Genesis 37:7
Genesis 37:7 in Multiple Translations
We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.”
For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves came round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
We were in the field, getting the grain stems together, and my grain kept upright, and yours came round and went down on the earth before mine.
“We were tying up bundles of grain out in the fields when all of a sudden my bundle stood up, and your bundles came over and bowed down to it.”
Beholde nowe, wee were binding sheues in the middes of the field: and loe, my shefe arose and also stoode vpright, and behold, your sheues compassed rounde about, and did reuerence to my shefe.
that, lo, we are binding bundles in the midst of the field, and lo, my bundle hath arisen, and hath also stood up, and lo, your bundles are round about, and bow themselves to my bundle.'
for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”
For behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves stood around and made obeisance to my sheaf.
I thought we were binding sheaves in the field: and my sheaf arose as it were, and stood, and your sheaves standing about, bowed down before my sheaf.
In the dream, we were tying up bundles of wheat in the field. Suddenly my bundle stood up straight, and surprisingly, your bundles gathered around my bundle and bowed down to it!”
In my dream, you mob and me, we were out in the place where the wheat plants grow. We were cutting down those wheat plants to get the seeds from them for food. We cut down those wheat plants, and we put them in piles on the ground. Then we tied up those piles. Suddenly, the pile of wheat that I tied up, it got up from the ground, and it stood up straight, like a person. Then those piles of wheat that you mob tied up, they got up too. They went near to my wheat, and they bent down in front of it, to show it respect.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:7
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 37:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֠/הִנֵּה
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ
מְאַלְּמִ֤ים
אֲלֻמִּים֙
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
קָ֥מָה
אֲלֻמָּתִ֖/י
וְ/גַם
נִצָּ֑בָה
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
תְסֻבֶּ֨ינָה֙
אֲלֻמֹּ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖יןָ
לַ/אֲלֻמָּתִֽ/י
וְ֠/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
מְאַלְּמִ֤ים
ʼâlam
H481
be dumb
V-Piel
אֲלֻמִּים֙
ʼălummâh
H485
sheaf
N-fp
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
קָ֥מָה
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֲלֻמָּתִ֖/י
ʼălummâh
H485
sheaf
N-fs | Suff
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
נִצָּ֑בָה
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
תְסֻבֶּ֨ינָה֙
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
אֲלֻמֹּ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼălummâh
H485
sheaf
N-fp | Suff
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖יןָ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fp
לַ/אֲלֻמָּתִֽ/י
ʼălummâh
H485
sheaf
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:7
וְ֠/הִנֵּה
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.
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
מְאַלְּמִ֤ים
ʼâlam
H481
"be dumb"
V-Piel
This verb means to be tongue-tied or unable to speak, often used to describe being silenced or bound, as seen in Psalm 137:6.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be dumb 1a2) to be bound 1b) (Piel) binding (part.)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bind, be dumb, put to silence. See also: Genesis 37:7; Isaiah 53:7; Psalms 31:19.
אֲלֻמִּים֙
ʼălummâh
H485
"sheaf"
N-fp
This word refers to a sheaf, or something bound together. In the Bible, it can also symbolize the Israelites returning from exile. The KJV translates it as sheaf.
Definition: 1) sheaf (as something bound) 1a) of Israel returning from exile (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sheaf. See also: Genesis 37:7; Psalms 126:6.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | 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.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
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.
קָ֥מָה
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֲלֻמָּתִ֖/י
ʼălummâh
H485
"sheaf"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a sheaf, or something bound together. In the Bible, it can also symbolize the Israelites returning from exile. The KJV translates it as sheaf.
Definition: 1) sheaf (as something bound) 1a) of Israel returning from exile (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sheaf. See also: Genesis 37:7; Psalms 126:6.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
נִצָּ֑בָה
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
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.
תְסֻבֶּ֨ינָה֙
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֲלֻמֹּ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼălummâh
H485
"sheaf"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a sheaf, or something bound together. In the Bible, it can also symbolize the Israelites returning from exile. The KJV translates it as sheaf.
Definition: 1) sheaf (as something bound) 1a) of Israel returning from exile (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sheaf. See also: Genesis 37:7; Psalms 126:6.
וַ/תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖יןָ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לַ/אֲלֻמָּתִֽ/י
ʼălummâh
H485
"sheaf"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a sheaf, or something bound together. In the Bible, it can also symbolize the Israelites returning from exile. The KJV translates it as sheaf.
Definition: 1) sheaf (as something bound) 1a) of Israel returning from exile (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sheaf. See also: Genesis 37:7; Psalms 126:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
- Sermons on Genesis 37:7
Context — Joseph’s Dreams
5Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.
6He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had:
7We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.”
8“Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. 9Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 44:14 | When Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him. |
| 2 | Genesis 42:6 | Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. |
| 3 | Genesis 43:26 | When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. |
| 4 | Genesis 42:9 | Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” |
| 5 | Philippians 2:10 | that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, |
| 6 | Genesis 44:19 | My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ |
| 7 | Colossians 1:18 | And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. |
Genesis 37:7 Summary
In Genesis 37:7, Joseph shares a dream with his brothers, where his sheaf of grain rises and stands upright, and their sheaves bow down to his. This dream represents Joseph's future leadership and authority over his brothers, and it's a reminder that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like Joseph, we can trust God to fulfill His promises and plans for us, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or challenging (Romans 8:28). By surrendering to God's sovereignty and trusting in His goodness, we can cultivate a humble and submissive heart, and avoid the pitfalls of pride and resentment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sheaves of grain in Joseph's dream?
The sheaves of grain represent the brothers and their families, and Joseph's sheaf rising and standing upright signifies his future leadership and authority over them, as seen in Genesis 37:7 and supported by the fulfillment in Genesis 42:6.
Why did Joseph's brothers react with hatred towards him after hearing the dream?
Joseph's brothers were already jealous of the special attention he received from their father, and the dream fueled their resentment, as they felt threatened by the idea of Joseph ruling over them, similar to the reaction of the Israelites to the leadership of Moses in Exodus 32:1.
Is this dream a prophecy or just a product of Joseph's imagination?
The dream is a legitimate prophecy from God, as confirmed by the subsequent events in Joseph's life and the fulfillment of the dream in Genesis 42-50, demonstrating God's sovereign plan and purpose for Joseph's life, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the Bible?
This verse illustrates God's sovereign plan and purpose for Joseph's life, as well as the lives of his brothers, demonstrating how God works out His will through the lives of individuals, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to submit to God's sovereignty, and how can I surrender to His plan and purpose?
- How do I respond when others seem to be elevated or promoted above me, and what can I learn from Joseph's example in this situation?
- In what ways can I trust God to fulfill His promises and plans for my life, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a humble and submissive heart, like Joseph, and avoid the pitfalls of pride and resentment?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:7
For, behold, we [were] binding sheaves in the field,.... So it was represented in his mind in a dream, as if it was harvest time, and he and his brethren were at work together in the field binding up
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:7
And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
We were binding sheaves in the field; a secret insinuation of the occasion of Joseph’ s advancement, which was from his counsel and care about the corn of Egypt. Your sheaves stood round about; this was a posture of ministry and service, as is manifest both from Scripture and from common usage.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
Genesis 37:7 For, behold, we [were] binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.Ver. 7. We were binding sheaves.] This was fulfilled, when they came to him for grain into Egypt. Here Joseph dreams of his advancement, but not of his imprisonment: so do many professors, which therefore prove apostates.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
(7) Stood upright.—Heb., took its station. It is the verb used in Genesis 24:13, where see Note. It implies that the sheaf took the position of chief. We gather from this dream that Jacob practised agriculture, not occasionally, as had been the case with Isaac (Genesis 26:12), but regularly, as seems to have been usual also at Haran (Genesis 30:14).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
Verse 7. We were binding sheaves in the field] Though in these early times we read little of tillage, yet it is evident from this circumstance that it was practised by Jacob and his sons. The whole of this dream is so very plain as to require no comment, unless we could suppose that the sheaves of grain might have some reference to the plenty in Egypt under Joseph's superintendence, and the scarcity in Canaan, which obliged the brethren to go down to Egypt for corn, where the dream was most literally fulfilled, his brethren there bowing in the most abject manner before him.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:7
7. sheaves] Joseph’s dream presupposes that the patriarch was leading a settled and agricultural life (cf. Genesis 26:12). In Genesis 46:31-34 Jacob and his family are shepherds and herdsmen, but the fact that the failure of crops compels them to seek for corn in Egypt, Genesis 42:1, shews that they were partly dependent upon local crops. Cf. Genesis 12:10, Genesis 36:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:7
7-9. Sheaves… stars — “The two dreams very obviously shadow forth Joseph as having kingly authority over his father, mother, and brethren.
Sermons on Genesis 37:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
|
Rough, but Friendly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of experiencing deep trouble and affliction as a means for God to bring about blessings in our lives. It uses various analogies, such as |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 43:24-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the emotional reunion between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion and quickly leaves the room to weep in private. He |
|
Seeking the Face of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to be afraid because they know how it's going to end. He references the book of Revelation, where it is revealed that Jesus |
|
Agony (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, prayer, love, and dedication in the Christian life. He criticizes the weakness and lack of vision among Christia |
|
|
The Ultimate Test of Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel in Exodus. He highlights how they witnessed a great miracle when God saved them and led them through the |
|
Great White Throne of Judgement by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and reaching out to those who are lost and in need of salvation. He emphasizes that God has placed us in famil |