Genesis 37:8

Genesis 37:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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.

King James Version KJV

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

American Standard Version ASV

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And his brothers said to him, Are you to be our king? will you have authority over us? And because of his dream and his words, their hate for him became greater than ever.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Do you really think you're going to be our king?” they asked. “Do you honestly believe you're going to rule over us?” They hated him even more because of his dream and how he described it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then his brethren saide to him, What, shalt thou reigne ouer vs, and rule vs? or shalt thou haue altogether dominion ouer vs? And they hated him so much the more, for his dreames, and for his wordes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And his brethren say to him, 'Dost thou certainly reign over us? dost thou certainly rule over us?' and they add still more to hate him, for his dreams, and for his words.

World English Bible WEB

His brothers asked him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? and they hated him yet the more for his dreams and for his words.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

His brethren answered: Shalt thou be our king? or shall we be subject to thy dominion? Therefore this matter of his dreams and words ministered nourishment to their envy and hatred.

Translation for Translators T4T

His brothers said to him, “Do you think that some day you will rule over us? Are you saying that some day you are going to be our king?” [RHQ] They hated him even more than before because of what he had told them about his dream.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Joseph’s brothers thought, “That dream that Joseph had, it shows that he wants to be boss over us.” So they said to him, “Do you think that you are going to be a big boss over us? Do you think that you are going to tell us what to do? No way.” Joseph’s brothers were really angry about Joseph’s dream, and they were angry about those things that he said to them. So then they hated him even more.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:8

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 37:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ל/וֹ֙ אֶחָ֔י/ו הֲ/מָלֹ֤ךְ תִּמְלֹךְ֙ עָלֵ֔י/נוּ אִם מָשׁ֥וֹל תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל בָּ֑/נוּ וַ/יּוֹסִ֤פוּ עוֹד֙ שְׂנֹ֣א אֹת֔/וֹ עַל חֲלֹמֹתָ֖י/ו וְ/עַל דְּבָרָֽי/ו

וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff

אֶחָ֔י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

הֲ/מָלֹ֤ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign Part | V-Qal-Ptc

תִּמְלֹךְ֙ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

מָשׁ֥וֹל mâshal H4910 to rule V-Qal-Ptc

תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל mâshal H4910 to rule V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

בָּ֑/נוּ Prep | Suff

וַ/יּוֹסִ֤פוּ yâçaph H3254 to add Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

עוֹד֙ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

שְׂנֹ֣א sânêʼ H8130 to hate V-Qal-Inf-a

אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

חֲלֹמֹתָ֖י/ו chălôwm H2472 dream N-mp | Suff

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

דְּבָרָֽי/ו dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:8

וַ/יֹּ֤אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

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.

ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff

אֶחָ֔י/ו 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.

הֲ/מָלֹ֤ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Part | V-Qal-Ptc

To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.

תִּמְלֹךְ֙ mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

מָשׁ֥וֹל mâshal H4910 "to rule" V-Qal-Ptc

To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.

Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.

תִּמְשֹׁ֖ל mâshal H4910 "to rule" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion

בָּ֑/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יּוֹסִ֤פוּ yâçaph H3254 "to add" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

עוֹד֙ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

שְׂנֹ֣א sânêʼ H8130 "to hate" V-Qal-Inf-a

To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.

Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)

Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.

אֹת֔/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

חֲלֹמֹתָ֖י/ו chălôwm H2472 "dream" N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.

Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

דְּבָרָֽי/ו dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp | Suff

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

Study Notes — Genesis 37:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 37:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:8
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:8
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:8
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:8
Sermons on Genesis 37:8

Context — Joseph’s Dreams

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.” 10He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 10:27	But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
2	Acts 7:35	This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
3	Hebrews 10:29	How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
4	Psalms 118:22	The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
5	Genesis 49:26	The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.
6	Genesis 37:4	When 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.
7	Psalms 2:3–6	“Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury: “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”
8	Luke 20:17	But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ ?
9	Acts 4:27–28	In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
10	Luke 19:14	But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

Genesis 37:8 Summary

In Genesis 37:8, Joseph's brothers get angry with him because they think he's saying he'll be in charge of them one day. This shows how pride and jealousy can cause people to react badly when someone else seems to be getting attention or power. As seen in James 3:14-16, this kind of pride and jealousy can lead to conflict and harm. We can learn from this to be humble and trust God's plan, even when it's hard to understand, and to remember that God is always in control, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joseph's brothers hate him even more after he shared his dream?

Joseph's brothers hated him more because his dream implied that he would have authority over them, which they found unacceptable, as seen in Genesis 37:8. This reaction is similar to the way the Israelites responded to Moses when he tried to intervene in a dispute in Exodus 2:14.

What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' reaction to his dream?

We can learn that pride and a desire for power can lead to jealousy and hatred, as seen in the brothers' reaction to Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:8. This is also warned against in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Joseph?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story of Joseph, as his brothers' hatred for him ultimately leads to his being sold into slavery, as seen in Genesis 37:23-28. However, as seen in Genesis 50:20, God uses this event to bring about good in the end.

What can we learn from Joseph's confidence in sharing his dream?

We can learn that having confidence in God's plan and sharing it with others can be a powerful witness, but it can also lead to persecution, as seen in Joseph's case in Genesis 37:8. This is also seen in the way the apostles were treated in Acts 5:40-42.

Reflection Questions

How do I react when someone shares a vision or dream that makes me feel inferior or less important?
What are some areas in my life where I struggle with pride and a desire for power, and how can I surrender those to God?
How can I balance confidence in God's plan with sensitivity to others who may not understand or accept it?
What are some ways that I can trust God to use difficult circumstances for good, even when I don't understand what's happening?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:8

And his brethren said unto him,.... After he had told his dream, being highly offended with him, understanding the dream, and the meaning of it, better than he did: shalt thou indeed reign over us?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:8

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 37:8

For his relation of his dreams, which they imputed to his arrogancy.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:8

Genesis 37:8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.Ver. 8. Shalt thou indeed reign over us?] They rightly interpreted the dream, yet stubbornly resist the revealed will of God. This leaves sin without a cloak, as it did in the Pharisees. They rightly interpreted that place in Micah, and yet, when Christ, to whom all their own signs did so well agree, came amongst them, they would by no means receive him; nay, they sent a message after him, saying, "We will not have this man to reign over us."

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:8

8. reign over us] Perhaps with a reference to the future kingdom of Ephraim, or to the leadership of “the house of Joseph” (Judges 1:22).

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:8

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 37:8

	Sermon	Description
	Apostolic Commission by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what
	God's Man by Francois Carr	This sermon focuses on the transformation and journey of Moses, drawing parallels to personal experiences and the need for surrender, faith, and trust in God. It emphasizes the imp
	Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasize
	The Voice of Jesus Blood by A.W. Tozer	The sermon transcript discusses various topics, including the consequences of breaking rules and the importance of having plans for the future. It also highlights the transformatio
	A Fearful Thing by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of denying and disobeying God. He references the story of Adam and Eve and how their actions set the stage for the fallen na
	Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Makes You Rich by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving others with grace. He references First Corinthians 15:9-10, where Paul acknowledges his unworthiness but recognizes
	Beware of Dog's - Part 4 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of total obedience to God, focusing on Jesus' pledge to obey the Father completely and how His obedience covers all believers. It highlights t