What does Genesis 37:19 mean?

"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh." - Genesis 37:19

"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh." - Genesis 37:19

Genesis 37:19 (KJV) says, "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

This verse comes from the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, and his brothers. Joseph has a series of dreams in which his family members bow down to him. When he tells his brothers about these dreams, they become jealous and resentful of him, as they see it as a sign that he will have power over them one day.

The immediate context of this verse is Joseph's brothers seeing him coming towards them from a distance. However, the deeper context of this verse lies in the complex family dynamics and the theme of jealousy within the story of Joseph.

The verse "Behold, this dreamer cometh" is dripping with sarcasm and resentment. Joseph's brothers are mocking him for his dreams and his aspirations. They see him as a mere dreamer, someone who is disconnected from reality and who doesn't understand the harshness of the world they live in. The use of the word "behold" adds a tone of mocking and condescension, as if they are saying, "Look, here comes the dreamer, the one who thinks he is better than us."

This verse captures the deep resentment and jealousy that Joseph's brothers feel towards him. They are unable to see Joseph's potential and instead, they mock and belittle him. This jealousy eventually leads them to plot against Joseph and sell him into slavery, setting off a series of events that will shape the rest of Joseph's life.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and layered. Joseph's dreams can be seen as symbolic of his destiny and the special role he will play in the larger story of Israel. His brothers' reaction to these dreams symbolizes the destructive power of jealousy and the ways in which it can drive people to commit unspeakable acts.

The theme of jealousy is central to this verse and the story of Joseph as a whole. It is a universal theme that resonates with people from all walks of life. The consequences of jealousy can be devastating, as the story of Joseph illustrates. It tears families apart, leads to cruelty and injustice, and ultimately, hinders the fulfillment of individual potential.

Another important theme in this verse is that of destiny and purpose. Joseph's dreams are not just random fantasies, but a glimpse into the bigger plan that God has for him. His brothers' inability to see this larger purpose blinds them to the value of their brother and leads them to act out of jealousy.

Ultimately, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy and the importance of recognizing and honoring the potential and destiny of others. It also speaks to the idea that every individual has a unique purpose and role to play in the larger story of humanity.

In conclusion, Genesis 37:19 captures the deep resentment and jealousy that Joseph's brothers feel towards him and serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy. The verse is rich in symbolism and themes of destiny and purpose, making it a powerful and impactful part of the larger story of Joseph.

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Genesis 37:19 Artwork

Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh." - Genesis 37:19

"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh." - Genesis 37:19

Genesis 19-37

Genesis 19-37

Genesis 19:37 - "And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day."

Genesis 19:37 - "And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day."

genesis 37

genesis 37

"And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day." - Genesis 19:37

"And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day." - Genesis 19:37

Genesis 24-37

Genesis 24-37

Genesis 37:2

Genesis 37:2

Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"

Joshua 19:37 - "And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,"

Genesis 37:12 - "¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem."

Genesis 37:12 - "¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem."

Psalms 37:19 - "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Psalms 37:19 - "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."

Genesis 19-19

Genesis 19-19

Genesis 37:24 - "And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it."

Genesis 37:24 - "And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it."

Genesis 37:11 - "And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."

Genesis 37:11 - "And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."

Genesis 41:37 - "¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants."

Genesis 41:37 - "¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants."

Genesis 36:37 - "And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead."

Genesis 36:37 - "And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead."

John 19:37 - "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."

John 19:37 - "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."

"And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor," - Joshua 19:37

"And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor," - Joshua 19:37

Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"

Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"

Genesis 37:1 - "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."

Genesis 37:1 - "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."

Genesis 37:36 - "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard."

Genesis 37:36 - "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard."

Genesis 37:29 - "¶ And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes."

Genesis 37:29 - "¶ And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes."

Genesis 37:5 - "¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more."

Genesis 37:5 - "¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more."

Genesis 37:30 - "And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?"

Genesis 37:30 - "And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?"

Genesis 37:21 - "And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him."

Genesis 37:21 - "And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him."

Genesis 37:6 - "And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:"

Genesis 37:6 - "And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:"

Acts 19:37 - "For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess."

Acts 19:37 - "For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess."

Genesis 37:26 - "And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?"

Genesis 37:26 - "And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?"

Job 37:19 - "Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness."

Job 37:19 - "Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness."

Genesis 37:16 - "And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks."

Genesis 37:16 - "And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks."