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Genesis 37:13

Genesis 37:13 in Multiple Translations

Israel 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.

And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.

And Israel said unto Joseph, Are not thy brethren feeding the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.

And Israel said to Joseph, Are not your brothers with the flock in Shechem? come, I will send you to them. And he said to him, Here am I.

Israel told Joseph, “Your brothers are looking after the sheep near Shechem. Get ready because I want you to go and see them.” “I'll do it,” Joseph replied.

And Israel said vnto Ioseph, Doe not thy brethren keepe in Shechem? come and I will send thee to them.

and Israel saith unto Joseph, 'Are not thy brethren feeding in Shechem? come, and I send thee unto them;' and he saith to him, 'Here [am] I;'

Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” He said to him, “Here I am.”

And Israel said to Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send thee to them. And he said to him, Here am I.

Israel said to him: Thy brethren feed the sheep in Sichem: come, I will send thee to them. And when he answered:

Some time later, Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are taking care of the sheep and goats near Shechem [RHQ]. I am going to send you there to see them.” Joseph replied, “Okay.”

Then Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are looking after my sheep in Shekem. I want you to go there and see how they are going.” And Joseph said, “Yes, I will go.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:13

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 37:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶל יוֹסֵ֗ף הֲ/ל֤וֹא אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ רֹעִ֣ים בִּ/שְׁכֶ֔ם לְכָ֖/ה וְ/אֶשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֣ אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖/וֹ הִנֵּֽ/נִי
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יוֹסֵ֗ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part
אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
רֹעִ֣ים râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds V-Qal
בִּ/שְׁכֶ֔ם Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem Prep | N-proper
לְכָ֖/ה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/אֶשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֣ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
הִנֵּֽ/נִי hinnêh H2009 behold Part | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:13

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹסֵ֗ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַחֶ֨י/ךָ֙ 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.
רֹעִ֣ים râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" V-Qal
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.
בִּ/שְׁכֶ֔ם 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.
לְכָ֖/ה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
וְ/אֶשְׁלָחֲ/ךָ֣ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
הִנֵּֽ/נִי hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part | Suff
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

Study Notes — Genesis 37:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 6:1–3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”
2 1 Samuel 3:8 Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy.
3 1 Samuel 3:16 but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel.
4 Genesis 27:1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied.
5 Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
6 1 Samuel 3:4–6 Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”
7 1 Samuel 17:17–20 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry.
8 Genesis 27:18 So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?”
9 Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
10 Luke 20:13 ‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’

Genesis 37:13 Summary

[In this verse, Israel sends Joseph to check on his brothers who are taking care of the family's flocks in Shechem. Joseph agrees to go, showing his obedience to his father. This event sets the stage for the rest of Joseph's story, which teaches us about faith, trust, and God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of obeying authority and trusting God's plan, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Israel send Joseph to his brothers in Shechem?

Israel sent Joseph to his brothers in Shechem to check on their well-being and the condition of the flocks, as seen in Genesis 37:13-14. This shows Israel's concern for his sons and his desire to stay informed about their activities.

What can we learn from Joseph's response to his father's request?

Joseph's response, 'I am ready,' demonstrates his obedience and willingness to serve his father, as seen in Genesis 37:13. This is a great example of the importance of obeying authority and being faithful in our responsibilities, as taught in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph's life?

This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in Joseph's life, including his brothers' jealousy and his eventual rise to leadership in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 37-50. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

What can we learn from Israel's leadership in this verse?

Israel's decision to send Joseph to his brothers demonstrates his leadership and desire to care for his family, as seen in Genesis 37:13-14. This is a great example of the importance of responsible leadership and prioritizing the well-being of those under our care, as taught in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate obedience and faithfulness in my own life, like Joseph did in this verse?
  2. How can I trust God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances, like Joseph did when he was sent to his brothers?
  3. What are some ways I can prioritize the well-being of those under my care, like Israel did in this verse?
  4. How can I balance my desire for control with my need to trust God's plan, like Israel did when he sent Joseph to his brothers?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:13

And Israel said unto Joseph,.... After his brethren had been gone some time to Shechem: do not thy brethren feed [the flock] in Shechem?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:13

And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:13

1729 Having kept him for some time at home, and supposing that length of time had cooled their heats, and worn out their hatred, he now sends him to them.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:13

Genesis 37:13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed [the flock] in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here [am I].Ver. 13. And he said to him, Here am I.] "Children obey your parents," - quorum divina est dignitas, saith Chrysostom: our parents are Yεοιεφεστιοι, saith another; and Philo, for this maketh the fifth commandment a part of the first table, "for this is right." Blind nature saw it to be so. For it is not fit, saith the philosopher, to cross the gods, a man’ s own father, and his tutor or teacher. Mηκαλονκρινεινεναντιατοις Yεοις, πατρι, και Dαδασκαλω. - Aristot., Rhetor.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:13

2b–36 (JE). Joseph sold into Egypt 2b (J). and he was a lad with, &c.] The English here gives an awkward rendering. The meaning is, “he was keeping sheep, being still a lad, with his brethren, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah,” i.e. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. Joseph’s home at this time seems to have been at Hebron (cf. Genesis 35:27). The life of Joseph, the elder son of the favourite wife, spent in the field with the sons of the concubines, was not likely to be happy. the evil report] What this was, does not appear; cf. 1 Samuel 2:23. But Joseph’s action brought upon him the odium of tale-bearing. On the words for “evil report” cf. Numbers 13:32; Numbers 14:36-37 (P).

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:13

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 37:13

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Genesis 37-38 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph's brothers, filled with resentment towards his dreams of greatness, conspire to kill him. However,
Paul Washer 教子有方(上)- Training Children by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is different from the world by following Jesus Christ. He shares personal anecdotes about his family, h
Paul Washer Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi
Paul Washer Responsibility by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in teaching and training children. He highlights the need for parents to not only teach their childre
Paul Washer Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove
Art Katz Costly Submission by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature

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