Genesis 37:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:20 mean?

Genesis 37:20 shows Joseph’s brothers plotting to kill him and cover it up by throwing him into a pit, planning to blame his disappearance on a wild animal. Their words reveal their jealousy and intent to destroy Joseph’s dreams, which had made them angry and suspicious of him.

In this verse, Joseph’s brothers are speaking to each other as Joseph approaches them. They are far from home, tending their father’s flocks, and see an opportunity to get rid of Joseph, who had shared dreams suggesting he would rule over them. The verse highlights the seriousness of their plan and the depth of their resentment.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:20

• "Slay" (הָרַג, harag) means to kill or murder. The word makes clear that the brothers are talking about deliberately taking Joseph’s life, not just harming or scaring him.
• "Pit" (בּוֹר, bor) refers to a cistern or dry well. This detail shows their plan was to hide Joseph’s body in a remote, hard-to-find place, making their story more believable.
• "Beast" (חַיָּה, chayyah) means a living creature or animal, often a wild beast. The brothers plan to use this as a cover story, knowing such animals were common dangers in the area.
• "Dreams" (חֲלוֹם, chalom) points to Joseph’s earlier dreams about his family bowing to him. Their mention of his dreams shows their motivation: they want to see if his dreams will still come true after they get rid of him.

Why Genesis 37:20 matters

• This verse makes clear that the brothers’ actions are not accidental or impulsive; they are making a calculated plan to remove Joseph and erase his influence.
• The mention of Joseph’s dreams ties their plot directly to their jealousy and fear of what Joseph’s future might mean for them, connecting this moment to the larger story of Joseph’s life.
• Understanding the specific words for "slay," "pit," and "beast" helps the reader see how the brothers intend to deceive their father and cover up their crime, showing the seriousness of their intentions.