Genesis 37:6

KJV

And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Hear {H8085}, I pray you, this dream {H2472} which I have dreamed {H2492}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Listen while I tell you about this dream of mine.

Berean Standard Bible

He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:6 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, a seventeen-year-old, as he shares his first divinely inspired dream with his brothers. This seemingly simple act ignites profound jealousy and resentment among them, already exacerbated by Jacob's overt favoritism. The dream's content, foreshadowing Joseph's future elevation and their eventual submission, sets in motion a complex narrative of betrayal, suffering, and ultimate divine vindication, all orchestrated by God's sovereign hand for the preservation of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the detailed Joseph narrative, which spans from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") through [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Genesis 50 - Joseph's Forgiveness and Death"). Immediately preceding this verse, we are introduced to Joseph's age, his role as a shepherd, and the intense favoritism shown to him by his father, Jacob, who made him a "coat of many colours" or a "long-sleeved robe" ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Special Robe for Joseph")). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph bringing back bad reports about his brothers, had already fueled their hatred ([Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "Joseph's Brothers Hate Him")). The sharing of this dream, followed by a second, even more explicit dream in [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's Second Dream"), serves as the catalyst for the brothers' plot to eliminate him, driving the narrative forward into themes of suffering, divine providence, and reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams were often considered significant vehicles for divine communication, a common way for gods to reveal their will, warn, or provide guidance. Pharaoh's dreams interpreted by Joseph ([Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")), and God's communication with Abimelech ([Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "God Speaks to Abimelech in a Dream")) or Jacob ([Genesis 28:12-15](/genesis/28-12-15 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), exemplify this cultural understanding. Within the patriarchal family structure, the eldest son typically held authority, and the idea of a younger son ruling over his older brothers was highly unconventional and deeply offensive, especially to those who already felt marginalized. The intense sibling rivalry depicted here is a recurring motif in Genesis, from Cain and Abel to Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau, reflecting the brokenness of human relationships even within God's chosen lineage.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 37:6](/genesis/37-6 "Joseph Shares His Dream") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ability to reveal and accomplish His purposes through human actions, even sinful ones. Secondly, it underscores the destructive power of **Sibling Rivalry and Jealousy**, a pervasive issue in the patriarchal narratives, often leading to conflict and suffering. Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Communication through Dreams** is established, setting the stage for Joseph's later role as an interpreter of dreams and his elevation to power. Finally, the verse subtly hints at the theme of **Suffering Leading to Exaltation**, a pattern that will define Joseph's journey and ultimately serve God's redemptive plan for His people, foreshadowing the preservation of the covenant family in Egypt ([Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Providence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** (H2472) This noun refers to a vision or revelatory experience occurring during sleep. In the biblical context, especially in Genesis, dreams are frequently depicted as a primary means through which God communicates His will, plans, or warnings to individuals, setting them apart from mere nocturnal fantasies. Joseph's "dream" is thus presented as a divinely imparted message, not a figment of his imagination.
* **dreamed (Hebrew, _châlam'_):** (H2492) This verb, from which the noun _chălôwm_ is derived, means "to dream." Its repetition in the phrase "dream which I have dreamed" emphasizes the personal, vivid, and compelling nature of the experience for Joseph. It signifies that the dream was not just something he heard about or imagined, but something he personally experienced as a direct communication.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying not just auditory perception but also attention, understanding, and even obedience. Joseph's plea, "Hear, I pray you," is more than a simple request for attention; it carries a subtle demand for his brothers to truly grasp the significance of what he is about to reveal, and perhaps, implicitly, to acknowledge its divine origin and future implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This simple introductory clause establishes Joseph as the speaker and his brothers as the audience. It immediately places the interaction within the already strained family dynamics, setting the stage for the controversial content that follows. Joseph, though young, is the initiator of this critical conversation.
* **"Hear, I pray you,"**: This phrase is Joseph's direct appeal to his brothers. The "I pray you" (נָא, _na_ in Hebrew) adds a polite, yet earnest, tone to his request. It indicates Joseph's desire for his brothers to listen intently and seriously consider what he is about to say, underscoring the perceived importance of his message from his perspective.
* **"this dream which I have dreamed:"**: This is the core of Joseph's communication. The repetition of the root for "dream" (noun and verb) highlights the profound impact and personal nature of the experience for Joseph. He presents it as a singular, significant event that demands their attention, implicitly suggesting its revelatory nature and its direct bearing on their collective future. This declaration immediately raises the stakes, as the content of the dream will directly challenge the established family hierarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "this dream which I have dreamed," which emphasizes the dream's authenticity and its profound impact on Joseph, signaling its importance to the reader. This repetition also lends a sense of certainty and conviction to Joseph's delivery. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as Joseph's declaration of his dream immediately hints at his future exaltation and his brothers' eventual submission, though the means to that end remain hidden. The very act of sharing the dream is an instance of **Dramatic Irony**, as Joseph, in his youthful innocence, likely does not grasp the full, negative implications his words will have on his brothers, nor the long and painful journey that will lead to the dream's fulfillment. This irony creates tension and anticipation for the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:6 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through seemingly mundane or even provocative human actions. Joseph's dream, though a source of immediate conflict, was a divine revelation of God's future plan, demonstrating that God often initiates His purposes long before their fulfillment, and that His will cannot be thwarted by human jealousy or malice. This passage underscores the truth that God's providence extends over all circumstances, orchestrating events, even those born of sin and suffering, to achieve His ultimate redemptive goals for His people and the world.

