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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 37:5–11. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Joseph relates the prophetical dreams he had, Gen 37:6, Gen 37:7, Gen 37:9, Gen 37:10. Though he was now very young (about seventeen years old), yet he was pious and devout, and well-inclined, and this fitted him for God's gracious discoveries of himself to him. Joseph had a great deal of trouble before him, and therefore God gave him betimes this prospect of his advancement, to support and comfort him under the long and grievous troubles with which he was to be exercised. Thus Christ had a joy set before him, and so have Christians. Note, God has ways of preparing his people beforehand for the trials which they cannot foresee, but which he has an eye to in the comforts with which he furnishes them. His dreams were, 1. That his brethren's sheaves all bowed to his, intimating upon what occasion they should be brought to do homage to him, namely, in seeking to him for corn; their empty sheaves should bow to his full one. 2. That the sun, and moon, and eleven stars, did obeisance to him, Gen 37:9. Joseph was more of a prophet than a politician, else he would have kept this to himself, when he could not but know that his brethren did already hate him and that this would but the more exasperate them. But, if he told it in his simplicity, yet God directed it for the mortification of his brethren. Observe, Joseph dreamed of his preferment, but he did not dream of his imprisonment. Thus many young people, when they are setting out in the world, think of nothing but prosperity and pleasure, and never dream of trouble.
II.His brethren take it very ill, and are more and more enraged against him (Gen 37:8): Shalt thou indeed reign over us? See here,
1.How truly they interpreted his dream, that he should reign over them. Those become the expositors of his dream who were enemies to the accomplishment of it, as in Gideon's story (Jdg 7:13, Jdg 7:14); they perceived that he spoke of them, Mat 21:45. The event exactly answered to this interpretation, Gen 42:6, etc.
2.How scornfully they resented it: "Shalt thou, who are but one, reign over us, who are many? Thou, who are the youngest, over us who are older?" Note, The reign and dominion of Jesus Christ, our Joseph, have been, and are, despised and striven against by a carnal and unbelieving world, who cannot endure to think that this man should reign over them. The dominion also of the upright, in the morning of the resurrection, is thought of with the utmost disdain.
III.His father gives him a gentle rebuke for it, yet observes the saying, Gen 37:10, Gen 37:11.
Probably he checked him for it, to lessen the offence which his brethren would be apt to take at it; yet he took notice of it more than he seemed to do: he insinuated that it was but an idle dream, because his mother was brought in, who had been dead some time since; whereas the sun, moon, and eleven stars, signify no more than the whole family that should have a dependence upon him, and be glad to be beholden to him. Note, The faith of God's people in God's promises is often sorely shaken by their misunderstanding the promises and then suggesting the improbabilities that attend the performance; but God is doing his own work, and will do it, whether we understand him aright or no. Jacob, like Mary (Luk 2:51), kept these things in his heart, and no doubt remembered them long afterwards, when the event answered to the prediction.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
See the extraordinary degree of their blindness: they themselves interpreted the dream. In fact, it is not possible to claim that it was in ignorance of the future that they bore him ill will; rather, it was learning the future from the dreams that added to their hatred. O excess of stupidity! They should have shown Joseph greater favor after learning the facts, set aside any grounds for hatred, banished the passion of envy. But they were dulled in their thinking and could not see at a glance that everything they were doing rebounded on themselves, and so they aggravated their hatred of him. O why, poor tormented creatures, do you display such envy, denying your condition as brothers and the fact that the revelation of dreams makes obvious God’s favor for him? After all, surely you do not now believe that the events foretold by God can be thwarted? You see, just as you made an interpretation of the dream, so will it shortly come to pass, no matter how many ruses you intend to devise. I mean, the Lord of all, creative and wise as he is, revealing the abundance of his characteristic power, often allows many obstacles to develop before fulfillment so that he may put into effect his previous decisions and thus demonstrate the extraordinary degree of his power.
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Summary
Genesis 37:5 serves as a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Joseph, initiating a dramatic escalation of the existing animosity from his brothers. This verse reveals Joseph's prophetic dream, which clearly portends his future authority over his family, and details his seemingly naive act of sharing it, thereby intensifying the deep-seated hatred his brethren already harbored. This critical juncture sets in motion the series of events that will lead to Joseph's suffering, his miraculous rise to power in Egypt, and ultimately, the providential preservation of the nascent nation of Israel under God's sovereign hand.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 37:5 is embedded within the opening narrative of Joseph's life, immediately following the introduction of his character and the initial portrayal of his family dynamics. The preceding verses establish Joseph as Jacob's favored son, a distinction highlighted by the special "coat of many colours" Genesis 37:3. This favoritism had already ignited significant jealousy and hatred among his older brothers, to the point that they "could not speak peaceably unto him" Genesis 37:4. Against this backdrop of simmering resentment, Joseph's dream, which explicitly depicts his future elevation above his brothers, acts as a direct catalyst, transforming their existing animosity into a dangerous and active hatred that propels the subsequent narrative of betrayal and separation.
Historical & Cultural Context
Dreams held significant weight in the ancient Near East, often regarded as a primary conduit for divine communication or prophetic insight. Rulers, priests, and individuals frequently sought meaning in dreams, believing them to convey messages from the gods or to foretell future events. In Hebrew culture, while not all dreams were considered divine, those that were vivid, symbolic, and repetitive were often interpreted as God's direct revelation. Joseph's family was a patriarchal society, where birth order typically dictated authority and inheritance. For a younger son to dream of ruling over his elders was not only culturally audacious but also highly provocative, challenging the established social hierarchy and exacerbating the already strained family relations rooted in Jacob's preferential treatment.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and providence, demonstrating that God's plans unfold despite human malice and opposition. Joseph's dream is a divinely inspired vision, a promise of his future role in God's redemptive strategy for Israel, echoing earlier divine promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants. The verse also deepens the theme of sibling rivalry and jealousy, a recurring motif in Genesis from Cain and Abel Genesis 4 to Jacob and Esau Genesis 27, illustrating the destructive power of sin within family structures. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of prophetic dreams as a means of revelation, a pattern seen throughout the Old Testament, from the dreams of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar to those of Daniel and Zechariah.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H2492) means "to bind firmly," but by implication, it also means "to be plump" or "to dream." In the context of dreams, it signifies a genuine, often divinely inspired, experience rather than a mere fantasy. The use of this verb alongside its cognate noun emphasizes the reality and significance of Joseph's nocturnal vision, highlighting it as a true dream, not a fleeting thought.
This noun (H2472), derived from the verb châlam, refers to the specific vision experienced while sleeping. In biblical usage, a chălôwm often serves as a vehicle for divine communication, conveying God's will, warnings, or prophetic insights. The repetition of the root in "dreamed a dream" (a common Hebrew idiom, chalam chalom) underscores the authenticity and profound importance of this particular dream for Joseph's future and for God's unfolding plan.
This primitive root (H8130) means "to hate (personally)." It denotes a deep-seated, active animosity, not merely dislike or disapproval. In this context, it describes the intense, personal antagonism the brothers felt towards Joseph. The verb's use here, following the established hatred in the previous verse, signifies an escalation of this already potent emotion, indicating a dangerous increase in their malevolence towards their younger brother.
Verse Breakdown
"¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream"
This opening clause establishes the central event of the verse: Joseph's reception of a significant dream. The Hebrew idiom "dreamed a dream" (חָלַם חֲלוֹם, chalam chalom) emphasizes the reality and importance of the experience, signaling that this was not a casual thought but a divinely ordained vision. In the biblical narrative, dreams often serve as a primary mode of divine revelation, indicating that this dream carries prophetic weight regarding Joseph's future and God's sovereign plan.
"and he told [it] his brethren"
This second clause describes Joseph's action of recounting his dream to his brothers. While his motivation is not explicitly stated, it may have been youthful naivety, a desire to share a profound experience, or even a lack of full understanding of the dream's provocative implications. Regardless of his intent, this act of disclosure is the catalyst for the immediate conflict, as the dream's content (their sheaves bowing to his) was inherently challenging to their existing hierarchy and status.
"and they hated him yet the more"
This concluding clause powerfully conveys the immediate and intensified reaction of Joseph's brothers. Their hatred, already established in the preceding verse, was not merely maintained but significantly deepened and exacerbated by the dream's revelation. The phrase "yet the more" (וַיּוֹסִפוּ עוֹד לְשְׂנֹא אֹתוֹ, wayyôsîpû ‘ôd lĕśenō' 'ōtô) indicates an additive, escalating animosity. The dream served as undeniable evidence, from their perspective, of Joseph's perceived arrogance and Jacob's favoritism, pushing their resentment to a dangerous new level that would soon manifest in violent action and betrayal.
