King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks].
Complete Jewish Bible:
"I'm looking for my brothers," he answered. "Tell me, please, where are they pasturing the sheep?"
Berean Standard Bible:
“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?”
American Standard Version:
And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he said{H559}, I seek{H1245} my brethren{H251}: tell{H5046} me, I pray thee, where{H375} they feed{H7462} their flocks.
Cross-References (KJV):
Luke 19:10
- For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Song of Solomon 1:7
- ¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 37:16
Genesis 37:16 is a part of the narrative concerning Joseph, the favored son of Jacob (also known as Israel). The historical context of this verse is set within the patriarchal period of the Israelites, where the family dynamics and tribal life are central to the story.
**Themes:**
1. **Family Dynamics and Rivalry:** Joseph's relationship with his brothers is strained due to his father's preferential treatment and his own dreams suggesting his future dominion over them. This tension sets the stage for the events that follow.
2. **Divine Providence:** The story of Joseph is often seen as an example of God's providence. Despite the jealousy and ill-treatment by his brothers, Joseph's journey ultimately leads to his rise to power in Egypt, which saves his family from famine.
3. **Search for Belonging:** Joseph's inquiry about his brothers indicates his desire to belong and be accepted by his family, despite the tension between them.
4. **Destiny and God's Plan:** Joseph's search for his brothers is a step towards the fulfillment of his destiny, which is part of a larger divine plan for the Israelites.
**Historical Context:**
- **Patriarchal Period:** This period is characterized by the lives of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) and their immediate descendants, who are the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- **Nomadic Life:** The characters in the narrative are semi-nomadic pastoralists, moving with their flocks to find pasture, which is why Joseph is seeking his brothers to learn where they are grazing their flocks.
- **Early Israelite-Egyptian Relations:** The story of Joseph also begins to establish the relationship between the Israelites and Egypt, which will become crucial in the Exodus story.
In summary, Genesis 37:16 reflects the complex family relationships of the patriarchal period, the theme of divine providence, and the historical context of early Israelite life, setting the stage for significant developments in the narrative that follow.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H1245
There are 215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּקַשׁ
Transliteration: bâqash
Pronunciation: baw-kash'
Description: a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). - Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. - Strong's Number: H5046
There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָגַד
Transliteration: nâgad
Pronunciation: naw-gad'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise; bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. - Strong's Number: H375
There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵיפֹה
Transliteration: ʼêyphôh
Pronunciation: ay-fo'
Description: from אַי and פֹּה; what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of means) how?; what manner, where. - Strong's Number: H7462
There are 144 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָעָה
Transliteration: râʻâh
Pronunciation: raw-aw'
Description: a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend); [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste.