Genesis 37:10

KJV

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?

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Joseph's early life, immediately following his first dream where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his own. The sharing of this second, even more audacious dream, involving the sun, moon, and eleven stars, escalates the already simmering animosity among Joseph's brothers, who deeply resent Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph, evidenced by the special tunic given to him, as noted in [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph"). Joseph's recounting of this dream directly precedes the brothers' conspiracy against him, leading to his eventual sale into slavery, thus setting in motion the dramatic events that will shape the destiny of Jacob's family and the nascent nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams were often regarded as significant channels of divine communication, carrying prophetic weight and authority. Rulers, patriarchs, and common people alike paid close attention to dreams, interpreting them as omens or messages from the gods. For Joseph to recount such a dream, implying his own future supremacy over his father, mother, and elder brothers, was not merely an act of youthful naiveté but a direct challenge to the established patriarchal hierarchy and social order. Such a claim, particularly from a younger son, would have been perceived as deeply provocative and even blasphemous, explaining the strong negative reactions from his family.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ability to reveal and enact His plans, even through the most improbable and humanly resisted circumstances. The verse also vividly portrays the destructive power of **Family Conflict and Jealousy**, a recurring motif in Genesis, as seen in the stories of Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau. Joseph's dreams, particularly this second one, serve as a catalyst for the brothers' envy and subsequent betrayal. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Suffering as a Pathway to Exaltation**, as Joseph's initial suffering and rejection, ironically triggered by these dreams, ultimately lead to his position of power and provision in Egypt, a fulfillment hinted at by Jacob's later "observing the saying" in [Genesis 37:11](/genesis/37-11 "Jacob ponders Joseph's words").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Hebrew, _gâʻar'_):** From the primitive root H1605, meaning "to chide; corrupt, rebuke, reprove." Jacob's "rebuke" here is not merely a mild correction but a sharp, authoritative reprimand, conveying his strong disapproval and concern over the implications of Joseph's dream. It reflects his attempt to "chide" Joseph out of what he perceives as arrogant presumption and a challenge to family order.
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** From H2472, meaning "a dream; dream(-er)." This word emphasizes the nature of the revelation Joseph received. In biblical contexts, dreams are often vehicles for divine communication, distinguishing them from mere nocturnal fantasies. The repetition of "dream that thou hast dreamed" underscores the direct and personal nature of this specific revelation to Joseph.
* **bow down (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812, meaning "to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God); bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship." This term signifies a profound act of homage, submission, and even worship, involving prostration to the ground. Jacob's incredulous question highlights the perceived impossibility of such an act from a patriarch and his family towards a younger son, yet it precisely describes the future fulfillment of the prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren:"** Joseph's act of recounting this dream, despite the previous negative reaction to his first dream, suggests either a profound naiveté regarding his family's feelings or an unwavering conviction in the dream's divine origin. His willingness to speak such a bold prophecy, which directly challenged the established family hierarchy, underscores the compelling nature of the divine communication he believed he had received.
* **"and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed?"** Jacob's response is immediate and sharp. His "rebuke" is a strong expression of incredulity and exasperation, reflecting his concern over the dream's implications for family hierarchy and harmony. Jacob, a man who had himself experienced divine dreams and wrestled with God, nonetheless struggles to accept the implications of this particular vision for his favored son, viewing it through a lens of human social order and potential disruption.
* **"Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?"** This rhetorical question from Jacob expresses the sheer impossibility, from a human perspective, of such an event. It highlights the perceived absurdity of the patriarch and his entire family bowing in profound submission to a younger son. The phrase "to the earth" signifies a deep, complete act of prostration and homage, typically reserved for kings or deities. This very scenario, however, would literally come to pass years later in Egypt, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign ability to fulfill His purposes despite human resistance and the most improbable circumstances.

#### 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.

* [Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Joseph's brothers bow down in Egypt")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's purpose in Joseph's suffering")
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "God sent Joseph ahead")

### 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
* **How do I react when God's revealed will or promises seem impossible or contrary to my understanding of how things "should" be?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to dismiss or resist a divine message because it challenges my preconceived notions or established order?**
* **How can I guard my heart against envy or resentment when others are blessed or seem to receive favor, even if it feels unfair?**
* **What "impossible" situations in my life might God be using as a pathway to fulfill a greater purpose, even if it involves suffering or misunderstanding?**

### 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](/genesis/28-12-15 "Jacob's dream at Bethel")), 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](/genesis/37-11 "Jacob ponders Joseph's words") 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](/genesis/35-16-19 "Rachel's death")). 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](/john/1-11 "Jesus came to His own") and [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Jesus delivered up by God's purpose")). 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](/philippians/2-8-9 "Christ's humility and exaltation") and [Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Jesus, the source of eternal salvation")). 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](/philippians/2-10 "Every knee bows to Jesus")), and "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Every tongue confesses Jesus is Lord")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 27:29

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.

Philippians 2:10

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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.

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.