Genesis 37:19

KJV

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} one {H376} to another {H251}, Behold, this {H1976} dreamer {H1167}{H2472} cometh {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to each other, "Look, this dreamer is coming!

Berean Standard Bible

“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.

American Standard Version

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:19 vividly captures the culmination of Joseph's brothers' deep-seated jealousy and hatred, as they mockingly identify him as "this dreamer" upon seeing him approach. This derisive label, steeped in contempt for his prophetic dreams and resentment of his favored status, immediately precedes their conspiracy to eliminate him and thwart his perceived destiny, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel). It follows Jacob's clear favoritism towards Joseph, evidenced by the "coat of many colors" [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's special coat for Joseph"), and Joseph's sharing of two prophetic dreams [Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's first dream of sheaves bowing") and [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's second dream of sun, moon, and stars bowing") that depicted his family, including his brothers, bowing down to him. These factors ignited intense envy and animosity among his ten older brothers. The immediate preceding verse [Genesis 37:18](/genesis/37-18 "The brothers plot against Joseph") describes the brothers seeing Joseph "afar off" and conspiring "to slay him." Thus, verse 19 is not a spontaneous outburst but a verbal declaration of their premeditated malice as Joseph draws near, illustrating the depth of their resentment before they enact their cruel plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, family dynamics were crucial, and primogeniture often dictated inheritance and authority. Jacob's blatant favoritism towards Joseph, a younger son born to his beloved Rachel, would have been highly provocative and culturally disruptive, fueling resentment among the older sons, particularly those born to Leah and the servant wives. The nomadic pastoral lifestyle meant that brothers often worked together, tending flocks, which provided ample opportunity for their animosity to fester away from their father's watchful eye. Dreams, in this ancient Near Eastern context, were often considered significant, sometimes even divine communications, but they could also be viewed with suspicion, especially if they challenged established hierarchies or personal ambitions. Joseph's dreams, foretelling his ascendancy, would have been interpreted by his brothers as arrogant claims to power, further justifying their hostile reaction within their competitive family structure.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37 contributes significantly to several major themes that permeate the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The verse highlights the destructive power of **sibling rivalry and jealousy**, a recurring motif from Cain and Abel [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Cain and Abel") to Jacob and Esau [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob deceives Esau"). It also underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** at work through human actions, even sinful ones, as the brothers' malicious intent unwittingly becomes the catalyst for God's plan to preserve Israel. Furthermore, Joseph's suffering and eventual exaltation, initiated by this moment of rejection, foreshadows the broader biblical pattern of **suffering leading to glory** and the **deliverer figure** who rises through adversity. The mocking of Joseph's dreams also touches on the theme of **divine revelation and human resistance**, as God's chosen messenger is scorned by those who refuse to acknowledge His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 37:19, "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh," encapsulates the brothers' immediate and collective reaction to Joseph's appearance, revealing a statement dripping with scorn and malice.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hallâzeh (Hebrew, _hallâzeh'_):** From the article and זֶה (zeh), meaning "this very" or "this." In this context, the use of "this" (H1976) is highly demonstrative and dismissive, pointing to Joseph with contempt. It serves to objectify him, reducing him from a brother to a mere "dreamer" and an object of their scorn, emphasizing their utter disdain and the personal nature of their animosity.
* **baʻal (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** From בָּעַל, meaning "a master," "owner," or "possessor." When combined with "chălôwm" (dream), it forms the phrase "master of dreams" or "possessor of dreams." Here, H1167 is used sarcastically to label Joseph as someone who presumptuously "owns" or "masters" dreams, implying that he is a self-appointed visionary whose claims are laughable and arrogant. This term, typically denoting authority, is twisted into an insult, highlighting their rejection of any authority Joseph might claim, especially through divine revelation.
* **chălôwm (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** From חָלַם, meaning "a dream." This word (H2472) refers to the content of Joseph's visions. When combined with "baʻal," it forms the full derisive title "baʻal hachalomot" (master/possessor of dreams). The brothers use this term to mock the very source of Joseph's perceived arrogance—his dreams. By calling him "this dreamer," they are not acknowledging the divine origin of his dreams but rather ridiculing him as a fantasist, a deluded individual whose visions are mere figments of an overactive imagination, unworthy of respect or belief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said one to another":** This phrase emphasizes the collective nature of their animosity. It was not a singular, spontaneous outburst but a shared sentiment, a confirmation of their communal hatred. This verbal exchange signifies a moment of unified purpose and agreement among the brothers, solidifying their conspiracy and revealing a deep-seated, festering resentment that had reached its boiling point. It underscores the deliberateness of their subsequent actions.
* **"Behold, this dreamer cometh":** This is a statement laden with sarcasm, derision, and malice. The exclamation "Behold!" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) draws immediate attention, not in wonder, but in scorn. The phrase "this dreamer" (Hebrew: בַּעַל הַחֲלֹמוֹת, _ba'al hachalomot_, "the master of dreams") is a pejorative label, a public dismissal of Joseph's God-given dreams and, by extension, of Joseph himself. It signifies their utter disbelief and disdain for the divine origin of his visions, viewing them instead as arrogant fantasies. This mocking title underscores their desire to undermine his authority and destiny, serving as a verbal justification for the evil they are about to commit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the brothers' animosity and the narrative's tension. **Irony** is prominent, as the brothers' derisive label "this dreamer" inadvertently confirms Joseph's true identity and future role as God's chosen visionary, whose dreams will indeed come to pass. Their attempt to diminish him paradoxically highlights his significance. **Sarcasm** is evident in their tone and the mocking use of "master of dreams," twisting a potentially honorable title into an insult. This verbal **derision** serves as a prelude to their physical violence, demonstrating how contemptuous words can escalate into destructive actions. The phrase also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams through his later rise to power, despite the brothers' immediate efforts to prevent it. Finally, the collective utterance, "they said one to another," emphasizes the **unanimity** of their hatred, creating a sense of impending doom and highlighting the deep-seated malice within the family unit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of envy and hatred within human relationships, particularly within a family. It highlights how sin can blind individuals to truth and lead them to reject God's chosen instruments, even when those instruments bear divine revelation. Despite the brothers' wicked intent to thwart God's plan by eliminating the "dreamer," their actions unwittingly become the very means by which God's sovereign purposes for Joseph's life and the salvation of Israel are set in motion. This tension between human malice and divine sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout biblical history.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's statement of God's purpose")
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "Joseph's suffering and exaltation")
* [Acts 7:9](/acts/7-9 "Stephen on Joseph's brothers' envy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:19 serves as a stark reminder of how deeply rooted sin, particularly jealousy and hatred, can be within the human heart, leading to destructive words and actions. It prompts us to examine our own attitudes toward others, especially those we perceive as rivals or those who seemingly possess more favor or giftedness. The brothers' reaction demonstrates the profound danger of allowing bitterness to fester, as it can escalate from contemptuous words to murderous intent. Conversely, this narrative encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when faced with mockery, rejection, or adversity, recognizing that human evil cannot ultimately thwart divine purpose. It also challenges us to consider how we respond when God's truth or His chosen ones challenge our own comfort, status, or preconceived notions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does unchecked envy manifest in our own lives, and what steps can we take to root it out before it leads to destructive words or actions?**
* **In what ways might we, like Joseph's brothers, be tempted to mock or dismiss those whom God has uniquely gifted or called, simply because their path challenges our own expectations or desires?**
* **How can the story of Joseph's suffering at the hands of his brothers strengthen our faith in God's sovereignty, even amidst personal trials and injustices?**

