King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:5 Mean?

Genesis 37:5 in the King James Version says “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”

Genesis 37:5 · KJV

Context

3

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

4

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.

5

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

6

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

7

For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.... 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. How should this truth about Sold into Slavery shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיַּֽחֲלֹ֤ם1 of 9

“dreamed”

H2492

properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

יוֹסֵף֙2 of 9

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

חֲל֔וֹם3 of 9

“a dream”

H2472

a dream

וַיַּגֵּ֖ד4 of 9

“and he told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְאֶחָ֑יו5 of 9

“it his brethren”

H251

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

וַיּוֹסִ֥פוּ6 of 9

“him yet the more”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֖וֹד7 of 9
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שְׂנֹ֥א8 of 9

“and they hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֹתֽוֹ׃9 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 37:5 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 37:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 28:12Genesis 42:9Daniel 4:5John 17:14Genesis 37:4Amos 3:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 37 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes