King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:19 Mean?

Genesis 37:19 in the King James Version says “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. dreamer: Heb. master of dreams” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. dreamer: Heb. master of dreams”

Genesis 37:19 · KJV

Context

17

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

18

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

19

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. dreamer: Heb. master of dreams

20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

21

And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ1 of 9

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 9

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל3 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָחִ֑יו4 of 9

“to another”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הִנֵּ֗ה5 of 9
H2009

lo!

בַּ֛עַל6 of 9

“dreamer”

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

הַֽחֲלֹמ֥וֹת7 of 9
H2472

a dream

הַלָּזֶ֖ה8 of 9

“Behold this”

H1976

this very

בָּֽא׃9 of 9

“cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 37:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 37:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 28:12Genesis 37:5Genesis 49:23Genesis 37:11

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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