And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph's brothers are consumed by envy, a bitter resentment fueled by their father's favoritism. Yet, Jacob, despite rebuking Joseph, secretly holds onto the words of the dream, a quiet acknowledgment that there might be more to it than youthful fancy.
And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph's dreams of superiority have sparked intense jealousy and hatred among his brothers, who can't stand his favored status with their father. Despite Jacob's gentle rebuke of Joseph for his bold dreams, he doesn't dismiss them entirely, keeping Joseph's words in mind. This tension escalates as the brothers are sent to tend flocks far from home, setting the stage for their treacherous plot.
Why did Joseph's brothers hate him so intensely? It wasn't just about a coat or dreams; it was a deeper, simmering resentment.
The brothers'
While his sons seethed with anger, Jacob did something different. What does it mean to 'observe the saying'?
Jacob's reaction stands in stark contrast to his sons'. Instead of dismissing Joseph's dream or fueling the brothers' anger, he 'observed the saying.' This wasn't just passive listening; it implies deep thought and consideration. Jacob, though he rebuked Joseph (Genesis 37:10), seems to have recognized something significant, perhaps even divine, in the dreams. He held onto the words, pondering their meaning and waiting to see how God might fulfill them. This hints at a mature faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances to God's unfolding plan.
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.
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The intense sibling rivalry and jealousy surrounding Joseph's dreams and Jacob's favoritism are deeply rooted in the patriarchal family structure of the time, where status and inheritance were paramount.
c. 1760 BC
Jacob's Family Settles in Canaan
Jacob, grandfather to Joseph, returns to Canaan after years away, settling his large family and flocks in the land promised to his ancestors.
c. 1743 BC
Jacob Favors Joseph
Jacob, now elderly, shows marked favoritism to Joseph, his son from his beloved wife Rachel, giving him a special robe and making him the object of his affection.
c. 1743 BC
Joseph's Dreams
Joseph recounts two dreams where he is elevated above his brothers and even his parents, sparking intense hatred and envy among them.
c. 1743 BC— this verse
Brothers Sell Joseph
Joseph's brothers, unable to bear his favored status and dreams, conspire to kill him but are persuaded to sell him to Ishmaelite traders heading to Egypt. They deceive their father into believing Joseph was killed by a wild animal.
c. 1743 BC
Joseph Arrives in Egypt
The Ishmaelites sell Joseph to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, initiating his life in Egyptian servitude.
This verse describes the Israelites' envy and jealousy towards Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, paralleling the brothers' envy of Joseph because of their perceived positions of leadership and favor.
Proverbs 14:10This proverb directly addresses the internal struggles of the heart, stating that 'the heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy,' which reflects the hidden envy the brothers felt towards Joseph, a feeling Jacob, while observant, didn't fully grasp the depth of.
Matthew 27:18This verse shows how envy drove the chief priests and elders to hand Jesus over, mirroring the brothers' envy of Joseph leading them to betray him.
1 Samuel 18:7-9This passage describes how Saul's jealousy and envy toward David grew after David's victories, illustrating a similar dynamic of rising animosity fueled by admiration and success.
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.
Joseph's brothers are consumed by envy, a bitter resentment fueled by their father's favoritism. Yet, Jacob, despite rebuking Joseph, secretly holds onto the words of the dream, a quiet acknowledgment that there might be more to it than youthful fancy.
Joseph's dreams of superiority have sparked intense jealousy and hatred among his brothers, who can't stand his favored status with their father. Despite Jacob's gentle rebuke of Joseph for his bold dreams, he doesn't dismiss them entirely, keeping Joseph's words in mind. This tension escalates as the brothers are sent to tend flocks far from home, setting the stage for their treacherous plot.
Joseph's dreams of superiority have sparked intense jealousy and hatred among his brothers, who can't stand his favored status with their father. Despite Jacob's gentle rebuke of Joseph for his bold dreams, he doesn't dismiss them entirely, keeping Joseph's words in mind. This tension escalates as the brothers are sent to tend flocks far from home, setting the stage for their treacherous plot.
"And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind." — Joseph's brothers are consumed by envy, a bitter resentment fueled by their father's favoritism. Yet, Jacob, despite rebuking Joseph, secretly holds onto the words of the dream, a quiet acknowledgmen…
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Last reviewed October 2026