← Back to Genesis

Genesis 37

36 verses

TL;DR

Joseph’s favoritism and prophetic dreams spark his brothers' jealousy, leading them to throw him into a pit and sell him into slavery in Egypt, while Jacob mourns the loss of his beloved son.

Summary

In Genesis 37, Joseph, at seventeen, is favored by his father Jacob, who gives him a bright coat. The brothers, incensed by the favoritism and Joseph’s dreams of dominance, conspire to kill him but instead throw him into a pit. They then sell him to passing Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver, and he is taken to Egypt. Jacob mourns deeply, sending the coat to confirm Joseph’s death, but later learns Joseph is alive in Egypt. The narrative sets up Joseph’s future trials and eventual rise in Egypt, while exposing family conflict driven by jealousy and fear.

Outline
  1. Joseph’s favor and prophetic dreams ignite sibling jealousy and plot
  2. The brothers dispose of Joseph by pit and sale to Ishmaelite traders
  3. Jacob’s grief, deception, and realization of Joseph’s survival
Themes
jealousy and favoritismthe consequences of betrayalthe role of dreams as divine foretelling
Keywords
jealousyfavoritismdreamsbetrayalsacrificecaptivitymysteryhope
People
JacobJosephReubenJudahBilhahZilpahIshmaelite tradersMidianite merchantsPotiphar
Places
CanaanShechemHebronDothanGileadEgypt
Things
coat of many colorsdreamspittwenty pieces of silverspices (balm, myrrh)camels
Key Verses
  • Genesis 37:3: Symbolizes Jacob’s favoritism and sets tension
  • Genesis 37:5: Joseph’s dream becomes the catalyst for the brothers’ hatred
  • Genesis 37:18: Shows the brothers’ conspiracy to kill Joseph
  • Genesis 37:26: Decision to sell Joseph instead of killing him
  • Genesis 37:36: Arrival of Joseph in Egypt, beginning his new narrative
  • Genesis 37:35: Jacob’s profound grief, revealing father-son bond
Questions
  • How does Joseph’s dream foreshadow his future?
  • What drives the brothers to murder rather than reconciliation?
  • Why does Jacob refuse comfort and choose to mourn alone?
  • What does the coat of many colors symbolize in the broader narrative?
  • How does this chapter set up themes of providence and divine purpose?
Sentiment

mixed
Jealousy and betrayal coexist with profound grief and underlying hope