Literary Devices
Genesis 37:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Foreshadowing is paramount, as Joseph's dream explicitly predicts his future elevation and the subservience of his brothers, a prophecy that will dramatically unfold later in the narrative when they indeed bow before him in Egypt. The verse also utilizes Irony, as the very act of revealing his future glory, intended (perhaps) to share or even boast, becomes the immediate cause of his downfall and suffering, setting in motion the divine plan that will ultimately lead to that very exaltation. Furthermore, the phrase "hated him yet the more" serves as a form of Repetition with Intensification, building upon the hatred already established in Genesis 37:4 and emphasizing the escalating nature of their animosity, preparing the reader for the drastic actions that will follow.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 37:5 is a foundational verse that highlights God's sovereign hand in human affairs, even amidst jealousy and betrayal. Joseph's dream is not merely a product of his subconscious but a divine revelation, signifying God's preordained plan for his life and, by extension, for the nascent nation of Israel. This dream, seemingly a source of immediate trouble, was in fact a prophetic promise of his ultimate role in preserving his family and fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham. The intense hatred it provoked underscores the pervasive nature of human sin, particularly envy and pride, and how God can use even wicked human intentions to achieve His righteous purposes.
Reflection and Application
Joseph's story, beginning with this dream, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways that are counter-intuitive or even painful. What appears to be a setback—Joseph's rejection and suffering—is actually a divinely orchestrated path to his ultimate purpose and the salvation of his family. This encourages us to trust in God's unwavering providence, even when circumstances are difficult, unfair, or driven by human malice. We are called to discern God's hand at work, knowing that He can redeem even the most challenging situations for His glory and our good. Furthermore, the brothers' reaction serves as a sobering warning against the destructive power of envy and resentment. Unchecked jealousy can lead to bitterness, hatred, and actions that deeply wound others and disrupt God's purposes. We are challenged to examine our own hearts for these destructive emotions and to cultivate humility, love, and acceptance, even when others seem to be favored or exalted.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph tell his brothers about his dream, knowing they already hated him?
Joseph's motivation is not explicitly stated, but biblical commentators often suggest it stemmed from youthful naivety, a lack of full understanding of the dream's provocative implications, or perhaps even a desire to share a significant personal experience that he believed was from God. It's also possible that, as a prophetic dream, there was a divine imperative for it to be spoken, regardless of the immediate human reaction, as it was part of God's unfolding plan. His actions, though seemingly unwise from a human perspective, ultimately served to set in motion the very events God intended.
What is the significance of the phrase "dreamed a dream" in this verse?
The phrase "dreamed a dream" is a direct translation of a common Hebrew idiom (chalam chalom). It is not redundant but serves to emphasize the reality and significance of the dream itself. In the biblical context, this construction highlights that it was a genuine, often divinely inspired, experience rather than a mere fantasy or a product of Joseph's imagination. It underscores the prophetic nature of Joseph's vision, marking it as a true revelation from God concerning his future.
How did this dream intensify his brothers' hatred, given their existing animosity?
The dream explicitly depicted Joseph's future elevation above his brothers, with their sheaves bowing down to his. This direct visual representation of his superiority, combined with their existing jealousy over Jacob's favoritism and the "coat of many colours" Genesis 37:3, confirmed their worst fears and fueled their resentment to an even greater degree. It seemed to validate Joseph's perceived arrogance and their father's unfair preference, pushing their animosity from simmering resentment to active, dangerous hatred, as explicitly stated in Genesis 37:8.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's experience in Genesis 37:5, where his divinely revealed future exaltation leads to intensified hatred and eventual suffering at the hands of his own brethren, profoundly prefigures the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was the beloved Son, uniquely favored by His Father, and the recipient of divine revelation concerning His kingdom and authority. He came to "His own" people, revealing His divine nature and claims, yet His own "received Him not" John 1:11 but hated Him "yet the more" for His miracles, teachings, and claims of Messiahship John 15:24-25. Joseph's dream of his brothers bowing to him finds its ultimate and cosmic fulfillment in Christ, to whom "every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" Philippians 2:10. Joseph's path through rejection, suffering, and apparent death to ultimate exaltation and the salvation of his family mirrors Christ's redemptive journey through rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection to bring salvation to humanity. Just as Joseph's suffering was part of God's sovereign plan for the preservation of Israel, Christ's suffering and death were the means by which God accomplished the salvation of the world.