And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

GENESIS 37:8KJV
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Genesis 37:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:8 mean?

Genesis 37:8 describes how Joseph’s brothers reacted with anger and jealousy when he told them about his dream, questioning whether he really expected to rule over them. Their resentment grew even stronger because of both his dreams and the way he spoke about them.

In this verse, Joseph’s brothers (the "brethren") are speaking directly to Joseph after he shares a dream that suggests he will one day have authority over them. The brothers’ questions show their disbelief and irritation, and the verse makes clear that their hatred for Joseph increased, not just because of the dreams themselves, but also because of how Joseph talked about them.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:8

  • "Reign" and "indeed" both use the Hebrew word מָלַךְ (malakh), which means "to reign" or "to be king." The repetition in the Hebrew emphasizes the brothers’ disbelief that Joseph could ever rule over them.
  • "Dominion" comes from מָשַׁל (mashal), meaning "to have dominion" or "to rule." This word adds a sense of strong authority or control, making the brothers’ objection even sharper.
  • "Hated" is from שָׂנֵא (sane), meaning "to hate." The verse uses this word to show that their feelings toward Joseph were not just mild annoyance but deep hostility.
  • "Dreams" is חֲלוֹם (chalom), and "words" is דָּבָר (davar). The verse points out that both what Joseph dreamed and what he said about those dreams fueled his brothers’ anger.

Why Genesis 37:8 matters

  • This verse highlights the growing tension and division within Jacob’s family, setting the stage for the events that follow in Joseph’s story.
  • The strong language and repeated words in the original Hebrew show just how deeply the brothers resented the idea of Joseph having authority over them.
  • Understanding the brothers’ reaction helps explain why they later take drastic action against Joseph, making this verse a key turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“dreams” 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:

“indeed” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Psalms 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: