King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:8 Mean?

Genesis 37:8 in the King James Version says “And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hate...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”

Genesis 37:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

9

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.

10

And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion ov... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙2 of 18
H0
אֶחָ֔יו3 of 18

“And his brethren”

H251

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

תִּמְלֹךְ֙4 of 18

“reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תִּמְלֹךְ֙5 of 18

“reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עָלֵ֔ינוּ6 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִם7 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל8 of 18

“have dominion”

H4910

to rule

תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל9 of 18

“have dominion”

H4910

to rule

בָּ֑נוּ10 of 18
H0
וַיּוֹסִ֤פוּ11 of 18

“him yet the more”

H3254

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

עוֹד֙12 of 18
H5750

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

שְׂנֹ֣א13 of 18

“over us And they hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֹת֔וֹ14 of 18
H853

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

עַל15 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֲלֹֽמֹתָ֖יו16 of 18

“for his dreams”

H2472

a dream

וְעַל17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּבָרָֽיו׃18 of 18

“and for his words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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 37:8 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 37:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:27Acts 7:35Luke 19:14Genesis 37:4Psalms 2:3-6Acts 4:27-28

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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