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Genesis 37:4

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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.

And when his brethren {H251} saw {H7200} that their father {H1} loved {H157} him more than all his brethren {H251}, they hated {H8130} him, and could {H3201} not speak {H1696} peaceably {H7965} unto him.

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they began to hate him and reached the point where they couldn't even talk with him in a civil manner.

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Commentary

Genesis 37:4 introduces the intense family drama that defines much of the life of Joseph. This verse lays bare the root of the conflict between Joseph and his elder brothers: their father Jacob’s blatant favoritism.

Context

The patriarch Jacob, having twelve sons, showed a distinct preference for Joseph, the firstborn of his beloved wife Rachel. This favoritism was not hidden; it was openly displayed, notably through the special coat of many colours given to Joseph, a symbol of status and heirship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such overt partiality could easily breed resentment among siblings, especially those who felt their birthright or standing was diminished. The brothers, already older and accustomed to their positions, saw Joseph as an upstart, magnified by their father's doting affection.

Key Themes

  • Favoritism's Destructive Power: This verse powerfully illustrates how parental favoritism can poison family relationships, leading to deep-seated bitterness and division. It creates an environment ripe for jealousy and strife.
  • Jealousy and Hatred: The brothers' observation of Jacob's love for Joseph directly ignited their hatred. This wasn't mere envy; it was a profound animosity that festered and grew, laying the groundwork for their cruel actions later in the narrative.
  • Breakdown of Communication: The phrase "could not speak peaceably unto him" signifies a complete rupture of healthy familial communication. Their hatred was so intense that they couldn't even offer basic respectful greetings or engage in civil dialogue with Joseph. This inability to communicate peacefully highlights the depth of their animosity and the complete absence of family harmony.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "could not speak peaceably unto him" (לֹא יָכְלוּ דַּבְּרוֹ לְשָׁלוֹם - lo yakhelu dabbero leshalom) is significant. The word shalom typically means "peace," "wholeness," or "well-being." Here, it implies an inability to speak to Joseph in a way that conveys good wishes, respect, or even basic civility. Their hatred was so overwhelming that the very concept of speaking "peace" or "well-being" to him was impossible. It wasn't just a lack of friendly conversation, but an active refusal to acknowledge him with any measure of human decency.

Practical Application

Genesis 37:4 serves as a timeless cautionary tale. It warns against the perils of:

  • Parental Favoritism: It demonstrates how showing partiality can sow discord and resentment within a family, leading to lasting harm.
  • Unchecked Jealousy and Hatred: The verse highlights the destructive path that unchecked emotions like jealousy can take, culminating in deep-seated hatred that blinds individuals to reason and compassion.
  • Breakdown of Communication: It underscores the importance of open and honest communication in relationships. When animosity prevents peaceful dialogue, conflicts escalate and reconciliation becomes far more challenging.

This verse sets the stage for Joseph's remarkable journey, a narrative that ultimately demonstrates God's sovereignty in working through human failings to bring about His purposes, leading to eventual reconciliation and forgiveness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 27:41 (6 votes)

    ¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

  • 1 John 4:20 (4 votes)

    If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

  • 1 John 3:12 (4 votes)

    Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

  • Psalms 69:4 (4 votes)

    They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

  • 1 John 2:11 (4 votes)

    But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

  • 1 Samuel 17:28 (3 votes)

    And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

  • Genesis 4:5 (3 votes)

    But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.