Genesis 37:12
Genesis 37:12 in Multiple Translations
Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem.
¶ And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
Now his brothers went to keep watch over their father's flock in Shechem.
One day Joseph's brothers took their father's flocks to graze near Shechem.
Then his brethren went to keepe their fathers sheepe in Shechem.
And his brethren go to feed the flock of their father in Shechem,
His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
And when his brethren abode in Sichem feeding their father’s flocks,
One day Joseph’s older brothers went to take care of their father’s sheep and goats that were eating grass near Shechem.
Jacob and his sons lived in a place called the Valley of Hebron. One day, Joseph’s brothers took their father’s sheep to the place called Shekem, so that the sheep had grass to eat. That place was a long way from Jacob’s camp. All of Joseph’s brothers went there, but Joseph stayed at home with his father Jacob.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 37:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
אֶחָ֑י/ו
לִ/רְע֛וֹת
אֶׄתׄ
צֹ֥אן
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
לִ/רְע֛וֹת
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶׄתׄ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:12
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
לִ/רְע֛וֹת
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אֶׄתׄ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
Prep | N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
- Sermons on Genesis 37:12
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
10He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?”
11And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.
12Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem.
13Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. 14Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:1 | Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan. |
| 2 | Genesis 33:18 | After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. |
| 3 | Genesis 34:25–31 | Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. Jacob’s other sons came upon the slaughter and looted the city, because their sister had been defiled. They took their flocks and herds and donkeys, and everything else in the city or in the field. They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses. Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” |
Genesis 37:12 Summary
Genesis 37:12 tells us that Joseph's brothers went to Shechem to take care of their father's sheep. This was a big responsibility, and it shows that Joseph's brothers were trusted to do important work. Just like Joseph's brothers, we have responsibilities that God has given us, and we need to be faithful in taking care of them (Matthew 25:14-30). As we go about our daily tasks, we can remember that God is with us, just like He was with Joseph, and that He will use our experiences to shape us and prepare us for the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Shechem in the Bible?
Shechem is a city in the Bible that holds great historical and spiritual significance, as seen in Genesis 37:12, where Joseph's brothers were pasturing their father's flocks. It is also the place where Jesus would later encounter the Samaritan woman, as recorded in John 4:5-6.
Why did Joseph's brothers go to Shechem to pasture their father's flocks?
The Bible does not provide a specific reason why Joseph's brothers went to Shechem, but it is likely that the area provided good grazing land for their father's flocks, as seen in Genesis 37:12. This event sets the stage for the subsequent events in Joseph's life, as seen in Genesis 37:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
Genesis 37:12 is a pivotal verse in the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following verses, including Joseph's journey to his brothers and his subsequent enslavement, as seen in Genesis 37:13-36. This event ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams, as seen in Genesis 42:6 and Genesis 50:18.
What can we learn from the fact that Joseph's brothers were pasturing their father's flocks?
The fact that Joseph's brothers were responsible for pasturing their father's flocks suggests that they were entrusted with significant responsibilities, as seen in Genesis 37:12. This teaches us about the importance of stewardship and responsibility, as emphasized in other Bible verses such as Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be faithful in my responsibilities, just like Joseph's brothers were entrusted with their father's flocks?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty, even when I am sent to unfamiliar or challenging places, just like Joseph was sent to his brothers in Shechem?
- What are some ways that I can be mindful of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and look out for their well-being, just like Joseph's father asked him to do in Genesis 37:14?
- How can I be prepared to face challenges and difficulties, just like Joseph was when he went to his brothers in Shechem, and trust that God will use them for my good and His glory?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:12
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:12
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. His brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. The vale of Shechem was, from the earliest mention of Canaan, blest with extraordinary abundance of water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
In the parts adjoining to Shechem, in the lands which he had purchased there, . Let none think strange that he should send his sheep so far from him, both because that land was his own, and because his sheep being exceeding numerous, and he but a stranger in the land, was likely to be exposed to many such inconveniences. Compare . One may rather wonder that he durst venture his sons and his cattle there, where that barbarous massacre had been committed, . But those pastures being his own, and convenient for his use, he did commit himself and them to that same good Providence which watched over him then and ever since, and still kept up that terror which then he sent upon them. Besides Jacob’ s sons and servants made a considerable company, and the men of Shechem being universally slain, others were not very forward to revenge their quarrel, where there was any hazard to themselves in such an enterprise.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
Genesis 37:12 And his brethren went to feed their father’ s flock in Shechem.Ver. 12. In Shechem.] Sixty miles from Hebron, where Jacob now dwelt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
(12) Shechem.—Jacob’s sons seem to have retained Shechem, by right of their high-handed proceedings. related in Genesis 34:27-29. By seizing the “tafs” of the Shechemites, Simeon and Levi must have added. large numbers of grown men to the roll of their retainers; and after accustoming them to their service. they would have become powerful enough to resist any attacks of the natives. (See Genesis 34:29, and Note on Genesis 17:13). But it gives us a great idea of Jacob’s wealth and power, that while dwelling a little to the north of Hebron, he should send part of his. cattle so far away as to Shechem, a distance of sixty miles.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:12
12–17 (J). Joseph’s Mission to his Brethren in Shechem 12. in Shechem] The region of Shechem was famous for its fertility and pasturage. The fact that Jacob’s brethren selected it for pasturing their flocks, indicates that the Dinah narrative, recorded in chap. 34, belongs to a separate group of Israelite tradition. Clearly Dinah, if we may judge from Genesis 30:21-24, was of the same age as Joseph. Joseph in the present chapter (cf. Genesis 37:2) Isaiah 17 years old, while Dinah, to judge from Genesis 34:1, must have been not less than 15; accordingly the events of that chapter would have been of quite recent occurrence. Evidently the present J narrative is independent of them. Seeing that Jacob, according to Genesis 37:14, was residing in Hebron, Shechem and Dothan would be a very great distance away from the patriarch’s residence. Apparently the writer assumes that the whole country was open grazing ground.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:12
JOSEPH SOLD INTO EGYPT, Genesis 37:12-36. 13. Thy brethren… in Shechem — Jacob owned a tract of land near this city, which he purchased of the prince of that country. See Genesis 33:19.
Sermons on Genesis 37:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) 58 - the Persistent Power of a Guilty Conscience by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights Joseph's plan to test his brothers' character and remorse by put |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, at the age of 17, was the youngest among his brothers and was tasked with feeding the |
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Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance |
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Genesis #22 Ch. 37-39 Joseph, the Faithful Servant by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding the word of God. The sermon focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genes |
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When Darkness Turns to Light by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and obeying the stories in the Bible. He explains that these stories can either harden our hearts if we don't |
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(Genesis) 53 - Joseph - Beloved, Hated and Sold by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He begins by pointing out the common use of the phrase "you know" in modern language, comparing it to the |
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The First Gift of the Father by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two different gifts given by fathers to their sons. The first gift is a coat of many colors given by Jacob to his son Joseph, which symbolize |