And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

GENESIS 37:19KJV
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Genesis 37:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:19 mean?

Genesis 37:19 shows Joseph’s brothers noticing him coming toward them and sarcastically calling him “this dreamer,” highlighting their resentment and mockery. The verse captures their hostile attitude as they recognize Joseph by his reputation for having dreams that set him apart.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers are speaking to each other as they see him approaching from a distance. The situation is tense because Joseph has recently shared dreams that suggest he will rule over his family, making his brothers jealous and angry. Their words here are loaded with sarcasm and set the stage for their later actions against him.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:19

  • The word translated “dreamer” combines two Hebrew words: בַּעַל (ba‘al, meaning “master” or “owner”) and חֲלוֹם (chalom, meaning “dream”). Together, they form a phrase often understood as “master of dreams,” which the brothers use mockingly to belittle Joseph’s claims and dreams.
  • The word הַלָּזֶה (hallazeh, “this”) is a pointed, almost dismissive way to refer to Joseph, emphasizing their contempt and emotional distance from him.

Why Genesis 37:19 matters

  • This verse highlights the growing tension and bitterness between Joseph and his brothers, which is key to understanding why they later plot against him.
  • The sarcastic use of “this dreamer” shows that Joseph’s dreams have become a sore point, making clear how deeply his brothers resent the idea that he might one day rule over them.
  • The verse sets up the turning point in Joseph’s story, marking the moment when his brothers’ jealousy moves from words to actions.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H1976 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

“dreamer” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“dreamer” Hebrew H1167 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.