Genesis 37:14

KJV

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} to him, Go {H3212}, I pray thee, see {H7200} whether it be well {H7965} with thy brethren {H251}, and well {H7965} with the flocks {H6629}; and bring {H7725} me word {H1697} again {H7725}. So he sent {H7971} him out of the vale {H6010} of Hebron {H2275}, and he came {H935} to Shechem {H7927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to him, "Go now, see whether things are going well with your brothers and with the sheep, and bring word back to me." So he sent him away from the Hevron Valley, and he went to Sh'khem,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,

American Standard Version

And he said to him, Go now, see whether it is well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:14 narrates Jacob's instruction to his favored son, Joseph, to journey from their home in the vale of Hebron to Shechem. The purpose of this seemingly innocuous errand was for Joseph to ascertain the well-being of his elder brothers and their flocks. This paternal concern, however, providentially sets in motion a dramatic chain of events, leading to Joseph's betrayal, his enslavement in Egypt, and ultimately his rise to power, which would prove instrumental in preserving the nascent nation of Israel during a severe famine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of Joseph, which begins in [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Early Life and Dreams") and extends through [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Joseph's Death and Legacy"). Immediately preceding this verse, Joseph has already provoked the intense jealousy of his brothers by sharing his prophetic dreams of their subservience to him ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5-11 "Joseph's Dreams")). Jacob's decision to send Joseph, his beloved son, alone to his resentful brothers, even after their clear animosity, heightens the narrative tension and foreshadows the impending conflict. This command serves as the direct catalyst for Joseph's departure from the safety of his father's home and into the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pastoralism was the primary mode of life for Jacob's family, necessitating the movement of flocks to find grazing lands. Shechem, located north of Hebron, was a known pastureland, but also a place with a complicated history for Jacob's family. It was where Jacob had previously settled after returning from Paddan Aram ([Genesis 33:18](/genesis/33-18 "Jacob Arrives at Shechem")), and tragically, it was the site of [Dinah's defilement and the subsequent violent revenge of Simeon and Levi](/genesis/34 "Dinah and the Shechemites"). Sending Joseph to Shechem, therefore, carried an implicit risk, given the family's past tumultuous experiences there and the potential for renewed conflict, especially with the brothers already harboring deep-seated resentment against Joseph.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly mundane human decisions and actions to fulfill His grand purposes, even through human sin and suffering. It underscores the theme of **Familial Conflict and Reconciliation**, which is a recurring motif throughout Genesis, particularly within Jacob's family. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Suffering Leading to Exaltation**, as Joseph's journey initiated here will lead him through immense hardship before his eventual rise to power and his role as a preserver of life. The father's **Paternal Concern** for his children's welfare, encapsulated in the desire for their "well-being" (*shalom*), also stands out.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say" and is used with great latitude, encompassing answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, demanding, and more. In this context, it signifies Jacob's authoritative yet concerned **utterance** or **command** to Joseph, initiating the crucial journey. It is not merely a suggestion but a directive from a father to his son.
* **Well (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From the root meaning "to be complete," *shalom* is a rich concept far exceeding mere absence of conflict. It denotes **completeness, welfare, prosperity, health, safety, and overall well-being**. When Jacob asks Joseph to "see whether it be well," he is expressing a comprehensive concern for the holistic flourishing of his sons and their flocks, not just their physical safety but their thriving in every aspect.
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root means "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a wide variety of applications from appointing to casting out. Here, it denotes Jacob's decisive **act of dispatching** Joseph on his mission. This "sending" is not just a physical act but a narrative trigger, propelling Joseph from the familiar confines of Hebron into the unknown and ultimately, into the very heart of God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks;":** This initial clause reveals Jacob's paternal solicitude. The phrase "I pray thee" (literally "go, please") softens the command, indicating a heartfelt request born of concern. Jacob's primary desire is to ascertain the comprehensive "well-being" (*shalom*) of his sons and their livelihood, the flocks, which were essential to the family's survival and prosperity. This highlights a father's natural anxiety for his absent children and the family's economic stability.
* **"and bring me word again.":** This part of the command emphasizes the need for a report. Jacob desires concrete "word" or "tidings" (*dâbâr*) regarding the situation. This instruction underscores the practical nature of the errand while also setting up the dramatic tension, as the "word" Joseph eventually brings back will be far from what Jacob anticipated. The repetition of "again" (from *shûwb*, to turn back) implies a complete report and return.
* **"So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron,":** This clause marks the commencement of Joseph's fateful journey. "The vale of Hebron" signifies the family's established dwelling place, a site of patriarchal heritage and burial ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Sarah's Burial in Hebron")), representing a place of relative safety and familial roots. The act of "sending" (H7971, *shâlach*) is decisive, propelling Joseph away from this secure environment.
* **"and he came to Shechem.":** This final clause specifies Joseph's destination. Shechem was a significant, yet historically troubled, location for Jacob's family, having been the site of a violent incident involving Dinah and Jacob's sons ([Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "Dinah and the Shechemites")). Joseph's arrival here is not merely a geographical detail but a symbolic transition from the security of Hebron to a place fraught with past conflict and the immediate danger of his brothers' animosity, setting the stage for the narrative's turning point.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the seemingly simple errand of checking on his brothers subtly hints at the impending conflict and betrayal that will befall Joseph. The journey from the familiar "vale of Hebron" to the potentially hostile "Shechem" serves as a **Symbolism** of Joseph's transition from the safety of his father's favor to a period of trials and suffering. There is also a strong element of **Narrative Catalyst**, where this single command and act of obedience initiate the entire Joseph narrative, setting in motion the complex tapestry of divine providence and human agency. Finally, a subtle **Irony** is present in Jacob's desire for his sons' "well-being" (*shalom*), which paradoxically leads to Joseph's profound suffering, yet ultimately results in the *shalom* of the entire family and nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:14, though brief, is imbued with profound theological significance, illustrating God's meticulous orchestration of human events. Jacob's concern for the *shalom* of his family reflects a deep biblical understanding of well-being that extends beyond mere physical safety to encompass holistic flourishing. Joseph's immediate obedience, despite the known animosity of his brothers and the challenging journey, underscores a theme of faithful submission that, while leading to personal suffering, ultimately serves a greater divine purpose. This seemingly ordinary errand becomes a pivotal moment, a divinely appointed step that propels Joseph into his destiny, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding His people even through their trials and the sinful actions of others, ultimately working all things for good to accomplish His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose Through Evil")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Christ Learned Obedience Through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses the mundane, the difficult, and even the seemingly insignificant moments of our lives to advance His grand purposes. Joseph's simple act of obedience to his father's request, undertaken without full knowledge of the trials ahead, became the very first step in a divinely orchestrated journey that would save his family and shape the destiny of a nation. For us, this means that our daily acts of faithfulness, our willingness to obey God's call even when the path is unclear or challenging, are never wasted. We are called to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, believing that He is at work even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust. This narrative encourages us to embrace our present circumstances, knowing that God can weave them into a beautiful tapestry of His redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness and control over all things, even through human brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's concern for his sons' "well-being" (*shalom*) challenge or expand your understanding of true peace and prosperity?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to an act of obedience today, even if the outcome is uncertain or potentially difficult?**
* **How can recognizing God's divine providence in Joseph's story help you to trust Him more fully with the unexpected turns and challenges in your own life?**
* **Can you identify a time when a seemingly small or ordinary decision led to significant, unforeseen outcomes in your life, reflecting God's larger plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob send Joseph alone to his brothers, knowing their animosity?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not explicitly detail the full extent of Jacob's awareness regarding his sons' murderous hatred for Joseph, it does indicate that Joseph was Jacob's favored son and had recently shared dreams that deeply angered his brothers ([Genesis 37:2-4](/genesis/37-2-4 "Joseph's Dreams and Brothers' Hatred")). Jacob's primary motivation appears to be a father's natural concern for the well-being of his sons and their flocks, who were far from home. From a theological perspective, this seemingly risky decision was part of God's sovereign plan, a necessary catalyst to initiate the events that would lead to Joseph's destiny in Egypt and the ultimate preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. God often uses human decisions, even those made with incomplete information, to fulfill His perfect will.

**What is the significance of "the vale of Hebron" and "Shechem" in this verse?**

Answer: The "vale of Hebron" was a deeply significant location for the patriarchs, serving as a family dwelling and a revered burial ground, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were interred ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Sarah's Burial in Hebron")). It represents a place of heritage, familial roots, and relative safety. Shechem, conversely, had a more troubled history for Jacob's family, notably marked by [Dinah's defilement and the violent revenge of Simeon and Levi](/genesis/34 "Dinah and the Shechemites"). Joseph's journey from the security and patriarchal sanctity of Hebron to the historically conflicted Shechem, and subsequently to Dothan, underscores a symbolic transition from familial peace and safety to imminent danger and the beginning of his profound trials. It highlights the geographical and spiritual journey from a place of blessing to one of testing.

**Does "see whether it be well" imply more than just physical safety?**

Answer: Absolutely. The Hebrew phrase translated "whether it be well" utilizes the word *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם, H7965). While often rendered as "peace," *shalom* carries a far richer and broader meaning in the biblical context. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, prosperity, health, well-being, harmony, and flourishing in every aspect of life—physical, spiritual, and relational. Therefore, Jacob was not merely inquiring about his sons' physical safety but was seeking assurance that they were thriving holistically, that their affairs were in good order, and that they were experiencing comprehensive well-being. This reflects a deep, comprehensive concern for their entire state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey in Genesis 37:14, initiated by his father's command and leading to his rejection and profound suffering at the hands of his own brothers, serves as a powerful and poignant type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was sent by His Father into the world, specifically to His own people, Israel, who ultimately rejected Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Came to His Own")). Joseph's descent into the pit and subsequent enslavement, mirroring Christ's suffering and death ([Isaiah 53:3-7](/isaiah/53-3-7 "The Suffering Servant")), was not the end of his story. His eventual exaltation to a position of immense power in Egypt, where he became the savior of his family and many nations from famine, powerfully foreshadows Christ's resurrection, ascension, and ultimate enthronement. Through Christ's suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection, He became the ultimate Savior, providing not merely physical sustenance but eternal life and spiritual nourishment for all who believe, thereby preserving a people for God and reconciling humanity to the Father ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"); [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")). Joseph's obedience to his father, even unto suffering, prefigures the perfect obedience of the Son to the Father's will ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Christ Learned Obedience Through Suffering")), which secured our salvation.

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 35:27

And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

Psalms 125:5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.

Luke 19:42

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Jeremiah 29:7

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

1 Samuel 17:17

And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched [corn], and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;