Genesis 37:11

KJV

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his brethren {H251} envied {H7065} him; but his father {H1} observed {H8104} the saying {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Berean Standard Bible

And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.

American Standard Version

And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:11 vividly portrays the escalating familial discord surrounding Joseph, highlighting his brothers' intense envy in stark contrast to Jacob's thoughtful contemplation of Joseph's prophetic dreams. This pivotal verse not only underscores the destructive potential of human sin within intimate relationships but also subtly introduces the theme of divine sovereignty, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's overarching plan through Joseph's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joseph's sharing of his second dream, where the sun, moon, and eleven stars—representing his parents and brothers—bowed down to him ([Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's Second Dream")). This dream, even more audacious than the first involving bowing sheaves ([Genesis 37:7](/genesis/37-7 "Joseph's First Dream")), intensified the animosity already fueled by Jacob's overt favoritism, symbolized by the distinctive [coat of many colors](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Favoritism and Joseph's Coat"). The narrative of Joseph's dreams and his brothers' reactions serves as a crucial turning point in the patriarchal history, propelling the plot towards Joseph's eventual sale into slavery and the subsequent events that lead to the family's migration to Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams were often perceived as significant vehicles for divine revelation, carrying prophetic weight and sometimes requiring interpretation. Joseph's recounting of his dreams, therefore, was not merely idle chatter but a declaration of perceived divine favor and future preeminence, which would have been highly provocative in a patriarchal society where birth order and familial hierarchy were paramount. Sibling rivalry was a recurring and often violent theme in the patriarchal narratives, notably seen in the story of [Cain and Abel](/genesis/4 "Cain and Abel") and Jacob's own contentious relationship with [Esau](/genesis/27 "Jacob and Esau"). Within this cultural backdrop, Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, the son of his beloved Rachel, was a significant breach of social norms and a direct catalyst for the brothers' intense resentment.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Envy") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Genesis and beyond. The **destructive power of envy** is vividly displayed, showing how unchecked resentment can lead to malice and violence within a family. The **theme of divine sovereignty and providence** is subtly introduced through Joseph's divinely inspired dreams, indicating that God's purposes will prevail despite human sin and opposition. Furthermore, the narrative explores the **complexities of family dynamics**, highlighting the consequences of favoritism and sibling rivalry, which often serve as a backdrop for God's redemptive work, as seen later in [Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers](/genesis/45 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **envied (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** From H7065, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious." It denotes a strong, fervent, often hostile jealousy or indignation. In this context, it describes the brothers' deep-seated resentment, a passionate and destructive emotion that goes beyond mere dislike to an active desire for Joseph's downfall, bordering on zeal against him.
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** From H1, a primitive word meaning "father," used literally and immediately. Here, it refers to Jacob, Joseph's biological father. The term emphasizes his patriarchal role and authority within the family, making his reaction to the dreams particularly significant in contrast to his sons'.
* **observed (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, a primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." It implies careful watching, keeping, preserving, or guarding. Jacob's "observing" suggests a deliberate act of retaining and pondering the dreams, not dismissing them, but holding them in his mind as something potentially significant, perhaps even prophetic, to be guarded or kept for future understanding.
* **saying (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." It encompasses a broad range of meanings including an act, affair, message, or decree. Here, "the saying" refers to Joseph's dreams and their implied meaning, which Jacob carefully considered. It highlights the weight and substance Jacob attributed to Joseph's words, recognizing them as more than mere youthful boasts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his brethren envied him":** This clause reveals the intense, negative emotional state of Joseph's brothers. Their envy (from _qânâʼ_) was not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated, simmering resentment fueled by Joseph's favored status and his prophetic dreams that suggested their subservience to him. This envy was a powerful, corrosive force that would soon manifest in violent action, leading them to plot against Joseph and eventually sell him into slavery. It underscores the destructive potential of unchecked jealousy within familial bonds.
* **"but his father observed the saying":** In stark contrast to his sons' hostile reaction, Jacob's response is one of quiet contemplation. The verb "observed" (from _shâmar_) indicates that Jacob did not dismiss or forget Joseph's dreams, despite his initial rebuke ([Genesis 37:10](/genesis/37-10 "Jacob's Rebuke of Joseph")). Instead, he carefully considered their meaning, storing them away in his mind and heart. This suggests a measure of wisdom and patience, perhaps recalling his own experiences with divine encounters and understanding that God's ways are often mysterious and unfold over time. Jacob's act of "observing" implies a recognition of the potential prophetic significance of these visions, acknowledging their weight even if he did not fully grasp their implications at that moment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device, sharply juxtaposing the brothers' destructive envy with Jacob's contemplative observation. This highlights the divergent responses to divine revelation and the differing states of their hearts. The brothers' immediate, visceral reaction of envy stands in stark opposition to Jacob's more measured, patient, and discerning approach. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future unfolding of God's plan. Jacob's act of "observing" suggests that the dreams hold a deeper, prophetic significance that will eventually come to pass, even if through difficult circumstances. This foreshadows Joseph's eventual rise to power and the fulfillment of the dreams. The dreams themselves serve as **Symbolism**, representing God's divine purpose and Joseph's future role, which Jacob, unlike his sons, seems to instinctively recognize as more than mere fantasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:11 profoundly illustrates the pervasive theme of human sin, particularly the destructive nature of envy, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering sovereignty. The brothers' bitter jealousy serves as a stark warning against allowing such corrosive emotions to take root, demonstrating how they can lead to profound relational breakdown and even violence. Yet, in contrast, Jacob's thoughtful observation of the dreams subtly points to a divine hand at work, suggesting that even through human malice and suffering, God's overarching plan for Joseph and his family will ultimately prevail. This tension between human sin and divine providence is a central theological thread woven throughout the biblical narrative.

* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Envy's Cruelty")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Luke 2:19](/luke/2-19 "Luke 2:19 - Mary Pondering Things in Her Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to examine our own hearts and trust in God's unfolding plan. Firstly, the brothers' envy serves as a potent reminder to guard diligently against the insidious nature of jealousy, which, as [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Proverbs 14:30 - Envy Rots the Bones") warns, "rots the bones." Cultivating contentment, practicing gratitude, and genuinely celebrating the successes of others are vital antidotes to this destructive emotion. Secondly, Jacob's response encourages us to adopt a posture of patient observation and discernment when faced with circumstances that are unclear, challenging, or even seemingly contradictory to our expectations. Like Jacob, we are called to ponder God's workings in our lives and in the world, trusting that clarity often comes through patient waiting, prayer, and reflection, rather than immediate dismissal or despair. Finally, Joseph's story, set in motion by this verse, powerfully testifies to God's sovereign ability to orchestrate His perfect will even through human evil and suffering, transforming malevolent intentions into instruments of divine grace and ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some practical ways to identify and combat the subtle beginnings of envy in our own hearts and relationships?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of patient observation and discernment, like Jacob, when God's plans or circumstances in our lives are unclear or challenging?**
* **In what ways does this narrative encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we witness human sin and injustice at play?**

### FAQ
**What does "observed the saying" imply about Jacob's understanding of Joseph's dreams?**

Answer: Jacob's act of "observing the saying" (Hebrew: _shâmar_) indicates that he did not dismiss Joseph's dreams outright, despite his initial rebuke. It suggests he carefully considered their meaning, storing them in his mind for future contemplation. While he may not have fully understood their prophetic implications at that moment, he recognized their potential significance, perhaps sensing a divine hand at play, given his own history of divine encounters and the cultural understanding of dreams as potential divine revelation. This contrasts sharply with his sons' immediate, hostile reaction, highlighting Jacob's greater spiritual maturity and discernment.

**Why was the brothers' envy so destructive in this narrative?**

Answer: The brothers' envy was profoundly destructive because it was not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated, festering resentment fueled by Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams. This unchecked envy led them to dehumanize Joseph, culminating in their plot to kill him and ultimately selling him into slavery ([Genesis 37:18-28](/genesis/37-18-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")). It demonstrates how envy, when allowed to take root and fester, can lead to extreme malice, break familial bonds, and result in severe consequences for all involved, illustrating the biblical principle that negative emotions, if not managed, can lead to sin and widespread destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 37:11 profoundly prefigures Christ in the narrative of Joseph's rejection and eventual exaltation. Joseph, envied and rejected by his own brothers—his own people—foreshadows Jesus, who was similarly "despised and rejected by mankind" by His own people ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected") and [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Just as Joseph's brothers' envy led to his suffering and apparent defeat, which God sovereignly used to save his family and many others from famine, so too did the envy and rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders lead to His crucifixion. This ultimate act of human malice was, in God's perfect plan, the very means for the salvation of all humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). Both narratives powerfully underscore God's ability to work His perfect will through human sin and suffering, transforming evil intentions into instruments of divine grace and ultimate triumph, culminating in the exaltation of the rejected one, as seen in Christ's resurrection and ascension ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

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

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

Luke 2:51

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Daniel 7:28

Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Genesis 26:14

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 26:16

And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.