Genesis 37:9

Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And he dreamed H2492 yet another H312 dream H2472, and told H5608 it his brethren H251, and said H559, Behold, I have dreamed H2492 a dream H2472 more; and, behold, the sun H8121 and the moon H3394 and the eleven H6240 H259 stars H3556 made obeisance H7812 to me.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
He had another dream which he told his brothers: "Here, I had another dream, and there were the sun, the moon and eleven stars prostrating themselves before me."
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
Ask
American Standard Version
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed yet a dream; and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.”
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe hee dreamed an other dreame, and tolde it his brethren, and saide, Behold, I haue had one dreame more, and beholde, the Sunne and the Moone and eleuen starres did reuerence to me.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And he dreameth yet another dream, and recounteth it to his brethren, and saith, `Lo, I have dreamed a dream again, and lo, the sun and the moon, and eleven stars, are bowing themselves to me.'
Ask
See also
Acts 7:9Acts 7:14Genesis 37:7Genesis 44:19Genesis 45:9Genesis 46:29Genesis 47:12
See on the biblical-era map
All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
All Genesis Sites (Canaan) View full PDF
All Genesis Sites (Middle East)
All Genesis Sites (Middle East) View full PDF
Joseph Sold Into Egypt
Joseph Sold Into Egypt View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 1,093 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 37:9 records Joseph's second highly symbolic dream, a divine revelation in which the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and eleven stars—bowed down to him. This vivid imagery directly foreshadowed his future preeminence and authority over his entire immediate family: his father, mother, and his eleven brothers. More explicit and encompassing than his first dream, this vision further intensified the deep-seated animosity and jealousy within his family, setting in motion the providential events that would lead to Joseph's suffering, eventual exaltation, and the preservation of his lineage.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of Joseph, following closely on the heels of his first dream involving sheaves of grain (Genesis 37:7). The immediate literary context reveals a household already fractured by Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph, evidenced by the "coat of many colours" (Genesis 37:3). Joseph's innocent—or perhaps naive—recounting of his first dream had already provoked intense hatred from his brothers (Genesis 37:8). This second dream, however, escalates the conflict dramatically by explicitly including his parents in the act of obeisance, thereby challenging not just fraternal hierarchy but patriarchal authority itself. The dreams serve as divine pronouncements, setting the stage for Joseph's descent into slavery and subsequent rise to power, which ultimately fulfills these very visions.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Dreams in the ancient Near East were often considered significant vehicles for divine communication, believed to convey messages from deities regarding future events or guidance. Rulers and individuals alike sought interpretations of their dreams, understanding them as omens or prophecies. In patriarchal society, the family structure was hierarchical, with the father holding ultimate authority, followed by the elder sons. Joseph, as a younger son, dreaming of his elders, including his father and mother, bowing to him was a profound inversion of this established social order, making his recounting of it particularly offensive and provocative within that cultural framework. The sun, moon, and stars were common ancient symbols for rulers, nations, or family heads, lending immediate symbolic weight to Joseph's vision.
  • Key Themes: Genesis 37:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating God's active involvement in orchestrating future events, even through human sin and suffering. The dream is an instance of Prophetic Revelation, highlighting God's chosen method of communicating His will and future plans to His servants. It also underscores the destructive nature of Sibling Rivalry and Jealousy, a recurring motif in Genesis (Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau), showing how sin can corrupt family dynamics. Furthermore, it foreshadows themes of Exaltation Through Suffering and God's Faithfulness to His Promises, as Joseph's journey, though arduous, ultimately leads to the fulfillment of this very dream, positioning him to save his family and fulfill God's covenantal purposes for Israel.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Joseph's recounting of his second dream in Genesis 37:9 is a profound moment of divine revelation, explicitly detailing his future position of authority over his entire family. He declares, "Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me." This vision, unlike the first, directly implicates the entire family unit, including his parents, through powerful celestial imagery.

