Genesis 37:18

KJV

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they saw {H7200} him afar off {H7350}, even before he came near {H7126} unto them, they conspired {H5230} against him to slay {H4191} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

They spotted him in the distance, and before he had arrived where they were, they had already plotted to kill him.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.

American Standard Version

And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:18 unveils a chilling portrait of human malice, depicting the moment Joseph's brothers, consumed by deep-seated jealousy and resentment, immediately recognized him from afar and, with cold deliberation, conspired to take his life. This pivotal act of familial betrayal not only highlights the destructive power of unchecked sin but also sets in motion a divinely orchestrated narrative that will profoundly shape Joseph's destiny and, through him, the future of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 37 marks a significant shift in the book of Genesis, moving from the patriarchal narratives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the detailed story of Joseph. The preceding chapters have established Jacob's large family, fraught with internal strife, favoritism, and sibling rivalry, particularly between the sons of Leah and Rachel. Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob's old age and Rachel, is introduced with distinct privileges, including the infamous "coat of many colours" ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Coat")). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's youthful indiscretion in sharing two prophetic dreams that foretold his future supremacy over his family ([Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5 - Joseph's First Dream") and [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Genesis 37:9 - Joseph's Second Dream")), inflamed his brothers' hatred to a murderous degree. Verse 18 directly follows Jacob sending Joseph to check on his brothers, unknowingly sending him into the very den of their animosity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in the pastoral lands of Canaan, specifically around Shechem and Dothan, where nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples like Jacob's family would graze their flocks. Familial structures in the ancient Near East were patriarchal, with the father holding absolute authority and inheritance typically following primogeniture, though exceptions for favored sons were not unheard of, often leading to tension. Sibling rivalry, especially among half-brothers from multiple wives, was a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives (e.g., Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau). The concept of "conspiracy" (Hebrew *nakal*) in this context implies a calculated, premeditated act, distinguishing it from a spontaneous outburst of violence. Murder within a family was a grave offense, often met with severe societal and divine repercussions, yet the brothers' deep-seated envy overrode these cultural and moral boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:18 powerfully introduces and develops several key themes that permeate the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. The **destructive power of sin**, particularly **envy and hatred**, is starkly displayed as the brothers' animosity escalates to a murderous plot, illustrating how unchecked negative emotions can corrupt familial bonds. This verse also initiates the theme of **divine sovereignty in the face of human evil**, as the brothers' wicked intentions, though seemingly triumphant, are ultimately woven into God's larger redemptive plan for Israel, a theme later explicitly articulated by Joseph himself in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose"). Furthermore, the narrative highlights the theme of **betrayal and suffering**, as Joseph is unjustly targeted by his own family, foreshadowing a long period of trials that will ultimately lead to his transformation and exaltation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely a physical act of seeing, but often implies discernment, perception, and even consideration. In this context, the brothers "saw" Joseph not just with their eyes, but with a gaze tainted by resentment, immediately recognizing him despite the distance. Their sight was coupled with an immediate, malevolent recognition of the object of their hatred, indicating a pre-existing disposition.
* **conspired (Hebrew, _nâkal'_):** Derived from a primitive root, this word denotes acting treacherously, deceitfully, or subtly. It implies a calculated, deliberate plot rather than a spontaneous outburst of rage. The brothers did not merely react; they "conspired," indicating a concerted, malicious plan hatched in secret, aiming to defraud or harm Joseph through cunning and pre-meditation.
* **slay (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root means "to die" literally or figuratively, and causatively, "to kill." Here, it explicitly states their ultimate, unambiguous goal: to cause Joseph's death. The use of this strong verb leaves no doubt about the severity and finality of their murderous intent, highlighting the extreme depth of their hatred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they saw him afar off":** This opening clause establishes the critical moment of recognition. Joseph's distinctive attire (the coat of many colors) or simply their intimate knowledge of him allowed for immediate identification even from a distance. The phrase underscores the brothers' constant awareness of Joseph and the simmering resentment that was always present, ready to ignite upon his appearance.
* **"even before he came near unto them":** This crucial temporal marker emphasizes the premeditated and instantaneous nature of their malicious decision. Their plot was not a reaction to a close encounter or a fresh provocation, but a cold, calculated intent formed before any direct interaction could occur. It highlights the depth of their pre-existing animosity, which required no further stimulus to manifest as a murderous scheme.
* **"they conspired against him to slay him":** This culminating phrase reveals the dark heart of the verse. The verb "conspired" (Hebrew *nâkal*) denotes a deliberate, crafty, and treacherous plotting, indicating a unified and malicious intent among the brothers. Their goal was unambiguous: "to slay him," meaning to murder Joseph. This was an act of profound familial betrayal, born out of unchecked envy and hatred, aiming to eliminate the source of their perceived grievance and rivalry.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 37:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the chilling intent of Joseph's brothers. The immediate recognition of Joseph "afar off" and the rapid formation of their plot "even before he came near" creates a sense of **foreshadowing** and **dramatic irony**. The audience knows Joseph's fate is sealed by their malice, even as he innocently approaches. The phrase "conspired against him to slay him" uses **direct statement** to convey the raw, unambiguous evil of their intent, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The **contrast** between Joseph's innocent approach (implied by his mission to check on them) and his brothers' murderous thoughts underscores the deep moral chasm between them. Furthermore, the brothers' collective action ("they conspired") highlights the **unity in wickedness**, a chilling portrayal of how shared animosity can lead to collective sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implications of Genesis 37:18 extend far beyond a simple family dispute. This verse serves as a stark biblical illustration of the **destructive power of sin**, particularly the insidious nature of envy and hatred. It reveals how these unchecked emotions, when allowed to fester in the human heart, can lead to the most heinous acts, even against one's own flesh and blood. Yet, even in this dark moment of human depravity, the narrative subtly introduces the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty**. While the brothers acted out of pure malice, their actions unwittingly became the initial catalyst for God's redemptive plan, setting Joseph on a path that would ultimately lead to the preservation of his family and the nation of Israel during a devastating famine. This tension between human responsibility for sin and God's ultimate control over history is a foundational theological truth woven throughout the biblical narrative.

* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - The Cruelty of Envy") - "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?"
* [1 John 3:12](/1_john/3-12 "1 John 3:12 - Cain and Abel") - "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous."
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Purpose in Suffering") - "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Joseph's brothers conspiring against him in Genesis 37:18 offers timeless and profound lessons for personal reflection and application. It serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of unchecked envy, resentment, and hatred within our own hearts and relationships, particularly within the sacred bonds of family and community. This narrative challenges us to honestly examine our own motives and emotions, prompting us to ask if we harbor any bitterness or jealousy that, if left unaddressed, could lead to destructive thoughts, words, or actions. The brothers' immediate and cold-blooded plot reminds us that sin's progression can be swift and deadly, moving from internal resentment to external, malicious intent. Yet, even in this dark portrayal of human depravity, the underlying narrative of God's sovereignty offers immense comfort and hope. It reminds us that even when faced with profound injustice and betrayal, God remains in control, capable of orchestrating His redemptive purposes through the most unlikely and even wicked circumstances. This should encourage us to trust in His ultimate plan, even when our present circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, and to seek His grace to overcome destructive emotions and pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, as Joseph himself would later exemplify.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unchecked emotions (e.g., envy, resentment, anger) might I be harboring that could lead to destructive thoughts or actions?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of human evil and God's sovereignty working concurrently?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate forgiveness and reconciliation in my relationships, rather than allowing bitterness to fester?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph's brothers hate him so much?**

Answer: Joseph's brothers harbored intense hatred for him primarily due to their father Jacob's overt favoritism, which was visibly symbolized by the special [coat of many colours](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Coat"). This favoritism was further exacerbated by Joseph's youthful indiscretion in sharing two prophetic dreams ([Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5 - Joseph's First Dream") and [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Genesis 37:9 - Joseph's Second Dream")) that explicitly foretold his future prominence and their subservience to him, fueling their jealousy and resentment to a murderous degree.

**Does "conspired against him to slay him" imply a spontaneous act or a planned one?**

Answer: The phrase "conspired against him to slay him" strongly implies a planned and premeditated act, not a spontaneous outburst. The Hebrew word *nâkal* (נָכַל), translated as "conspired," denotes acting subtly, craftily, or deceitfully, suggesting a deliberate and calculated plot. Furthermore, the preceding phrase "even before he came near unto them" emphasizes that their decision was made upon immediate recognition from a distance, indicating a deep-seated and malicious intent that required no further provocation to manifest as a murderous scheme.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 37:18, with its chilling depiction of Joseph's betrayal and conspiracy by his own brothers, stands as a profound Old Testament prefigurement of the ultimate betrayal and suffering of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, the beloved son, was hated by his own kin and conspired against to be "slain," so too was Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, rejected by His own people, the Jews, and conspired against by the religious authorities who sought His death ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own") and [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Conspiracy Against Jesus")). Joseph's brothers sold him for twenty pieces of silver, a direct parallel to Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas's Betrayal")). The suffering Joseph endured, initiated by this act of malice, ultimately led to his exaltation as a deliverer and savior, preserving his family and many nations from famine. This mirrors Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and death, which, through God's sovereign plan, led to His glorious resurrection and exaltation ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), providing salvation from eternal death for all who believe. Joseph, in his journey from the pit to the palace, from rejection to reconciliation, becomes a powerful **type of Christ**, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses human evil and suffering to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately bringing life and salvation out of death and betrayal ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Mark 14:1

¶ After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

Psalms 37:12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

1 Samuel 19:1

¶ And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

Psalms 31:13

For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

John 11:53

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.