### FAQ
**Why do Joseph's brothers call him "this dreamer"?**

Answer: They call him "this dreamer" as a term of profound derision and contempt. It is a sarcastic dismissal of his prophetic dreams, which they viewed as arrogant fantasies that threatened their own position and future. By labeling him a "dreamer," they intended to mock his perceived grandiosity and justify their hatred, reducing him to a figure of ridicule rather than acknowledging any potential divine origin of his visions.

**Did the brothers believe Joseph's dreams were from God?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state whether they believed the dreams were from God, but their reaction strongly suggests they perceived the dreams as a direct threat to their authority and status, regardless of their origin. Their immediate response was to eliminate the "dreamer" and prevent the dreams from coming true, indicating a recognition of their potential significance and power, even if they scorned their divine source and Joseph's role as the recipient. Their animosity was rooted in the perceived challenge to their own standing.

**What is the significance of "cometh" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "cometh" (Hebrew: בּוֹא, _bôw'_) highlights the immediacy and directness of their reaction. They saw him "afar off" [Genesis 37:18](/genesis/37-18 "The brothers conspire against Joseph") and immediately formulated their plan and verbalized their contempt as he approached. It emphasizes the sudden, overwhelming surge of their hatred and the swiftness of their decision to act upon it. The act of him "coming" directly into their presence served as the final catalyst for their long-simmering resentment to erupt into open hostility and conspiracy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, the "dreamer" mocked and rejected by his own brothers, profoundly foreshadows Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was the beloved Son of His Father [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's voice at Jesus' baptism"), sent to His own people [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not"), yet He was met with scorn, rejection, and a conspiracy against His life by those who should have received Him [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Chief priests conspire against Jesus"). The brothers' derisive "Behold, this dreamer cometh" echoes the world's rejection of Christ's divine claims and His kingdom [Matthew 27:29-30](/matthew/27-29-30 "Soldiers mock Jesus"). Yet, just as Joseph's suffering and rejection ultimately led to his exaltation and the salvation of his family and nations from famine, so too did Christ's rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection lead to His glorification [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's humiliation and exaltation") and the eternal salvation of all who believe [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in no one else"), fulfilling God's sovereign plan despite human malice. Joseph's story is a powerful prefigurement of the One who came to His own, was rejected, yet through His suffering became the ultimate deliverer.

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 28:12

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Genesis 49:23

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him:

Genesis 37:5

¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told [it] his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Genesis 37:11

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