Key Word Analysis

  • Dream (Hebrew, chălôwm', H2472): From the root H2492 (châlam), meaning "to bind firmly" or "to dream." This word refers to a vision experienced during sleep, often understood as a means of divine communication in the ancient world. In Joseph's case, it signifies a divinely imparted message about his future, distinct from mere nocturnal imaginings, carrying prophetic weight.
  • Stars (Hebrew, kôwkâb', H3556): H3556 (kôwkâb) refers to a star, which can figuratively represent a prince or a person of high standing. In this context, the "eleven stars" are a clear and direct symbol for Joseph's eleven brothers, indicating their future subservience or homage to him.
  • Made obeisance (Hebrew, shâchâh', H7812): H7812 (shâchâh) is a primitive root meaning "to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God); bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship." In this specific context, the act of obeisance signifies profound respect, submission, and homage to a superior authority, not divine worship. It unequivocally points to a future position of humility and deference that Joseph's entire family would adopt towards him, indicating his superior status and authority.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more;": This opening clause emphasizes the repetition and significance of the divine communication. Joseph's act of telling his brothers, despite their previous animosity, highlights his youthful candor and perhaps a lack of social astuteness, but also serves God's purpose in provoking the very events that would lead to the dream's fulfillment. The phrase "a dream more" underscores its cumulative impact and heightened clarity.
  • "and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.": This is the core prophetic imagery. The "sun" is universally understood to represent his father, Jacob; the "moon" his mother (likely Leah, as Rachel was deceased, or a general matriarchal figure); and the "eleven stars" his eleven brothers. The act of "made obeisance" (Hebrew: shachah) signifies a future act of profound respect, submission, and homage, indicating Joseph's eventual position of authority and their deference to him. This direct and unmistakable symbolism leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the dream's meaning.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Symbolism is paramount, with the sun, moon, and stars serving as clear representations of Joseph's immediate family—his father, mother, and eleven brothers, respectively. This celestial imagery elevates the dream's significance, suggesting a divinely ordained order. The phrase "made obeisance" is a form of Metonymy, where the action (bowing) stands for the future relationship of submission and respect. The Repetition of "dreamed a dream" from the previous verse and within this verse ("dreamed yet another dream... dreamed a dream more") emphasizes the divine origin and importance of these revelations. Furthermore, the narrative uses Foreshadowing, as this dream explicitly prefigures Joseph's future rise to power and his family's eventual dependence on him, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the Joseph narrative.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joseph's second dream is a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over human history and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. It underscores that God's purposes will prevail, even when initiated through seemingly humble means and realized through immense human suffering and sin. The dream highlights the theme of divine election and the preordained path of God's chosen instruments, revealing that Joseph's destiny was not merely a result of his own actions but a part of God's larger design for the nascent nation of Israel. This dream, and its eventual fulfillment, serves as a foundational example of how God can use adversity and the wickedness of others to bring about His good and perfect will, ultimately preserving His covenant people.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joseph's second dream offers profound lessons on the nature of divine providence and the human response to it. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans are often far grander and more intricate than we can initially perceive, and they frequently unfold through unexpected and challenging circumstances. Just as Joseph endured years of hardship, betrayal, and imprisonment before his dream was fulfilled, we are called to cultivate unwavering trust in God's sovereign purposes, even when our present reality seems to contradict His promises. The narrative also provides a cautionary tale regarding the destructive power of envy and pride within relationships, particularly family. Joseph's youthful indiscretion in sharing such a provocative dream without wisdom reminds us of the importance of humility, discernment, and sensitivity in our interactions, especially when entrusted with insights or positions of potential influence. Our calling is to steward God's revelations with wisdom, seeking to build up rather than provoke, and to trust that God will bring His purposes to pass in His own perfect timing and way.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does Joseph's experience of waiting for the fulfillment of his dream challenge my own patience and trust in God's timing during difficult seasons?
  • In what ways might I be tempted to react with envy or resentment when others are seemingly favored or blessed by God?
  • How can I cultivate greater humility and discernment in sharing insights or truths, especially when they might be challenging or provocative to others?

FAQ

Why did Joseph tell his family these dreams, knowing their animosity?

Answer: Joseph's decision to recount his dreams, particularly the second one, likely stemmed from a combination of youthful naiveté, a lack of social wisdom, and perhaps a genuine, if tactless, desire to share what he believed to be a significant divine revelation. At 17 years old (Genesis 37:2), he was still immature, possibly unaware of the depth of his brothers' resentment, which was fueled by Jacob's blatant favoritism. His father's indulgence may have also contributed to Joseph's lack of discretion. While his actions certainly provoked his family and led to his suffering, from a theological perspective, this youthful indiscretion ultimately served God's sovereign plan, setting in motion the very events necessary for the dreams' fulfillment and the preservation of Jacob's family.

Does the dream imply Joseph would be worshipped by his family?

Answer: No, the term "made obeisance" (Hebrew shachah) in this context signifies profound respect, submission, and homage, not worship reserved for God alone. In the ancient Near East, bowing down was a common gesture of deference shown to kings, nobles, or those in positions of authority. It indicates a recognition of superior status or power. This interpretation is confirmed by the dream's fulfillment years later in Egypt, when Joseph's family came to him for sustenance and bowed before him as a matter of custom and necessity, acknowledging his immense power as Pharaoh's second-in-command (Genesis 42:6). Their actions were an act of civil homage, not religious adoration.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joseph's second dream, and its subsequent fulfillment, serves as a profound type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Christ was the beloved Son, uniquely favored by His Father (Matthew 3:17). Joseph was rejected by his own brethren, who conspired against him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:28), much as Jesus was rejected by His own people, the Jewish nation, and betrayed by one of His disciples (John 1:11; Matthew 26:14-16). Yet, through Joseph's suffering and subsequent exaltation to a position of power in Egypt, he became the means of salvation for his family and many others from famine, providing physical sustenance. In a far greater sense, through Christ's suffering, death, and ultimate resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 2:33), He became the spiritual provider and deliverer, saving not only His spiritual family (the church) but all who believe from eternal death, offering the bread of life (John 6:35). The bowing of Joseph's family before him in Egypt (Genesis 42:6) powerfully prefigures the universal submission to Christ's ultimate authority, where one day "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10), acknowledging Him as Lord.

Copy as

Commentary on Genesis 37 verses 5–11

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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as

Continue studying Genesis 37:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.