Genesis 37:20

KJV

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212} now therefore, and let us slay {H2026} him, and cast {H7993} him into some {H259} pit {H953}, and we will say {H559}, Some evil {H7451} beast {H2416} hath devoured {H398} him: and we shall see {H7200} what will become of his dreams {H2472}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these water cisterns here. Then we'll say some wild animal devoured him. We'll see then what becomes of his dreams!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

American Standard Version

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:20 captures the chilling conspiracy of Joseph's older brothers, who, consumed by intense jealousy over his prophetic dreams and their father Jacob's overt favoritism, plot to murder him. Their proposal to "slay him" and then fabricate a story of an "evil beast" devouring him reveals their profound moral depravity and willingness to commit fratricide and elaborate deception. Their ultimate aim, expressed in the defiant challenge, "we shall see what will become of his dreams," was to nullify God's perceived plan for Joseph, asserting their own control over his destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal and dark turning point in the Joseph narrative, immediately following Joseph's arrival at Dothan where his brothers are tending their flocks. The preceding verses establish the deep-seated animosity the brothers harbored towards Joseph, fueled by Jacob's favoritism, symbolized by the special tunic, and exacerbated by Joseph's recounting of [two prophetic dreams](/genesis/37-5-9 "Joseph's Prophetic Dreams of Future Authority") in which he envisioned his family bowing before him. Their initial reaction upon seeing him approach, as recorded in [Genesis 37:18](/genesis/37-18 "The Brothers' Conspiracy Against Joseph"), was to conspire against him, and [Genesis 37:19](/genesis/37-19 "The Brothers Mock Joseph's Dreams") reveals their mocking intent to challenge his dreams. Verse 20 is the chilling culmination of this simmering hatred, articulating their murderous proposal and the elaborate deception they plan to cover their tracks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, dreams were often considered significant, sometimes even divine revelations, and could carry implications for status and future authority. Joseph's dreams, therefore, were not merely childish fantasies but direct challenges to the established hierarchy, particularly for his older brothers who, by birthright, expected preeminence. Fratricide, while abhorrent, was not unheard of in biblical narratives (e.g., [Cain and Abel](/genesis/4-8 "Cain Murders Abel")), reflecting the intense rivalries that could emerge within polygamous families competing for inheritance and favor. The use of a "pit" (a dry cistern or well) for disposal was a practical and common method of concealment in the arid landscape, providing a seemingly untraceable grave.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:20 strongly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the destructive power of **jealousy and hatred** within family relationships, a recurring motif since the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "The Fall of Humanity"). The brothers' attempt to thwart Joseph's dreams underscores the theme of **human opposition to divine will**, demonstrating humanity's futile efforts to derail God's sovereign purposes. Paradoxically, this act of profound wickedness also sets in motion the events that will ultimately lead to Joseph's exaltation and the preservation of his family, showcasing God's **sovereignty and ability to use human evil for His redemptive plans**, a theme powerfully articulated later by Joseph himself in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Providence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** This primitive root signifies to "smite with deadly intent," encompassing actions like destroying, killing, or murdering. In [Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph"), it reveals the brothers' cold, premeditated intent to commit fratricide. It is not a spontaneous act of violence but a deliberate decision to eliminate Joseph, underscoring the depth of their hatred.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to bore" or "to dig," this noun refers specifically to a "pit hole," often a dry cistern or a dungeon. The choice to cast Joseph into a *bôwr* in [Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph") was strategic. It provided a convenient and seemingly untraceable means of disposal, allowing them to conceal their crime and support their fabricated story of an "evil beast."
* **dreams (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to dream," refers to a dream or vision. In the context of [Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph"), Joseph's *chălôwm* were not mere fantasies but prophetic visions that implied his future authority and their subservience. The brothers' defiant challenge, "we shall see what will become of his dreams," reveals that their primary motivation was to nullify what they perceived as God's favor and destiny for Joseph, asserting their own control over his fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come now therefore, and let us slay him,"**: This opening phrase reveals the immediate and violent intent of Joseph's brothers. It signifies a collective, premeditated decision to commit murder, born out of deep-seated jealousy and resentment. The imperative "Come now" indicates a decisive call to action, moving from thought to a concrete, murderous conspiracy.
* **"and cast him into some pit,"**: This clause outlines the method of disposal and concealment. The "pit" (Hebrew: *bôwr*) refers to a dry cistern or well, common in the region. This choice was practical for disposing of a body in a remote, seemingly untraceable manner, underscoring their desire for a hidden, unpunished crime. It also sets the stage for their subsequent deception.
* **"and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him:"**: This part of the verse highlights the brothers' calculated deception. They concoct a plausible lie to explain Joseph's disappearance, designed to absolve them of guilt in the eyes of their father and the community. This planned falsehood reveals a profound moral depravity and a willingness to manipulate the truth to cover their sin.
* **"and we shall see what will become of his dreams."**: This chilling climax reveals the core motivation behind their murderous plot. Their contempt for Joseph's prophetic "dreams" was a direct challenge to what they perceived as a divinely-ordained future for Joseph. This statement is a defiant assertion of their will against what they believed to be God's plan, demonstrating their desire to thwart any perceived divine favor or authority he might possess.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 37:20 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and thematic significance. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Joseph's unjust suffering at the hands of his brothers directly foreshadows the later betrayal and suffering of Jesus Christ, who was also rejected by His own people. There is profound **Irony** in the brothers' defiant declaration, "we shall see what will become of his dreams," because their very act of attempting to thwart Joseph's destiny ultimately becomes the catalyst for its fulfillment. Their plan, intended to destroy his dreams, is precisely what God uses to bring them to pass. The brothers' concoction of a story about an "evil beast" is a clear instance of **Deception**, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and its tendency to hide behind lies. Finally, the "pit" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a physical grave but also a descent into despair, isolation, and near-death, a motif that will recur in Joseph's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brothers' plot in [Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph") serves as a stark illustration of the destructive nature of sin, particularly unchecked jealousy and hatred, which can escalate into murderous intent and elaborate deception, mirroring the initial sin of Cain against Abel. Their defiant challenge to Joseph's dreams also represents humanity's futile attempts to thwart God's sovereign purposes and control destiny outside of His divine plan. Despite the profound wickedness of the brothers' actions, this event paradoxically served as a pivotal moment in God's overarching plan for Joseph and the preservation of Israel, demonstrating His ability to use human evil for His redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Cain Murders Abel") - The first act of fratricide, driven by jealousy, setting a dark precedent.
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Providence") - Joseph's later declaration that God used the brothers' evil for good, highlighting divine sovereignty.
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord") - A proverb affirming that no human wisdom or plan can prevail against the Lord's will.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph") serves as a potent warning against the corrosive power of unchecked jealousy and hatred, urging us to confront such destructive emotions before they lead to grave sin within our relationships and communities. The brothers' descent from envy to murderous intent reminds us that sin, when nurtured, grows in intensity and seeks to destroy. This passage also profoundly reassures us of God's unwavering sovereignty; even the most malicious human intentions cannot ultimately derail His divine plans. Instead, God can orchestrate seemingly evil circumstances for His greater redemptive purposes, transforming adversity into a pathway for blessing, as dramatically demonstrated in Joseph's life and his eventual reconciliation and forgiveness towards his brothers ([Genesis 45:5](/genesis/45-5 "Joseph's Understanding of God's Purpose")). We are called to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some contemporary examples of how jealousy and hatred, if left unchecked, can lead to destructive actions, even within families or communities?**
* **How does the brothers' attempt to thwart Joseph's dreams challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what ways might we, like the brothers, attempt to "control" outcomes or nullify what we perceive as God's plan for others or ourselves?**
* **How can we cultivate forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships where deep-seated resentment or betrayal has occurred, drawing lessons from Joseph's eventual response to his brothers?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph's brothers plot to kill him rather than simply abandon or harm him?**

