Genesis 37:15
Genesis 37:15 in Multiple Translations
a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?”
¶ And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
And a man saw him wandering in the country, and said to him, What are you looking for?
and arrived in Shechem. A man there found him wandering about in the field, so he asked him, “What are you looking for?”
Then a man found him: for lo, hee was wandring in the fielde, and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
And a man findeth him, and lo, he is wandering in the field, and the man asketh him, saying, 'What seekest thou?'
A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, “What are you looking for?”
And a certain man found him, and behold he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
And a man found him there wandering in the field, and asked what he sought.
while he was wandering around in the fields looking/searching for his brothers, a man saw him and asked him, “Whom are you looking/searching for?”
When he got to Shekem, he walked around in the grass lands and looked for his brothers. A man saw him and said, “What are you looking for?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:15
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 37:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֣/הוּ
אִ֔ישׁ
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
תֹעֶ֖ה
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֧/הוּ
הָ/אִ֛ישׁ
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
מַה
תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ
וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֣/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
תֹעֶ֖ה
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Qal
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֧/הוּ
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
הָ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:15
וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֣/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
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.
תֹעֶ֖ה
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Qal
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וַ/יִּשְׁאָלֵ֧/הוּ
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
הָ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:15
- Sermons on Genesis 37:15
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
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,
15a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?”
16“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” 17“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 4:27 | Just then His disciples returned and were surprised that He was speaking with a woman. But no one asked Him, “What do You want from her?” or “Why are You talking with her?” |
| 2 | Judges 4:22 | When Barak arrived in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out to greet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man you are seeking.” So he went in with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg through his temple. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:14 | Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 6:19 | And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. |
| 5 | John 18:4 | Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” |
| 6 | John 1:38 | Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” |
| 7 | John 18:7 | So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. |
| 8 | John 20:15 | “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” |
Genesis 37:15 Summary
[In this verse, Joseph is wandering in the field, looking for his brothers, and a man finds him and asks what he is looking for. This shows that Joseph was on a mission to find his brothers, but needed some help and guidance along the way. As Christians, we can learn from Joseph's experience that it is okay to ask for help and guidance, and that God can use unexpected people or circumstances to provide for our needs (Psalm 121:1-2, Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can have confidence that He will guide us and provide for us, even in uncertain or difficult times.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joseph wandering in the field?
Joseph was wandering in the field because he was looking for his brothers, as instructed by his father Israel in Genesis 37:13-14, but apparently did not know the exact location where they were pasturing their flocks.
Who was the man that found Joseph in the field?
The Bible does not provide the name of the man who found Joseph in the field, but his question to Joseph, 'What are you looking for?' shows that he was willing to engage with Joseph and help him find his brothers, much like the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
What can we learn from Joseph's experience of being lost and found by a stranger?
Joseph's experience teaches us that even when we feel lost or alone, God can use unexpected people or circumstances to guide us and provide for our needs, as seen in Genesis 37:15 and other Bible stories like Exodus 2:16-22.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph's life?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Joseph's journey, as it ultimately leads him to his brothers in Dothan, where they will plot against him, setting the stage for the rest of the story in Genesis 37:18-36 and beyond, including his rise to prominence in Egypt as seen in Genesis 41:37-57.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you felt lost or alone, and how did God provide for you during those times?
- How can you be like the man in the field, asking questions and showing interest in someone's life, in order to help them and point them to God?
- What are some ways that you can apply the principle of seeking guidance and help from others, as Joseph did in this verse, to your own life and relationships?
- In what ways can you trust God to use unexpected people or circumstances to guide you and provide for your needs, just as He did for Joseph in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:15
And a certain man found him,.... Many of the Jewish writers (l) say, this was an angel, the angel Gabriel, in the likeness of a man; but according to Aben Ezra, it was a traveller he met on the road;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:15
And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:15
Genesis 37:15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, [he was] wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?Ver. 15. What seekest thou?] This was not the angel Gabriel, as the Hebrews will have it; but some courteous passenger, that thus offereth himself to wandering Joseph, and sets him in his way again. At Athens there were public curses appointed against such as showed not those their error that were out of the way. See the like, Deuteronomy 27:18. "Brethren," saith St James, "if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know that he saves a soul from death"; yea, he pulls him out of the fire of hell, saith Jude for they that err from God’ s commandments are cursed. Dion. Lamb., in Corn. Nep. Ex igne gehennali - Pareus.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:15
15. a certain man] Evidently Joseph and his brethren were well known, and not unfavourably, in the region of Shechem. The lad’s wandering in uncertainty appeals to the reader’s sympathy. The Targum of Palestine says the “man” was the angel Gabriel.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:15
15. Wandering in the field — Wandering about the field that belonged to his father at Shechem.
Sermons on Genesis 37:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Om Orientation) Spiritual Reproduction - Part 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipleship and how to effectively disciple someone who has come to Christ. The process involves finding people, presentin |
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Purpose by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively doing God's work rather than sitting idly by. He encourages listeners to pray and wait on the Lord to discover His |
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John's Gospel - Food That Fills a Need by John Vissers | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the two simple principles of Christian witness found in John chapter 4. The first principle is to align oneself with the will of God, which gi |
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John 4:27-54 by Damian Kyle | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage in John chapter 4, which is known as one of the most famous evangelistic passages in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes that no o |
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The Moral Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ by J.G. Bellet | J.G. Bellett preaches about the Moral Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting His perfect character and the wondrous subject of His moral beauty. Bellett reflects on how Jesus |
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John 4:23-27 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of blessings and salvation, emphasizing the necessity of believing in Christ's teachings. He explains how t |
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The Insignificant Person Is Important to God by Neil Rhodes | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative impact of worldly influences on families and individuals. He uses the story of J.L. from the Bible to illustrate how compromise |