesis 41:12 - servant Deuteronomy 33:16 - and upon the top 1 Samuel 8:15 - officers 2 Kings 8:6 - officer Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Jeremiah 39:9 - captain of the guard Jeremiah 52:12 - captain of the guard Daniel 2:14 - captain of the king's guard Acts 28:16 - captain Romans 7:14 - sold