Genesis 37:4

KJV

And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when his brethren {H251} saw {H7200} that their father {H1} loved {H157} him more than all his brethren {H251}, they hated {H8130} him, and could {H3201} not speak {H1696} peaceably {H7965} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they began to hate him and reached the point where they couldn't even talk with him in a civil manner.

Berean Standard Bible

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

American Standard Version

And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "The brothers' hatred of Joseph") introduces the intense family drama surrounding Joseph, revealing the profound animosity his brothers harbored due to their father Jacob’s blatant favoritism, which ultimately rendered them incapable of peaceful communication with him.

### CONTEXT
Following Jacob's return to Canaan and the birth of his twelve sons, a clear preference emerged for Joseph, the firstborn of his beloved wife Rachel. This favoritism was openly displayed, notably through the special [coat of many colours](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's gift to Joseph") given to Joseph, a symbol of status and heirship, which deeply alienated his older brothers and fostered an environment ripe for resentment and conflict.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
This verse, [Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "The brothers' hatred of Joseph"), starkly portrays the immediate consequence of Jacob's partiality: the brothers' intense hatred for Joseph. The text states they "saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren," indicating that their animosity was a direct response to this perceived injustice and threat to their own standing within the family hierarchy. Their observation was not merely intellectual; it ignited a visceral, consuming hatred.

* The phrase "they hated him" (וַיִּשְׂנְאוּ אֹתוֹ – *vayyisne'u oto*) signifies a profound, active animosity, not mere dislike. This hatred was so consuming that it rendered them incapable of basic human decency towards Joseph, setting the stage for the escalating conflict that defines much of the narrative.
* The concluding phrase, "and could not speak peaceably unto him" (וְלֹא יָכְלוּ דַּבְּרוֹ לְשָׁלוֹם – *velo yakhelu dabbero leshalom*), is particularly telling. The Hebrew word *shalom* denotes 'peace,' 'wholeness,' 'well-being,' or 'completeness.' Thus, their hatred was so overwhelming that they could not even offer a greeting or engage in civil dialogue that conveyed good wishes or respect. It was an active refusal to acknowledge him with any measure of harmony or goodwill, highlighting the complete breakdown of familial relations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Destructive Power of Favoritism:** The verse powerfully illustrates how parental favoritism can poison family relationships, leading to deep-seated bitterness, division, and ultimately, destructive actions.
* **The Sinfulness of Jealousy and Hatred:** It exposes the corrosive nature of unchecked jealousy and hatred, demonstrating how these emotions can consume individuals and lead to a complete breakdown of human compassion and civility.
* **Breakdown of Communication as a Symptom of Sin:** The inability to "speak peaceably" underscores how animosity can sever vital relational bonds, preventing reconciliation and perpetuating conflict.
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin:** While the verse highlights human failings, it implicitly sets the stage for a narrative where God's overarching plan will work through these very human sins and broken relationships to achieve His redemptive purposes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "The brothers' hatred of Joseph") serves as a timeless cautionary tale, urging us to reflect on the impact of our own actions and emotions within family and community. It warns against the perils of parental favoritism, which can sow discord and resentment, and highlights the destructive path that unchecked emotions like jealousy and hatred can take, culminating in deep-seated animosity that blinds individuals to reason and compassion. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of open and honest communication in relationships; when animosity prevents peaceful dialogue, conflicts escalate and reconciliation becomes far more challenging, necessitating intentional effort to bridge divides and foster harmony.

### FAQ
**What does 'could not speak peaceably unto him' truly imply?**

Answer: The phrase "could not speak peaceably unto him" (Hebrew: *velo yakhelu dabbero leshalom*) implies more than just a lack of friendly conversation. The word *shalom* signifies peace, wholeness, well-being, and even prosperity. Therefore, the brothers' hatred was so profound that they were utterly incapable of addressing Joseph with any measure of goodwill, respect, or even basic civility. It suggests an active refusal to acknowledge his well-being or engage in any interaction that would convey positive regard, demonstrating the depth of their animosity and the complete absence of familial harmony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, beginning with his rejection by his brothers in [Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "The brothers' hatred of Joseph"), serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ. Just as Joseph was hated and rejected by his own brethren, sold into slavery, and yet ultimately rose to a position of power to bring salvation and reconciliation to his family, so too was Christ rejected and crucified by His own people. Yet, through His suffering and resurrection, He became the means of salvation and reconciliation for all humanity, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to work through human sin and betrayal to accomplish His redemptive plan, leading to ultimate forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Joseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers in [Genesis 45:15](/genesis/45-15 "Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers").

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.