King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:20 Mean?

Genesis 37:20 in the King James Version says “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him:...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 37:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beas... 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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה׀1 of 14
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לְכ֣וּ2 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנַֽהַרְגֵ֗הוּ3 of 14

“now therefore and let us slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וְנַשְׁלִכֵ֙הוּ֙4 of 14

“him and cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

בְּאַחַ֣ד5 of 14

“him into some”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַבֹּר֔וֹת6 of 14

“pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

וְאָמַ֕רְנוּ7 of 14

“and we will say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חַיָּ֥ה8 of 14

“beast”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

רָעָ֖ה9 of 14

“Some evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲכָלָ֑תְהוּ10 of 14

“hath devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְנִרְאֶ֕ה11 of 14

“him and we shall see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מַה12 of 14
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּֽהְי֖וּ13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֲלֹֽמֹתָֽיו׃14 of 14

“what will become of his dreams”

H2472

a dream

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 37:20 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 37:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:3Proverbs 27:4Proverbs 1:11-12Matthew 2:2-162 Kings 2:24John 3:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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