Genesis 37:2
Genesis 37:2 in Multiple Translations
This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
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.
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought the evil report of them unto their father.
These are the generations of Jacob: Joseph, a boy seventeen years old, was looking after the flock, together with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph gave their father a bad account of them.
This is the story of Jacob and his family. Joseph was seventeen, and helped look after the flock with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives. Joseph told his father about some of the bad things his brothers were doing.
These are the generations of Iaakob, when Ioseph was seuenteene yeere olde: he kept sheepe with his brethren, and the childe was with the sonnes of Bilhah, and with the sonnes of Zilpah, his fathers wiues. And Ioseph brought vnto their father their euill saying.
These [are] births of Jacob: Joseph, a son of seventeen years, hath been enjoying himself with his brethren among the flock, (and he [is] a youth,) with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives, and Joseph bringeth in an account of their evil unto their father.
This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father.
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 to his father their evil report.
And these are his generations: Joseph, when he was sixteen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren, being but a boy: and he was with the sons of Bala and of Zelpha his father’s wives: and he accused his brethren to his father of a most wicked crime.
◄This is/I will now tell you► what happened to Jacob’s family. When his son Joseph was 17 years old, he was taking care of the flocks of sheep and goats with some of his older brothers. They were sons of his father’s ◄concubines/female slaves that he had taken to be his secondary wives►. Joseph sometimes told his father about bad things that his brothers were doing.
This is the story about what happened to Jacob’s family. Jacob’s son Joseph was 17 years old. And Joseph and his brothers looked after the sheep that belonged to their father Jacob. Joseph used to help 4 of his brothers to look after those sheep. 2 of those brothers were Bilhah’s sons, and the other 2 were Zilpah’s sons. Bilhah and Zilpah were Jacob’s wives. And Joseph told his father that those 4 brothers were doing bad things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:2
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 37:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣לֶּה
תֹּלְד֣וֹת
יַעֲקֹ֗ב
יוֹסֵ֞ף
בֶּן
שְׁבַֽע
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
שָׁנָה֙
הָיָ֨ה
רֹעֶ֤ה
אֶת
אֶחָי/ו֙
בַּ/צֹּ֔אן
וְ/ה֣וּא
נַ֗עַר
אֶת
בְּנֵ֥י
בִלְהָ֛ה
וְ/אֶת
בְּנֵ֥י
זִלְפָּ֖ה
נְשֵׁ֣י
אָבִ֑י/ו
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
יוֹסֵ֛ף
אֶת
דִּבָּתָ֥/ם
רָעָ֖ה
אֶל
אֲבִי/הֶֽם
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
תֹּלְד֣וֹת
tôwlᵉdâh
H8435
generation
N-fp
יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
יוֹסֵ֞ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שְׁבַֽע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רֹעֶ֤ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אֶחָי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
בַּ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Prep | N-cs
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
נַ֗עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
בִלְהָ֛ה
Bilhâh
H1090
Bilhah
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
זִלְפָּ֖ה
Zilpâh
H2153
Zilpah
N-proper
נְשֵׁ֣י
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֛ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דִּבָּתָ֥/ם
dibbâh
H1681
slander
N-fs | Suff
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲבִי/הֶֽם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:2
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
תֹּלְד֣וֹת
tôwlᵉdâh
H8435
"generation"
N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to a family's history or descendants, like a genealogy list. It appears in the Bible to describe a person's heritage or the passage of time. In 1 Chronicles, it's used to list the generations of Israelites.
Definition: 1) descendants, results, proceedings, generations, genealogies 1a) account of men and their descendants 1a1) genealogical list of one's descendants 1a2) one's contemporaries 1a3) course of history (of creation etc) 1b) begetting or account of heaven (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: birth, generations. See also: Genesis 2:4; Numbers 1:26; 1 Chronicles 26:31.
יַעֲקֹ֗ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
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 Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
יוֹסֵ֞ף
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שְׁבַֽע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רֹעֶ֤ה
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶחָי/ו֙
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.
בַּ/צֹּ֔אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Prep | 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.
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
נַ֗עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בִלְהָ֛ה
Bilhâh
H1090
"Bilhah"
N-proper
Bilhah was a concubine of Jacob and also the name of a place in Palestine, meaning troubled. She appears in Genesis 29-30. Bilhah was given to Jacob by his wife Rachel.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.29; married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Dan (H1835H) and Naphtali (H5321) § Bilhah = "troubled" Rachel's handmaid whom she gave to Jacob as a concubine, mother to two of Jacob's children, Dan and Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Bilhah. See also: Genesis 29:29; Genesis 35:22; 1 Chronicles 7:13.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
זִלְפָּ֖ה
Zilpâh
H2153
"Zilpah"
N-proper
Zilpah was a servant of Leah and a concubine of Jacob, and the mother of Gad and Asher. She was given to Leah by her father Laban, and her name means a trickling or a dripping.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.24; married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Gad (H1410) and Asher (H0836) § Zilpah = "a trickling" the Syrian given by Laban to Leah as a handmaid, a concubine of Jacob, mother of Asher and Gad
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zilpah. See also: Genesis 29:24; Genesis 30:12; Genesis 46:18.
נְשֵׁ֣י
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אָבִ֑י/ו
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.
וַ/יָּבֵ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יוֹסֵ֛ף
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.
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.
דִּבָּתָ֥/ם
dibbâh
H1681
"slander"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to slander or evil reports, as seen in Leviticus 19:16 where God warns against spreading false rumors.
Definition: 1) whispering, defamation, evil report 1a) whispering 1b) defamation, defaming 1c) evil report, unfavourable saying
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. See also: Genesis 37:2; Psalms 31:14; Proverbs 10:18.
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
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.
אֲבִי/הֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
- Sermons on Genesis 37:2
Context — Joseph’s Dreams
1Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan.
2This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them.
3Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. 4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 35:25–26 | The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:22 | While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:22–24 | Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 11:18 | First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. |
| 5 | John 7:7 | The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil. |
| 6 | Genesis 30:4 | So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her, |
| 7 | Genesis 30:9 | When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. |
| 8 | Genesis 10:1 | This is the account of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who also had sons after the flood. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 1:11 | My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 5:1 | It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. |
Genesis 37:2 Summary
[This verse tells us about Joseph, who was 17 years old and taking care of the family's flock with his brothers. He reported some bad things his brothers were doing to their father, Jacob, which caused tension between them. This shows that even when we try to do the right thing, our actions can still have unintended consequences, as seen in the way Joseph's brothers reacted to his report. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how our own words and actions may impact those around us, and strive to respond in a way that promotes love and unity, as encouraged in Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Joseph brought a bad report about his brothers to their father?
This means that Joseph told his father, Jacob, about the bad things his brothers were doing while they were tending the flock, as seen in Genesis 37:2. This action may have been motivated by a desire to please his father or to report wrongdoing, but it ultimately contributed to the tension between Joseph and his brothers.
Why was Joseph tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah?
Joseph was tending the flock with his brothers because, as the sons of Jacob, they were all part of the same family and shared responsibilities, as described in Genesis 37:2. This arrangement was likely due to the family's nomadic lifestyle and the need for all able-bodied men to contribute to the family's livelihood.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
We can learn that our actions, even if motivated by good intentions, can have unintended consequences, as seen in the way Joseph's brothers reacted to his report. This teaches us to consider the potential impact of our words and actions on others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29 and Proverbs 15:1.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Joseph?
This verse sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the story of Joseph, including the jealousy and hatred of his brothers, as described in Genesis 37:4, and Joseph's eventual rise to prominence in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:41. It highlights the importance of family dynamics and relationships in shaping our experiences and outcomes.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Joseph, may be tempted to report or focus on the wrongdoings of others, and how can I instead choose to respond in a way that promotes unity and love?
- How do I respond when I feel like I am being favored or treated unfairly by others, and what can I learn from Joseph's experiences in this regard?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, be more mindful of the ways in which my actions and favoritism may impact my relationships with others, and how can I work to promote greater harmony and understanding?
