Genesis 37 6

Genesis 37:6 kjv

And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

Genesis 37:6 nkjv

So he said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:

Genesis 37:6 niv

He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had:

Genesis 37:6 esv

He said to them, "Hear this dream that I have dreamed:

Genesis 37:6 nlt

"Listen to this dream," he said.

Genesis 37 verses

Genesis 37 6 meaning

Genesis 37:6 captures the moment Joseph presents his first significant dream to his brothers, seeking their attention and perhaps understanding. The verse is a crucial point of escalation in the conflict between Joseph and his elder brothers, establishing his youthful role as a divine messenger, though he shares it with a lack of prudence given the existing family tension. This communication sets the stage for the dramatic events of the Joseph narrative, where divine sovereignty guides human actions and ultimately leads to the preservation of Israel.

Genesis 37 6 Context

Genesis 37:6 is situated early in the lengthy narrative of Joseph, beginning a pivotal phase for the fledgling family of Israel. Prior to this verse, Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph (Gen 37:3) and the unique coat he provided had already ignited fierce jealousy and hatred among Joseph's elder brothers (Gen 37:4). Joseph, being seventeen at the time (Gen 37:2), approaches his already hostile brothers to recount a dream. In the ancient Near East, dreams were widely regarded as potential conduits for divine communication, believed to reveal the will of gods or future events. Thus, Joseph's announcement to "hear this dream" was not a trivial invitation, but a declaration of a significant personal experience that carried profound implications within the cultural understanding of the time. The immediate context of sibling animosity is critical; sharing a dream foretelling his dominion over them was inherently provocative and fanned the flames of their resentment, initiating a series of events divinely ordained to move Jacob's family to Egypt.

Genesis 37 6 Word analysis

• And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר):

  • Wayyomer, a waw-consecutive perfect, indicating a sequential action.
  • Refers to Joseph, though unnamed in this immediate clause, highlighting his active role in initiating the conflict.
  • Implies a direct and declarative communication to his brothers.

• to them (אֲלֵהֶם):

  • Refers specifically to his brothers (implied from Gen 37:4-5), not a general audience.
  • Emphasizes the direct confrontation and challenge to their status.

• Hear (שִׁמְעוּ):

  • Hebrew: Shim'u (imperative, plural). From the root shama', meaning "to hear," "to listen," "to pay attention," but also "to understand" and "to obey."
  • Joseph commands attention, indicating he perceives the dream as important, not a casual recounting.
  • It is a strong demand for consideration, similar to prophetic calls to hear the word of God.

• this dream (הַחֲלוֹם הַזֶּה):

  • Ha-chalom ha-zeh. Chalom (dream) is a recurring motif in the Joseph narrative and elsewhere in Scripture where God communicates.
  • The definite article "this" (ha-zeh) stresses the specific, singular, and significant nature of this particular dream. It is distinct and paramount to Joseph.
  • In the Bible, dreams can be revelatory, as seen with Abraham, Jacob, Pharaoh, Daniel, and the New Testament Joseph. This implies a divinely given dream rather than a random nighttime experience.

• which I have dreamed (אֲשֶׁר חָלָמְתִּי):

  • Asher chalamti. Chalamti (I have dreamed) is Qal perfect, affirming Joseph's personal and direct experience of receiving the dream.
  • It emphasizes the subjective origin while implicitly suggesting a divine source, setting Joseph apart as a recipient of divine revelation, which was provocative to his family.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And he said to them, 'Hear'": Joseph, in his youthful candor and possibly divine prompt, asserts authority over his elder brothers, demanding their attention. This bold beginning immediately sets a challenging tone within the existing context of familial discord, implying a prophetic utterance rather than idle talk.
  • "this dream which I have dreamed": Joseph emphatically highlights the personal nature and profound significance of the dream. By framing it as "this" and something "I have dreamed," he implicitly positions himself as a recipient of special revelation, laying claim to a unique divine connection that elevates him above his brothers. This assertion, albeit true, fuels their jealousy and contributes to their hostile reaction.

Genesis 37 6 Bonus section

• Joseph's Naivety vs. Divine Mandate: Some commentators suggest Joseph's young age (17) contributes to his lack of discretion in sharing such a potent dream. Others view his actions as divinely directed, making him a mouthpiece for God's sovereign will, regardless of the immediate family dynamics. Both perspectives highlight that Joseph is an instrument in God's larger narrative.
• Parallels with Christ: Joseph, often seen as a type of Christ, similarly faces rejection and hatred from his own people (his brothers) when presenting a claim of authority (through the dreams). This foreshadows Jesus' rejection by the Jewish leadership who hated Him without a cause (John 15:25), despite Him being the promised Messiah and Son of God. Both Joseph and Jesus were destined to bring salvation through suffering, rejection, and subsequent exaltation.
• Prophetic Nature of Dreams: The emphasis on "dream" (chalom) throughout this chapter firmly establishes Joseph as a figure connected to divine revelation, akin to later prophets. This early gift prepares him for his future role as interpreter for Pharaoh, essential to the deliverance of his family and the people. This demonstrates a specific prophetic type within the biblical tradition.

Genesis 37 6 Commentary

Genesis 37:6 acts as the ignition point for the tumultuous journey of Joseph and, by extension, the entire family of Israel. Joseph's request to "Hear this dream which I have dreamed" is not merely the naive sharing of a personal vision; it carries the weight of a divine pronouncement within a cultural context that understood dreams as avenues of supernatural communication. Despite the truth of the dream and its ultimate divine purpose, Joseph's tactless delivery, given the simmering envy among his brothers, was ill-timed and exacerbated their already deep-seated animosity. This seemingly simple statement serves as God's initial revealed blueprint for Joseph's life and the salvation of Jacob's household, demonstrating divine providence working through human personality and conflict. The verse subtly underscores that God's plan unfolds, often despite, or even because of, human imperfections and rebellion. It reminds us that divine revelation, even if initially met with disbelief or hatred, will ultimately prevail.