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Translation
King James Version
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
Complete Jewish Bible
His brothers retorted, "Yes, you will certainly be our king. You'll do a great job of bossing us around!"And they hated him still more for his dreams and for what he said.
Berean Standard Bible
“Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements.
American Standard Version
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
World English Bible Messianic
His brothers said to him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then his brethren saide to him, What, shalt thou reigne ouer vs, and rule vs? or shalt thou haue altogether dominion ouer vs? And they hated him so much the more, for his dreames, and for his wordes.
Young's Literal Translation
And his brethren say to him, `Dost thou certainly reign over us? dost thou certainly rule over us?' and they add still more to hate him, for his dreams, and for his words.
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Commentary on Genesis 37 verses 5–11
5 ¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–11. Public domain.
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Hippolytus of RomeAD 235
ON THE BLESSINGS OF ISAAC AND JACOB 2
Why do you envy and hate the righteous, if God revealed to him his own mysteries and made clear through visions what would have happened at the end of time? Why do you grieve at the sight of his embroidered tunic, if the just Father honored him by loving him more than everybody else, and sent him to visit you as a Shepherd among the shepherds, and presented to the world a trustworthy witness and a sheaf for his old age, and raised from the dead a holy firstborn as first fruits? Why do you get angry if the sun and the moon and the eleven stars worship him? They are there from the ancient times to prefigure him. And neither Jacob was called “sun,” nor Rachel was called “moon,” and the events did not happened in this manner.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Joseph the Patriarch
Indeed, God’s grace shone on Joseph even in his boyhood. For he had a dream that when he was binding sheaves with his brothers—so it appeared to him in the vision—this sheaf rose up and stood straight, while the sheaves of his brothers turned and bowed down to his sheaf. Now in this the resurrection of the Lord Jesus that was to come was revealed. When they saw him at Jerusalem, the eleven disciples and all the saints bowed down; when they rise, they will bow down bearing the fruits of their good works, just as it is written, “Coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.” Although his brothers disparaged the reliability of the dream out of their envy, still they expressed his interpretation of it in their own words when they replied, “Are you to be our king? Are you to rule over us?” For that vision indicated the King who was to come, and before him all human flesh would bow down with bended knee.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 37:8 powerfully encapsulates the escalating tension and profound animosity within Jacob's family, detailing the brothers' visceral, sarcastic rejection of Joseph's prophetic dreams and the words by which he conveyed them. This verse marks a critical inflection point, revealing the depth of their resentment and setting the stage for the dramatic, divinely orchestrated events that follow, fueled by their disbelief and indignation at the very notion of Joseph's future authority over them.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Joseph's recounting of his first dream, where his brothers' sheaves of grain bowed down to his own sheaf, a clear symbol of future subservience and authority. The preceding verses establish Joseph as Jacob's favored son, distinguished by the "coat of many colors" Genesis 37:3, which already fueled his brothers' profound envy and hatred. Joseph's dreams, rather than being kept private, are openly shared, intensifying the existing familial friction. This direct confrontation in Genesis 37:8 serves as the immediate catalyst for the brothers' plot against Joseph, culminating in his sale into slavery in Genesis 37:28, thus propelling the narrative forward toward the fulfillment of God's wider redemptive plan for the nascent nation of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, birth order typically dictated authority and inheritance. Joseph, as the second youngest of Jacob's twelve sons (and the firstborn of his favored wife, Rachel), was an anomaly in receiving such overt favoritism and prophetic visions of leadership. Dreams were often considered significant divine communications, and a dream predicting one's rule over family members would be taken seriously, not as mere fantasy. The brothers' reaction reflects the intense competition for status, inheritance, and their father's blessing common in such family structures, where the idea of a younger brother reigning over older ones would be seen as a profound disruption of social and familial order, a direct challenge to their honor and future.
Key Themes: Genesis 37:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the recurring theme of sibling rivalry, often exacerbated by parental favoritism, as seen earlier with Cain and Abel Genesis 4:5 and Jacob and Esau Genesis 27. The verse also underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, demonstrating how God's purposes are revealed and ultimately fulfilled despite human resistance and sin. Joseph's dreams are a clear instance of prophetic revelation, foreshadowing his future role in preserving his family and the nation of Israel, a theme that echoes throughout the patriarchs' stories, where God's promises are gradually unfolded through their lives, often in unexpected ways, as seen in God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 37:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey the escalating familial conflict. The brothers' rhetorical questions, "Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?", are a clear example of Sarcasm, conveying their contempt and disbelief through an ironic tone. This is further amplified by Repetition of the emphatic "indeed" and the synonymous verbs "reign" and "have dominion," which underscore the perceived outrageousness of Joseph's claims and their utter rejection of such a possibility. The phrase "hated him yet the more" is a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme and growing nature of their animosity, suggesting their hatred reached new, dangerous levels. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as Foreshadowing, as the brothers' angry questions ironically anticipate the very future that will indeed come to pass, where Joseph will hold authority over them, demonstrating the narrative's underlying theme of divine providence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:8 serves as a stark illustration of the destructive power of human sin, particularly envy and pride, within the context of God's sovereign plan. The brothers' hatred, fueled by Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's perceived arrogance, highlights how unchecked resentment can fester and lead to extreme actions. Yet, even in this dark display of human malice, the narrative subtly points to God's overarching purpose. The dreams, though scorned, are divinely inspired, revealing a future that God intends to bring about. The brothers' sinful response, far from thwarting God's plan, unwittingly becomes a crucial step in its fulfillment, showcasing God's ability to orchestrate His will even through human rebellion and suffering. This tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty is a foundational theological concept woven throughout the biblical narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:8 offers profound insights for contemporary life, serving as a powerful warning against the corrosive effects of envy, pride, and unchecked resentment within relationships, especially familial ones. The brothers' intense hatred, fueled by favoritism and a perceived threat to their status, reminds us that bitterness can fester into destructive actions if not confronted and repented of. This passage also challenges us to consider our own reactions when confronted with truths or circumstances that challenge our preconceived notions or threaten our comfort. Do we resist God's unfolding plan when it doesn't align with our expectations, or do we trust in His sovereign wisdom? Furthermore, while Joseph's dreams were divinely inspired, his youthful and perhaps tactless sharing of them exacerbated his brothers' animosity. This underscores the importance of wisdom, humility, and discernment in communicating truth, even when it is from God, recognizing that the manner of delivery can significantly impact reception. Ultimately, the narrative encourages us to trust in God's overarching providence, knowing that He can weave even the darkest threads of human sin and suffering into a tapestry of redemptive purpose.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph's brothers react with such intense hatred?
Answer: Joseph's brothers already harbored deep resentment due to their father Jacob's overt favoritism towards him, symbolized by the special "coat of many colors" Genesis 37:3. When Joseph recounted his dreams, which clearly depicted his future superiority and their subservience to him Genesis 37:7, they interpreted these as arrogant claims to authority and a direct challenge to their birthright and status. This perceived arrogance, combined with their existing envy and the cultural expectation of elder brother supremacy, ignited their hatred to an even greater degree, leading to their sarcastic questions and a desire to eliminate the perceived threat he represented.
Were Joseph's dreams truly prophetic, or just childish fantasies?
Answer: Joseph's dreams were indeed divinely inspired and genuinely prophetic. They were not mere childish fantasies but direct revelations from God concerning His future plans for Joseph and his family. The subsequent narrative of Genesis meticulously confirms their prophetic nature, as they were fulfilled years later when Joseph rose to power in Egypt and his brothers, facing severe famine, came to him for aid and literally bowed down before him, just as the dreams foretold Genesis 42:6 and Genesis 43:26.
How does human hatred, like that of Joseph's brothers, fit into God's divine plan?
Answer: The Bible frequently illustrates how God, in His sovereign wisdom, can use human sin and malice to accomplish His righteous purposes, even without condoning or excusing the sin itself. In Joseph's case, the brothers' hatred and their subsequent actions (selling him into slavery) were integral parts of God's larger, redemptive plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel during a severe famine and to elevate Joseph to a position where he could save many lives. Joseph himself later articulated this profound theological truth to his brothers, telling them, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" Genesis 50:20.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's story, particularly his rejection by his own brothers as depicted in Genesis 37:8, serves as a profound and multifaceted type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was "despised and rejected by men" Isaiah 53:3, scorned by His own people, the very ones He came to save, who questioned His authority and kingship, asking, "Is not this the carpenter's son?" Matthew 13:55. Joseph's suffering, betrayal, and eventual exaltation to a position of power through which he saved his family from death, strikingly foreshadow Christ's suffering, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection and exaltation. Through His rejection and sacrificial death, Jesus became the means of salvation for all humanity, bringing life out of death and reconciliation out of hostility, just as Joseph brought salvation and provision to his family despite their initial hatred and betrayal. This narrative beautifully illustrates how God uses the rejection of His chosen ones to bring about ultimate redemption, culminating in the saving work of the Lamb of God John 1:29.