And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
GENESIS 37:14KJVWhat does Genesis 37:14 mean?
Genesis 37:14 describes Jacob sending his son Joseph from the valley of Hebron to check on the well-being of his brothers and their flocks in Shechem, asking Joseph to bring back a report. Jacob is concerned for his other sons and wants to know if everything is going well with both them and the animals they are tending.
In this verse, Jacob (also called Israel) is speaking to Joseph, his favored son. The family lives in the valley near Hebron, and Joseph’s brothers are pasturing the family’s flocks near Shechem, some distance away. Jacob’s request shows his trust in Joseph and his concern for the rest of his sons, setting the stage for the events that follow in Joseph’s story.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:14
- The word "well" is שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which means more than just "okay" or "safe"—it carries the sense of peace, wholeness, or overall well-being. Jacob is asking about their total welfare, not just whether they are alive.
- The word "bring" is שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return" or "to bring back." Jacob wants Joseph to come back with information, not just to check and stay there.
- The word "word" is דָּבָר (davar), which means "word," "matter," or "report." Jacob is asking for a full account, not just a brief message.
Why Genesis 37:14 matters
- This verse shows Jacob’s ongoing concern for his family’s safety and well-being, which is important in understanding his actions and motivations throughout the story.
- The mention of Hebron and Shechem helps the reader track the geography and movement in the narrative, which becomes significant as the story unfolds.
- The verse sets up the next major event in Joseph’s life, as his journey to find his brothers leads directly to the conflict and betrayal that shape the rest of his story.