Genesis 37:2

KJV

These [are] the generations of Jacob. Joseph, [being] seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad [was] with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the generations {H8435} of Jacob {H3290}. Joseph {H3130}, being seventeen {H6240}{H7651} years {H8141} old {H1121}, was feeding {H7462} the flock {H6629} with his brethren {H251}; and the lad {H5288} was with the sons {H1121} of Bilhah {H1090}, and with the sons {H1121} of Zilpah {H2153}, his father's {H1} wives {H802}: and Joseph {H3130} brought {H935} unto his father {H1} their evil {H7451} report {H1681}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the history of Ya'akov. When Yosef was seventeen years old he used to pasture the flock with his brothers, even though he was still a boy. Once when he was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives, he brought a bad report about them to their father.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them.

American Standard Version

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought the evil report of them unto their father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:2 serves as the narrative's pivot, introducing Joseph, a seventeen-year-old, tending his father's flocks alongside his half-brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. This verse immediately establishes the complex and fractious family dynamics within Jacob's household, highlighting Joseph's youth and his controversial act of bringing an "evil report" about his brothers to their father, Jacob. This seemingly minor incident is a crucial catalyst, setting the stage for the intense sibling rivalry, profound betrayal, and subsequent dramatic events that will shape Joseph's life and the destiny of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 37:2 initiates a new narrative section marked by the crucial *toledot* (generations) formula: "These are the generations of Jacob." This recurring structural device throughout Genesis (e.g., [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "Genesis 2:4 - The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth"), [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Generations of Adam")) signals a shift in focus to a new genealogical line and its unfolding history. While the heading names Jacob, the narrative immediately centers on Joseph, indicating that Joseph's story is the primary vehicle for the continuation of Jacob's legacy and God's covenant purposes through him. This abrupt shift from the preceding account of [Esau's descendants](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau") underscores the divine election of Jacob's line and sets the stage for the dramatic events that will lead to the formation of the twelve tribes and their descent into Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the patriarchal age, where pastoralism was the primary livelihood, and family units were the fundamental social and economic structures. Jacob's family, as depicted here, is a complex, polygamous household, a common, though often problematic, reality in ancient Near Eastern society. Joseph's brothers are distinguished by their mothers: Leah, Rachel, and the handmaids Bilhah and Zilpah. The sons of the handmaids (Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher) might have occupied a distinct, potentially lower, social standing within the family hierarchy compared to the sons of the primary wives, especially Rachel's sons. Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph, Rachel's firstborn, was culturally understood as a source of deep resentment and jealousy among the other sons, exacerbating existing tensions inherent in a polygamous family structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that will dominate the Joseph narrative and resonate throughout the book of Genesis. The theme of **family dysfunction** is paramount, evident in the complex sibling relationships and the "evil report" that ignites conflict. **Favoritism** and its destructive consequences are subtly introduced, as Joseph's youth and his association with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah hint at the divisions within the family that will be explicitly revealed in [Genesis 37:3-4](/genesis/37-3-4 "Genesis 37:3-4 - Jacob's Favoritism and Brothers' Hatred"). The underlying theme of **divine sovereignty** is also present, as even seemingly negative human actions, like the brothers' future betrayal, will ultimately serve God's larger redemptive plan, a truth powerfully articulated later in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose"). Joseph's early experiences also foreshadow the theme of **suffering leading to exaltation** and **preparation for leadership**, as his trials will forge him into the man capable of saving his family and a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Generations (Hebrew, _tôwlᵉdâh'_):** From H8435, this plural noun signifies "descent," "family," or "history." In Genesis, *toledot* serves as a crucial literary device, functioning as a heading that introduces a new genealogical and historical section. Here, "the generations of Jacob" signals the unfolding story of Jacob's family line, which immediately focuses on Joseph, indicating his central role in the continuation of the patriarchal narrative and God's covenant promises.
* **Lad (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** From H5288, this term refers to a "boy" from infancy to adolescence, often implying a servant. Joseph, at seventeen, is still considered a *naʻar*, highlighting his relative youth and perhaps a degree of naiveté. This designation sets him apart from his older brothers, emphasizing his vulnerability and potentially contributing to their perception of him as immature or a "tattletale," further fueling their animosity.
* **Evil Report (Hebrew, _dibbâh raʻ'_):** Composed of H1681 (_dibbâh_), meaning "slander," "defaming," or "infamy," and H7451 (_raʻ_), meaning "bad" or "evil." This phrase denotes a serious, damaging report, not mere gossip. The nature of the "evil" is unspecified, but it implies significant misconduct on the part of the brothers. Joseph's act of bringing this report to Jacob is the immediate catalyst for the narrative's conflict, revealing the deep-seated tensions and moral failings within the family that will lead to Joseph's suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the generations of Jacob":**
This opening clause functions as a literary heading, marking a new major section in the book of Genesis. The Hebrew word *toledot* (generations/accounts) signifies a shift in narrative focus from the preceding chapters detailing Esau's lineage to the unfolding history of Jacob's family. While Jacob is named, the subsequent narrative immediately pivots to Joseph, underscoring his pivotal role as the primary figure through whom God's covenant promises will continue to be realized.
* **"Joseph, [being] seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren":**
This clause introduces Joseph and his age, seventeen, placing him on the cusp of adulthood but still young. His occupation, "feeding the flock," connects him to the traditional pastoral livelihood of his patriarchal family, a common and significant role. The phrase "with his brethren" is crucial, as it sets the scene for the interactions that will lead to conflict, highlighting the immediate proximity of Joseph to those who will soon become his adversaries.
* **"and the lad [was] with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives":**
This detail specifies which brothers Joseph was with: Dan, Naphtali (sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid), and Gad, Asher (sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid). This particular grouping is significant because Joseph, as the favored son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, is noted to be with these half-brothers rather than with the older sons of Leah. This distinction subtly emphasizes the complex, stratified family structure and hints at the existing divisions and potential for rivalry, as the sons of the handmaids might have felt a lesser status or greater resentment towards Joseph due to Jacob's overt favoritism.
* **"and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report":**
This is the pivotal and most charged clause of the verse, immediately introducing the central conflict. The "evil report" (Hebrew: *dibbah ra'ah*) implies serious misconduct on the part of the brothers, not mere gossip. Joseph's act of reporting this to Jacob is open to various interpretations: it could be a righteous concern for his father's property or the family's moral integrity, or it could be a naive or imprudent act by a favored son. Regardless of Joseph's intent, this action would have been perceived by his brothers as betrayal or an attempt to curry further favor, serving as a direct catalyst for their escalating hatred and setting the entire Joseph narrative in motion, leading to his eventual sale into slavery.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 37:2 employs several literary devices to establish the narrative's trajectory. The most prominent is the **Toledot Formula**, "These are the generations of Jacob," which functions as a structural marker, signaling a new genealogical and historical section and immediately shifting the narrative's focus to Joseph. This formula also serves as **Foreshadowing**, indicating that the events detailed in this section, though centered on Joseph, are integral to the unfolding of God's plan for Jacob's descendants. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the favored young Joseph alongside the sons of the handmaids, subtly highlighting the inherent divisions and potential for conflict within Jacob's polygamous family. Furthermore, Joseph's act of bringing an "evil report" functions as a crucial **Inciting Incident**, immediately introducing conflict and setting in motion the chain of events that will lead to Joseph's suffering and eventual exaltation, thus foreshadowing the theme of divine providence working through human dysfunction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:2, though brief, is pregnant with theological and thematic significance, laying the groundwork for the profound narrative that follows. It immediately introduces the destructive power of **familial discord** and the consequences of **parental favoritism**, which breed resentment and jealousy, ultimately leading to betrayal. Yet, beneath the surface of human sin and dysfunction, the verse subtly hints at **divine sovereignty**. Joseph's early experiences, marked by rejection and suffering, are not random but are part of God's intricate plan to preserve His covenant people and prepare Joseph for a pivotal role in salvation. This narrative arc, beginning with the "evil report," underscores that God can orchestrate even human malice and imprudence to accomplish His redemptive purposes, transforming evil intentions into instruments of good.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Meant It for Good")
* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [1 John 3:12](/1_john/3-12 "1 John 3:12 - Cain, Who Was of the Evil One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:2 offers profound insights into the complexities of family life and the seeds of conflict. It reminds us that unchecked favoritism can breed deep-seated resentment, and seemingly minor actions, like Joseph's "evil report," can ignite pre-existing tensions into destructive fires. For us today, this verse underscores the critical importance of fostering equitable relationships within families and communities, recognizing that every member has dignity and worth. It challenges us to reflect on how we handle information, especially concerning others' faults, emphasizing the need for wisdom, discretion, and a spirit of reconciliation rather than exacerbating division. Joseph's youthful act, though perhaps well-intentioned, highlights that even actions perceived as righteous can have unintended and far-reaching consequences if not tempered with prudence and an understanding of human dynamics. We are called to strive for unity, understanding, and forgiveness, seeking to build bridges rather than walls, and always considering the potential impact of our words and actions on those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does favoritism, whether in families or other relationships, contribute to resentment and conflict?**
* **What responsibility do we have when we observe wrongdoing in others, and how can we address it constructively without causing further division?**
* **In what ways might our own "good intentions" sometimes lead to unintended negative consequences, and how can we cultivate greater wisdom and discernment?**
* **How can we, like Joseph, learn to trust in God's sovereign plan even when facing difficult and unjust circumstances initiated by others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "generations of Jacob" phrase?**

