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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 37:12 Some time later, Joseph's brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks near Shechem.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_37_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:12 - Joseph Sold by His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Some time later, Joseph's brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks near Shechem." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/37.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now his brothers had gone to graze their father&#8217s flocks near Shechem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Soon after this, Joseph’s brothers went to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then his brothers went to pasture their father&#8217s flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />His brothers had gone to pasture their father&#8217s flocks at Shechem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day when Joseph's brothers had taken the sheep to a pasture near Shechem, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />His brothers had gone to take care of their father's flocks at Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />One day when Joseph's brothers had gone to Shechem to take care of their father's flock, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Some time later, his brothers left to tend their father's flock in Shechem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Some time later, Joseph?s brothers had gone to pasture their father?s flocks near Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now his brothers went to pasture their father?s flock near Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And his brothers go to feed the flock of their father in Shechem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And his brethren go to feed the flock of their father in Shechem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his brethren will go to feed their father's sheep in Shechem.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when his brethren abode in Sichem feeding their father's docks, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And while his brothers were lodging at Shechem, pasturing their father’s flocks,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph's brothers went to feed their father's, flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the brothers of Yoseph went to shepherd the flock of their father in Shekim.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his brethren went to feed the sheep of their father to Sychem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/37-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph Sold by His Brothers</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">Some time later, Joseph’s brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">had gone</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: lir·‘ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">to pasture</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">their father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-csc) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">flocks</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: biš·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">near Shechem.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-7.htm">Genesis 29:7</a></span><br />“Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">Genesis 31:4</a></span><br />So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-5</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-31.htm">Genesis 46:31-34</a></span><br />Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. / The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ / When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Genesis 47:3-4</a></span><br />“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.” / Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flocks of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">1 Samuel 17:15</a></span><br />but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a></span><br />David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-16.htm">1 Samuel 25:16</a></span><br />They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/4-39.htm">1 Chronicles 4:39-41</a></span><br />and they journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, in search of pasture for their flocks. / There they found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful, and quiet; for some Hamites had lived there formerly. / These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings as well as the Meunites who were there, devoting them to destruction even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a></span><br />He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-4.htm">Jeremiah 23:4</a></span><br />I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-12.htm">Ezekiel 34:12-16</a></span><br />As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. / I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.</p><p class="hdg">in Shechem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Genesis 37:1</a></b></br> And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-18.htm">Genesis 33:18</a></b></br> And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which <i>is</i> in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Genesis 34:25-31</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/34-28.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-19.htm">Graze</a> <a href="/genesis/30-31.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/genesis/35-4.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/37-13.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/genesis/37-13.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/37-13.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/exodus/22-5.htm">Graze</a> <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/genesis/37-13.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/exodus/14-24.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/37.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/37.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Some time later</b><br>This phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events, where Joseph had shared his dreams with his brothers, causing jealousy and animosity. It suggests a transition in the narrative, moving from the familial tensions to the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph's life.<p><b>Joseph’s brothers had gone</b><br>The brothers' departure signifies a separation from Joseph, setting the stage for the events that will lead to Joseph's journey to Egypt. This separation is crucial for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as it allows for the circumstances that will lead to Joseph's eventual rise to power.<p><b>to pasture their father’s flocks</b><br>Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs. The brothers' role as shepherds underscores their responsibility within the family and their connection to the land. This task also highlights the agrarian society in which they lived, where livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance.<p><b>near Shechem</b><br>Shechem holds significant historical and biblical importance. It was a central city in Canaan and a place of earlier events in Genesis, such as Abraham's first altar to God and the violent incident involving Dinah and the Shechemites. The mention of Shechem may evoke memories of past family conflicts and foreshadow future tensions. Geographically, Shechem was located in a fertile valley, making it a suitable location for pasturing flocks.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and the coat of many colors. His journey from favored son to a slave in Egypt is a pivotal account in Genesis.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>The sons of Jacob who were envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams, which foretold his future prominence over them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a></b><br>The father of Joseph and his brothers, who showed favoritism towards Joseph, causing tension within the family.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>A significant location in biblical history, previously the site of Dinah's defilement and the subsequent revenge by Simeon and Levi, Joseph's brothers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/flocks.htm">Flocks</a></b><br>Representing the wealth and livelihood of Jacob's family, the flocks were a central part of their pastoral life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_favoritism.htm">Family Dynamics and Favoritism</a></b><br>The account of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the destructive nature of favoritism within a family. Believers are encouraged to reflect on how favoritism can lead to division and to strive for fairness and love in family relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_shechem.htm">The Significance of Shechem</a></b><br>Understanding the historical and emotional significance of Shechem in Jacob's family history can deepen our appreciation for the account. It serves as a reminder of past sins and the need for reconciliation and healing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a></b><br>Joseph's journey, beginning with his brothers' actions at Shechem, is a testament to God's ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Believers can find hope in God's sovereignty over their own trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_envy.htm">The Consequences of Envy</a></b><br>The brothers' envy of Joseph led to actions that had long-lasting consequences. This serves as a warning against allowing envy to take root in our hearts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_shepherding.htm">The Role of Shepherding</a></b><br>The pastoral life of Jacob's family is a metaphor for spiritual leadership and care. Believers are called to be shepherds in their communities, guiding and nurturing others in faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_joseph's_shechem_journey.htm">(Genesis 37:12–17) Are there any historical records or evidence supporting Joseph’s journey to Shechem and Dothan that validate this narrative? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_sell_joseph_into_slavery.htm">Why did Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_suffering.htm">Why does God permit suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_these_dreams_reflect_ancient_beliefs.htm">(Genesis 37:5-10) Do these dreams realistically align with ancient cultural beliefs, or do they suggest later embellishments inserted into the text?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Shechem.</span>--Jacob's sons seem to have retained Shechem, by right of their high-handed proceedings. related in <a href="/context/genesis/34-27.htm" title="The sons of Jacob came on the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.">Genesis 34:27-29</a>. By seizing the "<span class= "ital">tafs" </span>of the Shechemites, Simeon and Levi must have added. large numbers of grown men to the roll of their retainers; and after accustoming them to their service. they would have become powerful enough to resist any attacks of the natives. (See <a href="/genesis/34-29.htm" title="And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.">Genesis 34:29</a>, and Note on <a href="/genesis/17-13.htm" title="He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with your money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.">Genesis 17:13</a>). But it gives us a great idea of Jacob's wealth and power, that while dwelling a little to the north of Hebron, he should send part of his. cattle so far away as to Shechem, a distance of sixty miles.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the modern Nablous, in the plain of Muknah, which belonged to Jacob partly by purchase and partly by conquest (<span class="accented">vide Genesis</span> 33:19; 34:27). Shechem was at a considerable distance from the vale of Hebron, where the patriarchal family at this time resided. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Some time later, [Joseph’s] brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had gone</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pasture</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְע֛וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·‘ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their father’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִיהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flocks</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹ֥אן‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">near Shechem.</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּשְׁכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(biš·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/37-12.htm">Genesis 37:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:12 His brothers went to feed their father's (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>