Genesis 37:16
Genesis 37:16 in Multiple Translations
“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?”
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.
And he said, I am looking for my brothers; please give me word of where they are keeping their flock.
“I'm looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they're looking after the flock?”
And he answered, I seeke my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they keepe sheepe.
and he saith, 'My brethren I am seeking, declare to me, I pray thee, where they are feeding?'
He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
But he answered: I seek my brethren; tell me where they feed the flocks.
Joseph replied, “I am looking for my older brothers. Can you tell me where they are taking care of their sheep and goats?”
Joseph said, “I’m looking for my brothers. They came to this place with my father’s sheep. Please, can you tell me where they are?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:16
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 37:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
אֶת
אַחַ֖/י
אָנֹכִ֣י
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
הַגִּֽידָ/ה
נָּ֣א
לִ֔/י
אֵיפֹ֖ה
הֵ֥ם
רֹעִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַחַ֖/י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
הַגִּֽידָ/ה
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
נָּ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
אֵיפֹ֖ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
where?
Part
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
רֹעִֽים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
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 37:16
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
אֶת
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.
אַחַ֖/י
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.
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
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.
הַגִּֽידָ/ה
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
נָּ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
אֵיפֹ֖ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
"where?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like 'where', 'when', or 'how'. It is often translated as 'what manner' or 'where' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) where? 2) what kind?
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what manner, where. See also: Genesis 37:16; Job 4:7; Isaiah 49:21.
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
רֹעִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
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. 18Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 1:7 | Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions? |
Genesis 37:16 Summary
In this verse, Joseph is being honest and direct with the man he meets in the field, telling him that he is looking for his brothers. This shows that Joseph is a truthful and respectful person, and it also sets in motion the events that will lead to his brothers' plot against him. We can learn from Joseph's example by being truthful and kind in our own interactions with others, as seen in scriptures like Proverbs 10:9 and Ephesians 4:29. By trusting in God's plan and being honest with others, we can reflect the love and character of Christ in our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph tell the man he was looking for his brothers?
Joseph was being honest about his mission, as his father Israel had sent him to check on his brothers and the flocks, as seen in Genesis 37:14. This shows Joseph's obedience to his father's instructions.
What can we learn from Joseph's response to the man?
We can learn the importance of being truthful and direct in our interactions with others, as Joseph was in Genesis 37:16. This is also reflected in other scriptures such as Proverbs 10:9, which emphasizes the value of integrity.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets in motion the events that will lead to his brothers' plot against him, as seen in Genesis 37:18. It also showcases Joseph's trust in God's plan, even when faced with uncertainty, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 23:4.
What does this verse teach us about communication and relationships?
This verse highlights the importance of clear and respectful communication, as Joseph politely asks the man for information. This is also reflected in other scriptures such as Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to speak kindly and truthfully to one another.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to ask for help or directions, and how did I respond to the situation?
- How can I apply Joseph's example of honesty and directness in my own interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's plan, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances?
- How can I use my words to build others up and reflect the love of Christ, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:16
And he said, I seek my brethren,.... Whom, no doubt, he described to the man, and told him who they were, and to whom they belonged; or otherwise the man would have been at a loss to know who he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:16
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 37:16
Genesis 37:16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks].Ver. 16. I seek my brethren.] He stayed not at Shechem, whither his father sent him; but missing them there, he seeks farther, till he found them. This is true obedience, whether to God or man, when we look not so much to the letter of the law, as to the mind of the lawmaker; apices iuris non sunt ius.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:16
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).
Sermons on Genesis 37:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the feeling of God's hiddenness and the darkness that comes when God withdraws his favor. He emphasizes the need for God's truth to set us fr |
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Lewis Land of Revival (Revival Testimonies) by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher describes the supernatural experience of a revival where young people were deeply moved to worship and seek God. The focus of the revival was not on ma |
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Militant Evangelism by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story of a father who risks his life to save his son from crocodile-infested waters. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance o |
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Genesis #06 Ch. 3 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament o |
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To Live Is Christ - Full Length by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a frail and humble village woman who radiated the love of Jesus. The woman, who had six sons, revealed to the speaker t |
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Road to Reality - to Live Is Christ - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. He questions why many Christians who have knowledge of the Bible sti |