For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

GENESIS 37:7KJV
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Genesis 37:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:7 mean?

Genesis 37:7 describes Joseph telling his brothers about a dream in which he and his brothers were tying up bundles of grain in a field, and Joseph’s bundle stood upright while his brothers’ bundles gathered around and bowed down to his. The verse uses this dream to show Joseph’s brothers symbolically honoring or submitting to him in the future.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking to his brothers about a dream he had, which is part of a larger story where Joseph’s dreams cause tension within his family. The dream uses the image of "sheaves" (bundles of harvested grain) in a field, a familiar sight for people in that time and place, to represent Joseph and his brothers. The act of the brothers’ sheaves bowing to Joseph’s sheaf hints at future events in Joseph’s life and sets the stage for the jealousy and conflict that follows.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:7

  • "Sheaves" (אֲלֻמִּים, ’alumim): This word means bundles of cut grain. The use of this term grounds the dream in everyday agricultural life, making the symbolism relatable to Joseph’s family, who were shepherds and farmers.
  • "Obeisance" (וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ, vayishtachavu): This word means to bow down or pay deep respect, often used for acts of submission or honor. In the dream, it signals a reversal of the usual family order, with the younger brother being honored by the older ones.
  • "Arose" (וַתָּקָם, vatakam) and "stood upright" (וַתִּצָּב, vattitzav): These words emphasize Joseph’s sheaf not just standing, but rising and remaining firm, highlighting a sense of being set apart or elevated above the others.

Why Genesis 37:7 matters

  • Genesis 37:7 is the first time Joseph shares a dream that hints at his future rise to a position of authority, which is a key theme in his story.
  • The verse explains why Joseph’s brothers become jealous and angry with him, helping the reader understand the family conflict that develops.
  • The agricultural imagery connects the dream to the everyday life of the family, making the message both immediate and understandable to its original audience.

Where else these words appear

“sheaves” Hebrew H485 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

“binding” Hebrew H481 · used in 9 verses

  • Psalms 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
  • Psalms 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
  • Ezekiel 24:27 In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

“upright” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
  • 1 Kings 9:23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.

“about” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • 2 Samuel 20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.