Genesis 37:11
And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While his brothers reacted with malice, Jacob's response was different; he "kept the saying in mind," which means he pondered and held onto Joseph's words, even though he rebuked him. This hints at a deeper sense of divine possibility that Jacob sensed, even amidst his concern about the dream's implications.
Joseph’s brothers are consumed by jealousy after their father Jacob shows him special favor, even giving him a richly decorated coat. When Joseph shares two prophetic dreams that predict his brothers will bow down to him, their hatred intensifies, leading them to plot his demise. While Jacob rebukes Joseph for the dreams, he also secretly ponders their meaning, unlike his sons who only see them as a source of their resentment.
Jacob’s special love for Joseph set him apart, but this favoritism ignited a firestorm of hatred among his brothers. How does extreme favoritism breed such deep resentment?
Jacob’s love for Joseph was more than just affection; it was expressed through a visible sign of honor: a coat of many colors. This tangible difference, coupled with Joseph’s youth and perhaps his reporting of his brothers' misdeeds, fueled their envy.
While Joseph's brothers reacted with immediate hatred, his father Jacob responded differently. What does it mean to 'keep the saying in mind'?
Jacob’s reaction stands in stark contrast to his sons'. Instead of succumbing to anger or dismissing the dreams, he 'kept the saying in mind.' This wasn't passive ignorance but active contemplation.
Understand the original words
qana' · Hebrew Verb
A state of envy or resentment toward someone because of their perceived advantages, possessions, or status. In a biblical context, it is often linked to pride and a lack of contentment with God’s providence.
The verse highlights the immediate emotional reaction of Joseph's brothers – envy and hatred – fueled by Jacob's obvious favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams. Crucially, it contrasts their malice with Jacob's thoughtful consideration of the dreams, suggesting he recognized a divine element, planting a seed of hope amidst the family's turmoil.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham settled in Canaan
Abraham and his family lived as semi-nomadic pastoralists in the land of Canaan, a period marked by dependence on God's promises for a future nation and land.
c. 1750 BC
Jacob's family grows in Canaan
Jacob's large family, consisting of twelve sons, continued the patriarchal traditions in Canaan, facing challenges from the indigenous peoples.
c. 1720 BC
Jacob favors Joseph
Jacob showed distinct favoritism towards his son Joseph, born in his old age, by giving him a special robe and sharing family traditions, leading to resentment from his brothers.
c. 1720 BC— this verse
Joseph's dreams revealed
Joseph recounted two dreams to his brothers and father, depicting his future preeminence over them, which intensified their hatred and envy.
This verse highlights the destructive power of envy and jealousy within a community, mirroring the brothers' feelings towards Joseph.
Proverbs 14:30This proverb directly links envy to physical decay and corruption, reflecting the rottenness at the heart of Joseph's brothers' hatred.
Matthew 27:3-5Judas's regret and attempt to return the 'blood money' after betraying Jesus parallels the brothers' actions and eventual, though different, regret.
Luke 2:51This verse describes Mary treasuring up Jesus' words and pondering them in her heart, much like Jacob 'observed the saying' of Joseph's dreams.
Galatians 5:19-21This passage lists 'envy' as a work of the flesh, alongside other destructive behaviors, similar to the actions and motivations of Joseph's brothers.
calvinGenesis 37:1-36: "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."
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.
Istae sunt generationes Iahacob. Joseph filius septendecim annorum pascebat cum fratribus suis pecudes, et erat puer cum filiis Bil…
pooleGenesis 37:11: "And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."
The words of Joseph; or the thing, the dream which he told; well knowing that God did frequently at that time signify his mind by dreams, and perceiving something singular and extraordinary in this dream, and especially in the doubling of it.
While his brothers reacted with malice, Jacob's response was different; he "kept the saying in mind," which means he pondered and held onto Joseph's words, even though he rebuked him. This hints at a deeper sense of divine possibility that Jacob sensed, even amidst his concern about the dream's implications.
Joseph’s brothers are consumed by jealousy after their father Jacob shows him special favor, even giving him a richly decorated coat. When Joseph shares two prophetic dreams that predict his brothers will bow down to him, their hatred intensifies, leading them to plot his demise. While Jacob rebukes Joseph for the dreams, he also secretly ponders their meaning, unlike his sons who only see them as a source of their resentment.
Joseph’s brothers are consumed by jealousy after their father Jacob shows him special favor, even giving him a richly decorated coat. When Joseph shares two prophetic dreams that predict his brothers will bow down to him, their hatred intensifies, leading them to plot his demise. While Jacob rebukes Joseph for the dreams, he also secretly ponders their meaning, unlike his sons who only see them as a source of their resentment.
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c. 1720 BC
Brothers conspire against Joseph
Seeing Joseph from afar, his brothers plotted to kill him, though Reuben intervened to spare his life by suggesting he be cast into a pit.
c. 1720 BC
Joseph sold to Ishmaelites
Instead of killing Joseph, his brothers sold him to Ishmaelite traders who were en route to Egypt, a pivotal event that began Joseph's journey.
c. 1720 BC
Jacob mourns for Joseph
Joseph's brothers presented his blood-stained coat to Jacob, who, believing his favorite son to be dead, mourned deeply.
"And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind." — While his brothers reacted with malice, Jacob's response was different; he "kept the saying in mind," which means he pondered and held onto Joseph's words, even though he rebuked him. This hints at a…