Answer: The phrase "These are the generations of Jacob" (*toledot Ya'aqov*) is a key structural marker in the book of Genesis. The Hebrew word *toledot* signifies an "account of," "history," or "descendants." In Genesis, it acts as a heading, introducing a new section that details the lineage and history stemming from the named patriarch. While it names Jacob, the subsequent narrative immediately focuses on Joseph, indicating that Joseph's story is the primary fulfillment and continuation of Jacob's line and God's covenant purposes through him. It signals a shift in narrative focus and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through a specific family line, ultimately leading to the formation of the nation of Israel. This formula underscores the divine election and the purposeful progression of biblical history.

**What was the "evil report" Joseph brought to his father, and why is it important?**

Answer: The Bible does not specify the exact nature of the "evil report" (*dibbah ra'ah*) that Joseph brought to Jacob about his brothers. It implies a serious moral or behavioral transgression, not mere gossip or a trivial complaint. Its importance lies in its immediate and profound impact on the narrative: it serves as a direct catalyst for the brothers' animosity and hatred towards Joseph. Whether Joseph reported out of genuine concern for his father's interests, the welfare of the flock, or due to youthful imprudence, this act, combined with Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph (as seen in [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Jacob's Love for Joseph")), significantly escalated the existing family tensions. This "evil report" directly contributed to the brothers' eventual plot to harm Joseph, setting the entire Joseph narrative in motion and leading to his sale into slavery, thus initiating the long chain of events that would ultimately bring Jacob's family to Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's life, beginning with the familial rejection and suffering subtly hinted at in this verse, serves as a profound and compelling type of Christ. Just as Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was despised and rejected by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and suffered unjustly in a foreign land, only to be exalted to a position of immense power that ultimately saved his family and many others from famine, so too was Jesus, the Beloved Son of God, rejected by His own people, betrayed by those close to Him, suffered a humiliating crucifixion, and was raised to the right hand of God. Through His suffering and exaltation, Christ became the means of salvation not only for His spiritual family, the Church, but for all who believe, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to bring redemption and life through the one who was despised and rejected (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men")). The narrative of Joseph, initiated by the "evil report" and subsequent betrayal, powerfully illustrates God's ability to turn human evil and the machinations of sin into instruments for His ultimate good and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, a truth echoed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") and exemplified in the cross of Christ.

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 35:25

And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

Genesis 35:26

And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

1 Corinthians 11:18

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Samuel 2:22

Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Samuel 2:24

Nay, my sons; for [it is] no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.

1 Corinthians 5:1

¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.