TRV
Translation
King James Version
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?
KJV (with Strong's)
And he told H5608 it to his father H1, and to his brethren H251: and his father H1 rebuked H1605 him, and said H559 unto him, What is this dream H2472 that thou hast dreamed H2492? Shall I and thy mother H517 and thy brethren H251 indeed H935 come H935 to bow down H7812 ourselves to thee to the earth H776?
Complete Jewish Bible
He told his father too, as well as his brothers, but his father rebuked him: "What is this dream you have had? Do you really expect me, your mother and your brothers to come and prostrate ourselves before you on the ground?"
Berean Standard Bible
He 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?”
American Standard Version
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?
World English Bible Messianic
He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then he tolde it vnto his father and to his brethren, and his father rebuked him, and saide vnto him, What is this dreame, which thou hast dreamed? shall I, and thy mother, and thy brethren come in deede and fall on the ground before thee?
Young's Literal Translation
And he recounteth unto his father, and unto his brethren; and his father pusheth against him, and saith to him, `What is this dream which thou hast dreamt? do we certainly come--I, and thy mother, and thy brethren--to bow ourselves to thee, to the earth?'
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Commentary on Genesis 37 verses 5–11
5 ¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
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.
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.
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.
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?
11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
Here, I. Joseph relates the prophetical dreams he had, Gen 37:6, Gen 37:7, Gen 37:9, Gen 37:10. Though he was now very young (about seventeen years old), yet he was pious and devout, and well-inclined, and this fitted him for God's gracious discoveries of himself to him. Joseph had a great deal of trouble before him, and therefore God gave him betimes this prospect of his advancement, to support and comfort him under the long and grievous troubles with which he was to be exercised. Thus Christ had a joy set before him, and so have Christians. Note, God has ways of preparing his people beforehand for the trials which they cannot foresee, but which he has an eye to in the comforts with which he furnishes them. His dreams were, 1. That his brethren's sheaves all bowed to his, intimating upon what occasion they should be brought to do homage to him, namely, in seeking to him for corn; their empty sheaves should bow to his full one. 2. That the sun, and moon, and eleven stars, did obeisance to him, Gen 37:9. Joseph was more of a prophet than a politician, else he would have kept this to himself, when he could not but know that his brethren did already hate him and that this would but the more exasperate them. But, if he told it in his simplicity, yet God directed it for the mortification of his brethren. Observe, Joseph dreamed of his preferment, but he did not dream of his imprisonment. Thus many young people, when they are setting out in the world, think of nothing but prosperity and pleasure, and never dream of trouble.
II. His brethren take it very ill, and are more and more enraged against him (Gen 37:8): Shalt thou indeed reign over us? See here, 1. How truly they interpreted his dream, that he should reign over them. Those become the expositors of his dream who were enemies to the accomplishment of it, as in Gideon's story (Jdg 7:13, Jdg 7:14); they perceived that he spoke of them, Mat 21:45. The event exactly answered to this interpretation, Gen 42:6, etc. 2. How scornfully they resented it: "Shalt thou, who are but one, reign over us, who are many? Thou, who are the youngest, over us who are older?" Note, The reign and dominion of Jesus Christ, our Joseph, have been, and are, despised and striven against by a carnal and unbelieving world, who cannot endure to think that this man should reign over them. The dominion also of the upright, in the morning of the resurrection, is thought of with the utmost disdain.
III. His father gives him a gentle rebuke for it, yet observes the saying, Gen 37:10, Gen 37:11. Probably he checked him for it, to lessen the offence which his brethren would be apt to take at it; yet he took notice of it more than he seemed to do: he insinuated that it was but an idle dream, because his mother was brought in, who had been dead some time since; whereas the sun, moon, and eleven stars, signify no more than the whole family that should have a dependence upon him, and be glad to be beholden to him. Note, The faith of God's people in God's promises is often sorely shaken by their misunderstanding the promises and then suggesting the improbabilities that attend the performance; but God is doing his own work, and will do it, whether we understand him aright or no. Jacob, like Mary (Luk 2:51), kept these things in his heart, and no doubt remembered them long afterwards, when the event answered to the prediction.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–11. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Joseph the Patriarch
Moreover, Joseph saw another dream and told it to his father and brothers, that the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to him. On this account his father reproved him and said, “What will be the meaning of this vision that you have dreamed? Can it be that I and your mother and your brothers will come and bow to the ground before you?” Who is he before whom parents and brothers bowed down to the ground but Jesus Christ? Joseph and his mother with the disciples bowed down before him and confessed the true God in that body, of whom alone it was said, “Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you stars and light.” Further, what is the meaning of the father’s reproach but the hardness of the people of Israel? Christ comes from them according to the flesh, but today they do not believe that he is God and are not willing to bow down to him as their Lord, because they know that he was born from among themselves. Accordingly they hear his replies, but they do not understand them. They themselves read that the sun and moon praise Christ, but they are unwilling to believe this was said with reference to Christ. Therefore Jacob is mistaken in regard to the symbol, which refers to another, but is not mistaken in the love, which is his own. In him paternal love did not go astray, but rather there is depicted an affection for a people that was going to go astray.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 89.4
