Genesis 37 11

Genesis 37:11 kjv

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Genesis 37:11 nkjv

And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Genesis 37:11 niv

His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Genesis 37:11 esv

And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

Genesis 37:11 nlt

But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.

Genesis 37 verses

Genesis 37 11 meaning

This verse highlights the stark contrast in reactions to Joseph's prophetic dreams. His brothers, already holding deep resentment due to Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's candidness, respond with intense jealousy and animosity. In contrast, Jacob, his father, despite initially rebuking Joseph, wisely ponders and retains the matter in his heart, recognizing its potential divine origin and significance for the future.

Genesis 37 11 Context

This verse immediately follows Joseph's second dream (sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him) and Jacob's initial strong rebuke of him. It occurs within a narrative establishing Joseph as favored by his father, hated by his brothers, and receiving divine dreams. The existing tensions are rooted in Jacob's favoritism, highlighted by the "coat of many colors," and Joseph's innocent but irritating reports of his brothers' misdeeds to their father. The verse acts as a pivot, illustrating the divergent responses to divine revelation: bitter rejection by some, thoughtful consideration by another, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Joseph's life.

Genesis 37 11 Word analysis

• And his brethren envied him:

  • And: Hebrew waw conjunctive. Connects to the immediate context of Jacob's rebuke. Despite Jacob's attempt to dampen Joseph's pride, the brothers' negative reaction persists and intensifies.
  • his brethren: The term "brothers" emphasizes the familial bond that should entail love and protection, but instead produces enmity.
  • envied: Hebrew: קנאו (qan'u). From the root qana, meaning "to be jealous, zealous, envious." This is a strong term indicating intense ill-will, resentment, and even a desire to harm. It's not just a feeling but a destructive attitude, a deeply ingrained malice, contrasting with God's zealous love (e.g., Exod 20:5).
  • him: Joseph. The object of intense sibling hatred, partly due to divine favor foreshadowed by the dreams, partly due to parental favoritism and Joseph's personality.

• but his father observed the saying:

  • but: Hebrew waw conjunctive used antithetically. Creates a sharp contrast with the brothers' reaction. Jacob's response is one of contemplation rather than immediate dismissal or destructive anger.
  • his father: Jacob, a man familiar with God's interventions and promises in his own life (e.g., Gen 28:10-22). His experience informs his thoughtful response.
  • observed: Hebrew: שׁמר (shamar). Means "to guard, keep, watch, preserve, give heed to, retain." It's an active mental process of pondering, storing away, and meditating on something significant. It implies a discernment that this was not merely childish boasting, but possibly a word from God. This echoes Mary's actions in the New Testament (Luke 2:19, 51).
  • the saying: Hebrew: דָּבָר (davar). Can mean "word, matter, thing, speech, command, event, oracle." Here, it refers to Joseph's dreams and their prophetic implications. Jacob perceives it as more than idle words, a potential revelation of divine will concerning his lineage.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "his brethren envied him": Highlights human depravity and the fruit of sin, specifically sibling rivalry and jealousy intensified by perceived favoritism and divine blessing. This becomes the primary catalyst for the subsequent events in the narrative.
  • "but his father observed the saying": Contrasts wisdom and discernment with blind hatred. Jacob, despite his flaws, demonstrates a spiritual openness to divine revelation, understanding the potential weight of a word from God, which hints at future fulfillment and God's sovereign plan over human machinations.

Genesis 37 11 Bonus section

The act of Jacob "observing" or "keeping" the saying in his heart parallels the concept of discerning prophecy and waiting on its fulfillment, often seen throughout the biblical narrative. It points to the active role a person of faith plays in reflecting upon God's word, rather than simply dismissing it. This 'keeping' is crucial for understanding how God's purposes unfold over time, often through unexpected or challenging circumstances, a testament to His overarching sovereignty even amidst human failings and conflicts. This narrative reminds us that while human jealousy can inflict pain, God's divine word is carefully preserved and will ultimately come to pass.

Genesis 37 11 Commentary

Genesis 37:11 serves as a pivotal point, sharply delineating the two immediate responses to Joseph's prophetic dreams. The intense envy of his brothers, rooted in a potent cocktail of parental favoritism, Joseph's candid reporting, and the audacity of his dreams, sets in motion the destructive path that will lead to Joseph's sale into slavery. This envy (qan'u) is not a passing feeling but a deeply ingrained malice that characterizes human rebellion against divine design and God's chosen vessels. In stark contrast, Jacob's response of "observing" (shamar) the saying reveals his seasoned understanding of God's ways. Despite his initial rebuke, Jacob thoughtfully ponders these words (davar), recognizing their potential as a divine oracle, thereby laying the groundwork for later realization of God's intricate plan through hardship. The verse thus subtly foreshadows God's providence working through human sin and wisdom, ultimately ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant.