Genesis 37:5

KJV

¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told [it] his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} dreamed {H2492} a dream {H2472}, and he told {H5046} it his brethren {H251}: and they hated {H8130} him yet the more {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef had a dream which he told his brothers, and that made them hate him all the more.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

American Standard Version

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's favoritism and the coat of many colors"). 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](/genesis/37-4 "Brothers' inability to speak peaceably to Joseph"). 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](/genesis/4 "Cain and Abel") to Jacob and Esau [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob and Esau"), 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
* **dreamed (Hebrew, _châlam'_):** 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.
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** 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.
* **hated (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** 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](/genesis/37-4 "Brothers' existing hatred") 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.

* [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's second dream") - Joseph's second dream reinforces the theme of his future exaltation, further provoking his family.
* [Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Joseph's brothers bowing to him in Egypt") - The fulfillment of Joseph's dream, as his brothers unknowingly bow before him in Egypt.
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God using evil for good") - Joseph's later theological reflection on how God used his brothers' evil intentions for good.

### 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
* **How do I respond when others are favored or blessed in ways that I am not?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's providence more, even when circumstances seem to be working against me?**
* **How might I, like Joseph's brothers, be tempted to resist or resent God's plans when they don't align with my expectations or desires?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of humility and love, rather than envy or resentment, towards those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph tell his brothers about his dream, knowing they already hated him?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's favoritism and the coat of many colors"), 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](/genesis/37-8 "Brothers' question about Joseph's reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's experience in [Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's dream and his brothers' hatred"), 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](/john/1-11 "Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not") but hated Him "yet the more" for His miracles, teachings, and claims of Messiahship [John 15:24-25](/john/15-24-25 "Jesus speaks of the world's hatred"). 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](/philippians/2-10 "Every knee bowing to Jesus"). 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.

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 28:12

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

John 17:14

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Genesis 42:9

And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye [are] spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Genesis 37:4

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.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.