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 captures the moment Joseph's brothers, consumed by deep-seated jealousy and hatred, mockingly identify him as "this dreamer" upon seeing him approach. This derisive label highlights their contempt for his prophetic dreams and their resentment of his favored status, setting the stage for their immediate conspiracy to eliminate him and thwart his perceived destiny.

### CONTEXT
This verse is a critical turning point in the narrative of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob (Israel), distinguished by his father's special affection and a unique coat ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's love for Joseph")). Joseph had also shared two prophetic dreams ([Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's first dream") and [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's second dream")) that depicted his family, including his brothers, bowing down to him. These dreams, coupled with his father's favoritism, fueled intense envy and animosity among his ten older brothers. In this scene, Joseph has been sent by his father to check on them while they tend flocks in Dothan, and their long-simmering resentment immediately erupts into a hostile, premeditated response as he draws near.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of [Genesis 37:19](/genesis/37-19 "KJV text of Genesis 37:19"), "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh," reveals the brothers' immediate and collective reaction to Joseph's appearance. Their words are not merely an observation but a statement dripping with scorn and malice, encapsulating their profound contempt for him and his prophetic claims.

* **"Behold, this dreamer cometh":** This phrase is a verbal assault, a public dismissal of Joseph's God-given dreams. The Hebrew term for "dreamer" (בַּעַל חֲלֹמוֹת, *ba'al chalomot*) literally means "master of dreams" or "possessor of dreams," but here it is used sarcastically and pejoratively. 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.
* **Collective Malice:** The phrase "they said one to another" emphasizes the brothers' unity in their hatred. This was not a singular outburst but a shared sentiment, a confirmation of their collective animosity and a prelude to their concerted action. It reveals a deep-seated, communal resentment that had festered among them.
* **Immediate Intent:** While this verse vocalizes their contempt, it immediately follows their conspiracy "to slay him" ([Genesis 37:18](/genesis/37-18 "The brothers conspire against Joseph")). Their verbal derision serves as an open declaration of their murderous intent, a justification for the evil they are about to commit. They saw him not as a brother but as an obstacle to be eliminated, a "dreamer" whose aspirations they intended to crush permanently.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Sibling Jealousy and Hatred:** The verse vividly portrays the destructive power of envy and hatred within a family, leading to extreme malice and a plot against one's own kin.
* **Divine Revelation Mocked:** Joseph's dreams, though from God, are scorned and used as a basis for rejection, highlighting humanity's frequent resistance to divine truth when it challenges personal desires or status.
* **Human Malice vs. Divine Sovereignty:** 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.
* **Foreshadowing of Suffering and Exaltation:** This moment marks the abrupt end of Joseph's sheltered life and the beginning of his trials, which would ultimately lead to his exaltation and role as a deliverer, mirroring the pattern of suffering preceding glory.
* **The Power of Words:** The brothers' derisive words, though intended to diminish Joseph, paradoxically confirm the very essence of his identity and future role as God's chosen "dreamer."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 37:19](/genesis/37-19 "KJV text of 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 danger of allowing bitterness to fester, as it can escalate from contemptuous words to murderous intent. Conversely, it 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.

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

Answer: They call him "this dreamer" as a term of derision and contempt. It's 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.

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

Answer: The text doesn't explicitly state whether they believed the dreams were from God, but their reaction 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, even if they scorned their divine source.

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

Answer: The word "cometh" highlights the immediacy 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.

### 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, sent to His own people, yet He was met with scorn, rejection, and a conspiracy against His life by those who should have received Him. The brothers' derisive "Behold, this dreamer cometh" echoes the world's rejection of Christ's divine claims and His kingdom. 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 and the eternal salvation of all who believe, fulfilling God's sovereign plan despite human malice.

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.