And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

GENESIS 37:17KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 37:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:17 mean?

Genesis 37:17 shows how Joseph finds his brothers after discovering that they have moved on from the place where he expected them. A man passes along what he overheard, and Joseph follows the brothers to Dothan.

The man is answering Joseph, who has been looking for his brothers near Shechem. His report gives Joseph a destination, even though Joseph has not heard the brothers’ plans for himself.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:17

  • “departed” — נָסַע (nasaʿ): This word can mean to set out or move on. Here, it describes the brothers leaving the area where Joseph was looking for them.
  • “after” — אַחַר (aḥar): This word can mean “behind” or “following.” Here, it pictures Joseph taking the route after his brothers, who have already gone ahead.

Why Genesis 37:17 matters

  • The journey begins as an errand from Joseph’s father. In Genesis 37:14, Jacob sends Joseph to see how his brothers and their flock are doing.
  • Finding the brothers brings Joseph closer to danger. In the following verses, the brothers see him approaching and begin to plot against him.

Where else these words appear

“Dothan” Hebrew H1886 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 6:13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

“hence” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

“departed” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.