Answer: The brothers' intent to "slay him" was driven by a desire for absolute finality, not merely to remove Joseph from their presence but to utterly nullify his prophetic dreams and any perceived future authority. Their hatred was so intense that they sought to eliminate him as a direct challenge to what they believed was God's favor upon him, asserting their own control over his destiny. Their extreme reaction underscores the depth of their animosity and their desire to prevent any future fulfillment of his dreams.

**What is the significance of casting Joseph into a "pit"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "pit" is *bor* (בּוֹר), which refers to a dry cistern or well, often used for water storage. This choice was strategic for several reasons: it was a convenient, remote location for disposal, allowing for secrecy; it could be covered, making discovery difficult; and it provided a plausible scenario for the "evil beast" lie, implying Joseph had fallen in or been dragged there. It served as a means to hide their crime and ensure his presumed death, while also providing a temporary holding place before they decided his ultimate fate.

**How does the brothers' malicious plot ultimately serve God's plan?**

Answer: Despite the brothers' wicked intentions, this act of attempted fratricide became a crucial, albeit dark, step in God's larger redemptive plan. It set in motion the events that would lead Joseph to Egypt, where he would eventually rise to power, preserve his family from famine, and lay the groundwork for the nation of Israel. As Joseph later declared, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Providence")). This demonstrates God's sovereign ability to use human sin and adversity to achieve His righteous purposes, turning a malicious act into a pathway for salvation and blessing for an entire people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his rejection and suffering at the hands of his own brothers as depicted in [Genesis 37:20](/genesis/37-20 "The Brothers Plot to Kill Joseph"), profoundly foreshadows the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Rejected by His Own People")), betrayed by those close to Him ([Matthew 26:47-49](/matthew/26-47-49 "Judas's Betrayal of Jesus")), and unjustly condemned to death despite His innocence. The brothers' desire to "slay him" and nullify his dreams mirrors the world's opposition to God's divine plan for His Son. Yet, just as Joseph's suffering led to his exaltation and the salvation of his family from famine, Christ's crucifixion, though a heinous act of human evil, was God's sovereign plan for the salvation of humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Christ was exalted to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")), becoming the ultimate deliverer who turned human wickedness into divine good, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life to all who believe. Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace vividly illustrates the pathway of Christ's suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, through which He became the Savior of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")).

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

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 2:16

¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

2 Kings 2:24

And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.