* [Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's Covenant with Abram and Prophecy of Slavery") - God reveals future events to Abraham, including the enslavement and deliverance of his descendants, long before they occur, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control.
* [Psalm 105:16-19](/psalm/105-16-19 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life") - This psalm explicitly states that God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt, and that "the word of the Lord tested him," confirming the divine origin and purpose of his dreams and subsequent trials.
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps") - This proverb affirms that while a man plans his way, it is the Lord who directs his steps, a principle vividly demonstrated in Joseph's life where human intentions were overruled by divine purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's sharing of his dream in [Genesis 37:6](/genesis/37-6 "Joseph Shares His Dream") serves as a profound lesson in the complexities of divine revelation and human response. It reminds us that God's plans often unfold in ways we do not anticipate, sometimes through challenging and painful circumstances. For believers today, this passage encourages a posture of trust in God's overarching sovereignty, even when our immediate circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It also prompts us to consider the wisdom and discernment required in communicating what we believe to be divine insights or personal experiences, recognizing that not all truth is received equally, and that timing and manner of delivery can significantly impact reception. Ultimately, Joseph's story, beginning with this dream, teaches us patience, resilience, and the assurance that God is always at work, weaving together every thread of our lives for His glory and our ultimate good, even when the path is arduous and requires us to wait on His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's plans seem to unfold in ways that are unexpected or challenging, similar to Joseph's journey after sharing his dream?**
* **In what ways might I be called to exercise greater wisdom and discernment in sharing personal insights or spiritual experiences with others, considering their potential reception?**
* **How does Joseph's initial act of sharing his dream encourage me to trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even those marked by human sin or betrayal?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph aware of the full implications of his dream when he shared it?**

Answer: While Joseph clearly understood the symbolic meaning of his dream—that it indicated his future elevation and his family's submission to him—it is highly unlikely he comprehended the painful and circuitous path God would use to bring it to pass. His youthful innocence and directness in sharing the dream, especially given the existing family tensions, suggest he did not foresee the intense jealousy and suffering it would immediately provoke from his brothers, nor the years of hardship he would endure before its fulfillment. His later statements, such as those in [Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45-5-8 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Providence"), reveal a mature understanding of God's providential hand, an understanding that was surely gained through his difficult experiences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in [Genesis 37:6](/genesis/37-6 "Joseph Shares His Dream") and the subsequent narrative, stands as a powerful type of Christ, foreshadowing the person and work of the Messiah. Like Joseph, who was the beloved son of his father Jacob ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Love for Joseph")) yet rejected by his own brothers and sold for a price ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold to Ishmaelites")), Jesus was the beloved Son of God ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")) who "came to his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "The Word Made Flesh")). Both endured unjust suffering, humiliation, and false accusations, yet through their suffering, they were ultimately exalted to positions of unparalleled authority. Joseph's elevation in Egypt saved his family from famine, while Christ's crucifixion and resurrection led to His exaltation, saving all humanity from sin and death ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Joseph's dream, depicting his brothers bowing to him, finds its ultimate and universal fulfillment in Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Every Knee Shall Bow Before Jesus")), acknowledging His supreme Lordship.

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 44:18

¶ Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou [art] even as Pharaoh.

Judges 9:7

¶ And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.