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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.
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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 through Genesis 50. 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). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph bringing back bad reports about his brothers, had already fueled their hatred (Genesis 37:4). The sharing of this dream, followed by a second, even more explicit dream in Genesis 37:9, 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), and God's communication with Abimelech (Genesis 20:3) or Jacob (Genesis 28:12-15), 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 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
Reflection and Application
Joseph's sharing of his dream in Genesis 37:6 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
FAQ
Was Joseph aware of the full implications of his dream when he shared it?
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, 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 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) yet rejected by his own brothers and sold for a price (Genesis 37:28), Jesus was the beloved Son of God (Matthew 3:17) who "came to his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11). 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). 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), acknowledging His supreme Lordship.