Moreover, Joseph had another dream in which the sun, the moon and eleven stars worshiped him. His father replied to him, “Can it be that I and your mother and your brothers will come to bow to the ground before you?” This could not be fulfilled in that Joseph; but in our true Joseph, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, the mysteries of that dream were fulfilled. The sun, the moon and eleven stars worshiped him when after the resurrection holy Mary as the moon, blessed Joseph as the sun and eleven stars, that is, the blessed apostles, bent down and prostrated before him. Then was fulfilled the prophecy that said, “Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.” The interpretation of this dream was not accomplished in that Joseph for the important reason that we read his mother had died many years before he saw the aforementioned dreams. Truly, how could it happen to his brothers that they should adore him like the stars, since the night of envy had made them obscure and gloomy? They had lost the brightness of the stars, because they had extinguished in themselves the light of charity. We truly believe that this was deservedly fulfilled in our Lord and Savior, for, as I already said, we read that blessed Joseph, blessed Mary and the eleven apostles worshiped him quite frequently. That the apostles possessed the light of the stars our Lord himself tells us in the Gospel: “You are the light of the world.” Again, he says concerning the same men and those who are similar: “When the just will shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 37:10 records the pivotal moment when Joseph shares his second prophetic dream with his father Jacob and his brothers, provoking a sharp rebuke from Jacob and intensifying the deep-seated family resentment. This audacious vision, in which the celestial bodies representing his entire family bow down to him, underscores the profound familial tensions and powerfully foreshadows the extraordinary divine plan that will unfold, bringing about God's purposes despite human disbelief and opposition.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 37:10 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Rhetorical Question, as Jacob's questions, "What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed?" and "Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?", are not posed to elicit information but to express his strong disbelief, exasperation, and the perceived absurdity of Joseph's claim. This device effectively highlights the human perspective's inability to comprehend divine purposes. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as Foreshadowing, as Jacob's incredulous question ironically sets the stage for the literal fulfillment of the dream years later when his family, including himself, will indeed bow before Joseph in Egypt. This creates a powerful sense of Dramatic Irony, where the characters' present understanding and reactions stand in stark contrast to the audience's knowledge of the future events, underscoring God's ultimate control over human destiny.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:10 is a crucial moment that underscores God's sovereign hand in human affairs, revealing His purposes through prophetic dreams despite human resistance and misunderstanding. Joseph's dreams are not mere fantasies but genuine divine revelations, foretelling his future position of authority and provision. This passage vividly illustrates the tension between human perception and divine reality, demonstrating that what seems impossible or absurd from a limited human viewpoint is precisely what God intends to bring about. It also highlights the destructive power of envy and familial strife, which, though seemingly derailing God's plan, ultimately become the very means through which His purposes are accomplished.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's divine plans often unfold in ways that are initially perplexing, challenging, or even offensive to human understanding. We are called to exercise patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances appear to contradict His promises or when His revealed will seems utterly impossible from our limited perspective. The destructive power of envy and jealousy, so vividly illustrated in the brothers' reaction to Joseph's dreams, serves as a solemn cautionary tale, urging us to guard our hearts against such corrosive emotions that can fracture relationships and impede God's work. Ultimately, Joseph's arduous journey, initiated by these very dreams and the subsequent familial betrayal, stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing ability to bring His sovereign purposes to fruition, even through human opposition, misunderstanding, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word and His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jacob rebuke Joseph if the dream was from God?
Answer: Jacob's rebuke stemmed from a human perspective of the dream's implications, rather than a disbelief in God's ability to communicate through dreams. While Jacob was a man of faith who had received divine revelations (e.g., Genesis 28:12-15), the idea of his entire family, including himself and Joseph's mother, bowing down to a younger son directly challenged the established patriarchal and social order of their time. His concern was likely for family harmony and the perceived arrogance or presumption of the dream, which seemed to upend natural authority. However, his subsequent "observing the saying" in Genesis 37:11 suggests that despite his initial human reaction, he pondered its deeper, potentially divine, significance.
Did Joseph's mother actually bow down to him, as the dream implied?
Answer: Joseph's biological mother, Rachel, had tragically died giving birth to Benjamin (see Genesis 35:16-19). Therefore, she could not have physically bowed down to Joseph. The "mother" referred to in the dream and Jacob's question is generally understood to refer to Jacob's current living wife, Leah, or possibly a more symbolic representation of the matriarchal line of the family, representing the entire household. When the dream was fulfilled years later, the entire family, including Jacob and his sons (representing the lineage), did indeed bow before Joseph in Egypt, fulfilling the spirit and prophetic intent of the vision, even if Rachel herself was not physically present.
What is the significance of bowing "to the earth"?
Answer: To bow "to the earth" signifies a complete and utter act of prostration or homage. It denotes profound submission, deep respect, and often, worship. In the ancient Near East, such an act was typically performed before a king, a deity, or a superior authority, indicating complete deference and acknowledgment of another's power or status. In the context of Joseph's dream, it emphasizes the extraordinary, almost unthinkable, level of authority and reverence he would one day command, a position entirely contrary to his current status as a younger, favored son. This detail highlights the dramatic reversal of fortunes and the depth of the future submission.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's story, initiated by these prophetic dreams and his family's rejection, serves as a profound type of Christ, foreshadowing the life and work of the Messiah. Like Joseph, Jesus was the beloved Son of His Father, yet He was rejected by His own brethren, the Jewish people, who conspired against Him and delivered Him up (see John 1:11 and Acts 2:23). Joseph's suffering, betrayal, and descent into Egypt ultimately led to his exaltation as a ruler who provided salvation and sustenance for his family and many nations during a time of famine. Similarly, Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and descent into death led to His glorious resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God, becoming the ultimate provider of spiritual sustenance and eternal salvation for all who believe (see Philippians 2:8-9 and Hebrews 5:9). The bowing down of Joseph's family to him in Egypt, fulfilling the dream of Genesis 37:10, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate universal homage that will be paid to Christ, when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10), and "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11). This divine pattern of suffering leading to glory, and rejection leading to universal acknowledgment of supreme authority, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ.