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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 37:4 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_37_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:4 - Joseph's Dreams" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/37-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/37-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/37-3.htm" title="Genesis 37:3">◄</a> Genesis 37:4 <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm" title="Genesis 37:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/genesis/37.htm">New International Version</a> When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a> But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. <a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a> But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. <a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a> And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a> But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. <a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a> His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. <a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and so they hated him and could not speak to him in peace. <a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a> His brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than all of his brothers; so they hated him and could not [find it within themselves to] speak to him on friendly terms. <a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him. <a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a> And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. <a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> which showed that Joseph was his favorite son, and so Joseph's brothers hated him and would not be friendly to him. <a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a> And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. <a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them. They hated Joseph and couldn't speak to him on friendly terms. <a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a> When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner. <a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Joseph's brothers realized that their father loved him more than all of his brothers, they hated him so much that they were unable to speak politely to him. <a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Joseph?s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a> When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated Joseph and were not able to speak to him kindly. <a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn?t speak a kind word to him. <a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. <a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a> His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and his brothers see that their father has loved him more than any of his brothers, and they hate him, and have not been able to speak [to] him peaceably. <a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and his brethren see that their father hath loved him more than any of his brethren, and they hate him, and have not been able to speak to him peaceably. <a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his brethren will see that their father loved him above all his brethren, and they will hate him, and will not be able to speak to him for peace.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And his brethren seeing that he was loved by his father, more than all his sons, hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then his brothers, seeing that he was loved by his father more than all his other sons, hated him, and they were not able to say anything peacefully to him. <a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a> When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his brothers, they hated him so much that they could not say a kind word to him. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his brothers saw that their father had loved him more than all of them, and they hated him and they were not able to speak peace with him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. <a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And his brethren having seen that his father loved him more than all his sons, hated him, and could not speak anything peaceable to him. <a href="/parallel/genesis/37-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9341" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph's Dreams</a> …3Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. 4<a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">When Joseph’s brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ā·haḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">loved</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">more than any</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">of them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: way·yiś·nə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">they hated</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yā·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">and could</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bə·rōw (V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lōm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">a kind word to him.</a> 5Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-19</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12-13</a> Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. / So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. <a href="/matthew/10-36.htm">Matthew 10:36</a> A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ <a href="/john/7-5.htm">John 7:5</a> For even His own brothers did not believe in Him. <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">1 Samuel 18:8-9</a> And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. <a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Proverbs 27:4</a> Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20</a> If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. <a href="/john/15-25.htm">John 15:25</a> But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ <a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Matthew 27:18</a> For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. <a href="/mark/15-10.htm">Mark 15:10</a> For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over. <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a> Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. <a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Psalm 38:19</a> Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason. <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a> Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.hated him.<a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5,11,18-24</a> And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more… <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5</a> But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.<a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a> And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/36-7.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/36-7.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Dearer</a> <a href="/genesis/34-21.htm">Friendly</a> <a href="/genesis/35-29.htm">Full</a> <a href="/3_john/1-14.htm">Greet</a> <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/genesis/29-33.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/32-19.htm">Others</a> <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/genesis/34-20.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/23-16.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/genesis/34-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/41-21.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/john/12-43.htm">Dearer</a> <a href="/judges/4-17.htm">Friendly</a> <a href="/genesis/37-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-4.htm">Greet</a> <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-37.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Others</a> <a href="/judges/11-13.htm">Peaceably</a> <a href="/genesis/42-22.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/3-47.htm">Terms</a> <a href="/genesis/37-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div>1. <a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a> 29. <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them This phrase highlights the familial tension and favoritism that existed within Jacob's family. Jacob's preference for Joseph is evident through the "coat of many colors" (<a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3</a>), a symbol of special favor. This favoritism echoes earlier family dynamics, such as Isaac's preference for Esau over Jacob (<a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28</a>). The cultural context of the time placed significant importance on the firstborn son, yet Joseph, the eleventh son, received preferential treatment, which was countercultural and likely exacerbated the brothers' resentment. This favoritism foreshadows the division and conflict that will arise within the family.they hated him The hatred of Joseph's brothers is a direct result of the favoritism shown by Jacob. This animosity is not just personal but also reflects the broader theme of sibling rivalry found throughout Genesis, such as Cain and Abel (<a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8</a>) and Esau and Jacob (<a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a>). The Hebrew word for "hated" indicates a deep-seated enmity, suggesting that this was not a fleeting emotion but a persistent and growing hostility. This hatred sets the stage for the brothers' later actions against Joseph, which are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.and could not speak a kind word to him The inability to speak kindly to Joseph underscores the depth of the brothers' animosity. In the cultural context, speech was a powerful tool for both blessing and cursing, and the absence of kind words indicates a complete breakdown in familial relationships. This phrase also highlights the isolation Joseph experienced within his own family, a theme that resonates with the suffering servant motif found in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. Joseph's experience can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also rejected by His own (<a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>) and suffered unjustly. The brothers' inability to speak kindly foreshadows their betrayal and the subsequent trials Joseph will endure, which ultimately lead to the preservation of the family and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and future leadership in Egypt. His father's favoritism towards him incites jealousy and hatred among his brothers. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a> The father of Joseph and his brothers. His overt favoritism towards Joseph creates family tension and discord. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a> The sons of Jacob who become envious and hostile towards Joseph due to their father's preferential treatment of him. 4. <a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a> The land where Jacob and his family were living at the time. It serves as the backdrop for the unfolding family drama. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hatred_and_jealousy.htm">Hatred and Jealousy</a> The emotional response of Joseph's brothers, which sets the stage for the subsequent events in Joseph's life, including his eventual sale into slavery.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_favoritism.htm">The Dangers of Favoritism</a> Favoritism within families can lead to deep-seated resentment and division. Parents should strive for fairness and equity in their relationships with their children. <a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_power_of_jealousy.htm">The Destructive Power of Jealousy</a> Jealousy can consume individuals and lead to actions that harm others and themselves. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a> The inability of Joseph's brothers to speak kindly to him highlights the breakdown of communication. Open and honest dialogue is crucial in resolving conflicts. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_amidst_human_failings.htm">God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Failings</a> Despite human failings and sinful actions, God's sovereign plan prevails. Joseph's account ultimately leads to the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of God's promises. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_reconciliation.htm">Seeking Reconciliation</a> The account encourages believers to seek reconciliation and forgiveness in strained relationships, following the example of Christ's love and grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37</a> <a href="/q/is_jealousy_blocking_your_growth.htm">Is jealousy hindering your spiritual growth?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_joseph's_coat_exist_without_evidence.htm">(Genesis 37:3) How can this special coat legitimately exist without any historical or archaeological evidence of such unique garments from that time? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_joseph_rise_to_power_in_egypt.htm">How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_teach_about_hate.htm">What does the Bible teach about hate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And when (literally, and) his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they (literally, and they) hated him, - as Esau hated Jacob (<a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a>; cf. <a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23</a>) - and could not speak peaceably unto him - literally, they were not able to speak of him for peace, L e. they could not address him in such a way as to wish him well; they could not offer him the customary salutation of Shalom, or Peace. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When [Joseph’s] brothers אֶחָ֗יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) saw וַיִּרְא֣וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction their father אֲבִיהֶם֙ (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father loved אָהַ֤ב (’ā·haḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> To have affection f him אֹת֞וֹ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case more than any מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every [of them], אֶחָ֔יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) they hated וַֽיִּשְׂנְא֖וּ (way·yiś·nə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> To hate him אֹת֑וֹ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and could יָכְל֖וּ (yā·ḵə·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no speak דַּבְּר֥וֹ (dab·bə·rōw) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue a kind word to him. לְשָׁלֹֽם׃ (lə·šā·lōm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:4 His brothers saw that their father loved (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:5" /></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>