Devine Scripture

Genesis 37:11

What does Genesis 37:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 37:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 37:11 means

This verse reveals the deepening animosity of Joseph's brothers towards him, fueled by his dreams and their father's evident favoritism. The "envy" highlights their resentment and foreshadows their malicious actions. Conversely, Jacob's response of "keeping the saying in mind" suggests a degree of discernment and the belief that Joseph's dreams, despite their unsettling nature, might hold divine significance. Jacob's action portrays a fatherly reflection on the implications of Joseph's visions, perhaps hoping for a future where these prophetic words would unfold as truth or concerned about their potential impact on his family.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And his brothers were full of envy; but his father kept his words in mind.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and his brethren are zealous against him, and his father hath watched the matter.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

His brethren therefore envied him: but his father considered the thing with himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying.

Context

This verse immediately follows Joseph recounting his second dream to his father and brothers, in which the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. The brothers' envy is a direct reaction to these dreams, which they interpreted as Joseph asserting dominance over them. Jacob's contemplation of the dreams prepares the reader for the subsequent unfolding of events, where the initial envy escalates into the plot to harm Joseph. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic conflict that will drive the early narrative of Joseph's story in Genesis 37.

v.10And 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?

v.11This passage

v.12And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

  • Isaiah 11:13

    The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that vex Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

  • Matthew 27:18

    For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

  • Genesis 24:31

    And he said, Come in, thou blessed of Jehovah; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

  • Psalms 106:16

    They envied Moses also in the camp, AndAaron the saint of Jehovah.

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