- What are some potential consequences of allowing jealousy or resentment to take root in my heart, and how can I instead choose to cultivate a spirit of love, forgiveness, and kindness, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:2
These [are] the generations of Jacob,.... But no genealogy following, some interpret this of events or of things which befell Jacob, and his family, particularly with respect to his son Joseph, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:2
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
The generations, i.e. the events or occurrences which happened to Jacob in his family and issue. So that word is used . Or the word these may relate to what is said , &c. The genealogy of Esau being brought in by way of parenthesis, and that being finished, Moses returns to the generations of Jacob, as his principal business, and proceeds in the history of their concerns. Jacob placed Joseph with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, rather than with the sons of Leah, either to keep Joseph humble; or for Joseph’ s security, because the other sons retained the old grudge of their mother, and were more like to envy, contemn, hate, and abuse him; or as an observer of their actions, whom he most suspected, as the following words may seem to imply. Joseph brought unto his father their evil report, acquainted him with their lewd and wicked courses, to the dishonour of God and of their family, that so his father might apply such remedies as he thought meet.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
Genesis 37:2 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.Ver. 2. These are the generations.] That is, Events, begotten of time, after he came to live with his father Isaac, who also wept for Joseph, as Junius. With the sons of Bilhah, &c.] It is thought that these sons of the handmaids, for the baseness of their birth, were more modest than the rest; and that Joseph therefore, out of his humility, sorted himself with them. Probable it is, they were more unruly than the rest, and ill conditioned, - as such are, commonly, - whereof Joseph made complaint, and was therefore hated. Veritas odium parit. Truth is a good mistress; but he that follows her too close at heels, may hap to have his teeth struck out. An expectas ut Quintillanus ametur? said he. Those that are wakened out of sleep are usually unquiet, ready to brawl with their best friends. So here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
THE TΤLDΤTH JACOB. JOSEPH IS SOLD BY HIS INTO EGYPT.(2) The generations of Jacob.—This Tτldτth, according to the undeviating rule, is the history of Jacob’s descendants, and specially of Joseph. So the Tτldτth of the heaven and earth (Genesis 2:4) gives the history of the creation and fall of man. So the Tτldτth Adam was the history of the flood; and, not to multiply instances, that of Terah was the history of Abraham. (See Note on Genesis 28:10.) This Tτldτth, therefore, extends to the end of Genesis, and is the history of the removal, through Joseph’s instrumentality, of the family of Jacob from Canaan into Egypt, as a step preparatory to its growth into a nation. Joseph being seventeen years old.—He was born about seven years before Jacob left Haran, and as the journey home probably occupied two full years, he would have dwelt in Isaac’s neighbourhood for seven or eight years. Isaac’s life, as we have seen, was prolonged for about twelve years after the sale of Joseph by his brethren. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah.—Heb., And he was lad with the sons of Bilhah, &c. The probable meaning of this is, that as the youngest son it was his duty to wait upon his brothers, just as David had to look after the sheep, while his brothers went to the festival; and was also sent to the camp to attend to them (1 Samuel 16:11; 1 Samuel 17:17-18). The sons of Jacob were dispersed in detachments over the large extent of country occupied by Jacob’s cattle, and Joseph probably after his mother’s death, when he was about nine years’ old, would be brought up in the tent of Bilhah, his mother’s handmaid.
He would naturally, therefore, go with her sons, with whom were also the sons of the other handmaid. They do not seem to have taken any special part in Joseph’s sale. Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.—Heb., Joseph brought an evil report of them unto their father.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:2
Verse 2. These are the generations] תלדות toledoth, the history of the lives and actions of Jacob and his sons; for in this general sense the original must be taken, as in the whole of the ensuing history there is no particular account of any genealogical succession. Yet the words may be understood as referring to the tables or genealogical lists in the preceding chapter; and if so, the original must be understood in its common acceptation. The lad was with the sons of Bilhah] It is supposed that our word lad comes from the Hebrew ילד yeled, a child, a son; and that lass is a contraction of ladess, the female of lad, a girl, a young woman. Some have supposed that King James desired the translators to insert this word; but this must be a mistake, as the word occurs in this place in Edmund Becke's Bible, printed in 1549; and still earlier in that of Coverdale, printed in 1535. Brought unto his father their evil report] Conjecture has been busily employed to find out what this evil report might be; but it is needless to inquire what it was, as on this head the sacred text is perfectly silent. All the use we can make of this information is, that it was one cause of increasing his brothers' hatred to him, which was first excited by his father's partiality, and secondly by his own dreams.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:2
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 37:2
2. Seventeen years old — Or, according to the Hebrew idiom, a son of seventeen years.
Sermons on Genesis 37:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:27-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and ends up in Egypt, where he becomes a prominent |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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Christ in Genesis: Joseph's Throne by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lives of four individuals from the book of Genesis: Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Paul. He emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the sa |
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Joseph: And He Washed His Face by J. Frank Norris | In this sermon, the preacher, Dillon, discusses the importance of human relationships and the need to follow God's law. He emphasizes the significance of presenting oneself in a ca |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the focus is on Jacob and his family, particularly the children of Leah. The speaker highlights the fact that Jacob's family is always full of excitement and events |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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Christ in Genesis: Jacob's Pillars by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and the four pillars that make up the testimony of Jesus entrusted to the church. The first pillar is awakening, where indi |