King James Version
Genesis 37:4 in the King James Version says “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak pe...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 37:4 · KJV
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. colours: or, pieces
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 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“And when his brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“that their father”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“And when his brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“not speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
“peaceably”
H7965safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
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.
Genesis 37:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 37:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge