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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 37:18 Now Joseph's brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/01_Gen_37_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:18 - Joseph Sold by His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Joseph's brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill 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/37-18.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/37-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/37-17.htm" title="Genesis 37:17">◄</a> Genesis 37:18 <a href="/genesis/37-19.htm" title="Genesis 37:19">►</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"><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 />But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they saw him from a distance, and before he came closer to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When they saw him from a distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they saw him from a distance, and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And when they saw him from a distance, even before he came close to them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They saw him in the distance, and before he had reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They saw him in the distance, and before he had reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But before he got there, they saw him coming and made plans to kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They saw him from a distance. Before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted against him and decided to kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now as soon as they saw him approaching from a distance, before he arrived they plotted together to kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph?s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph's brothers saw him from a distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them they plotted against him to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they see him from afar, even before he draws near to them, and they conspire against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they see him from afar, even before he draweth near unto them, and they conspire against him to put him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will see him from far off and before he will draw near to them, and they will act deceitfully with him, to kill him.<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 they saw him afar off, be- fore he came nigh them, they thought to kill him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And, when they had seen him from afar, before he approached them, they decided to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They saw him from a distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they saw him from afar, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they saw him from a distance, and before he came to them, they were scheming against him to kill him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they spied him from a distance before he drew nigh to them, and they wickedly took counsel to slay him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/37-18.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=9464" 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">17</span>“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><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.">Now Joseph’s brothers saw</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/7350.htm" title="7350: mê·rā·ḥōq (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Or rachoq; from rachaq; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially.">in the distance,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: ū·ḇə·ṭe·rem (Conj-w, Prep-b:: Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">and before</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: yiq·raḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">he arrived,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5230.htm" title="5230: way·yiṯ·nak·kə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be crafty, deceitful or knavish. A prim root; to defraud, i.e. Act treacherously.">they plotted</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: la·hă·mî·ṯōw (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to kill him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.…<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="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1</a></span><br />When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a></span><br />So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38</a></span><br />But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-1.htm">Mark 14:1</a></span><br />Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-1.htm">John 7:1</a></span><br />After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">Matthew 26:3-4</a></span><br />At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-18.htm">John 5:18</a></span><br />Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-14.htm">Luke 20:14</a></span><br />But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-19.htm">Jeremiah 11:19</a></span><br />For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12</a></span><br />The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a></span><br />Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19-20</a></span><br />Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.</p><p class="hdg">conspired.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a></b></br> And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a></b></br> For I have heard the slander of many: fear <i>was</i> on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12,32</a></b></br> The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/22-4.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/genesis/31-23.htm">Close</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Conspired</a> <a href="/genesis/36-39.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Design</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/genesis/33-7.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Plotted</a> <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/35-19.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Close</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-27.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">Conspired</a> <a href="/genesis/37-20.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Design</a> <a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/genesis/38-29.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-20.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-9.htm">Plotted</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/genesis/42-11.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/genesis/37-20.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/38-13.htm">Way</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>Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance</b><br>Joseph's brothers were tending their father's flocks in Dothan, a location approximately 13 miles north of Shechem. This area was known for its pastures and trade routes. The brothers' ability to see Joseph from afar suggests the open landscape typical of the region. Joseph's distinctive coat, a symbol of his father's favoritism, likely made him recognizable from a distance. This moment foreshadows the unfolding of God's providential plan, as Joseph's journey to his brothers sets in motion events that will lead to the fulfillment of his earlier dreams (<a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-11</a>).<p><b>and before he arrived</b><br>The anticipation of Joseph's arrival indicates the brothers' premeditated thoughts and emotions. Their actions were not impulsive but rather a culmination of deep-seated jealousy and resentment. This moment highlights the human tendency to harbor grudges and the destructive power of envy, which is warned against in scriptures such as <a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a>.<p><b>they plotted to kill him</b><br>The brothers' conspiracy to kill Joseph reflects the severity of their animosity. This act of plotting is reminiscent of Cain's murder of Abel (<a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8</a>), showcasing the recurring theme of sibling rivalry and violence in Genesis. The brothers' plan also serves as a type of Christ, as Joseph, the beloved son, is rejected and betrayed by his own, paralleling Jesus' rejection by His people (<a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>). This plot, however, is ultimately thwarted by God's sovereign plan, which uses human evil to bring about His purposes, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt and the preservation of his family during famine (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>).<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 that foretold his future rise to power. His brothers' jealousy towards him is a central theme in this account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>The sons of Jacob, who are envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams. Their jealousy leads them to plot against him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dothan.htm">Dothan</a></b><br>The place where Joseph's brothers were pasturing their father's flocks and where they plotted against Joseph. It is significant as the location of the brothers' betrayal.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/plot_to_kill.htm">Plot to Kill</a></b><br>The brothers' conspiracy to murder Joseph, which marks a pivotal moment of betrayal and sets the stage for Joseph's eventual journey to Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_power_of_jealousy.htm">The Destructive Power of Jealousy</a></b><br>Jealousy can lead to devastating actions, as seen in the brothers' plot against Joseph. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy and seek contentment in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a></b><br>Despite the brothers' evil intentions, God's plan for Joseph's life was not thwarted. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with betrayal or hardship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_forgiveness.htm">The Importance of Forgiveness</a></b><br>Joseph's account ultimately leads to reconciliation and forgiveness. Christians are encouraged to forgive those who wrong them, following Joseph's example and Christ's teaching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_favoritism.htm">Family Dynamics and Favoritism</a></b><br>Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph contributed to the brothers' jealousy. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of favoritism within families and the importance of treating all family members with love and fairness.<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/bible's_view_on_gangs.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on gangs?</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_omit_divine_guidance_in_joseph's_test.htm">If Joseph’s intention in Genesis 44:18–34 was to test his brothers’ repentance, why does the narrative omit any mention of divine guidance or command for this potentially manipulative plan? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_joseph_use_deception_in_genesis_44.htm">How does the elaborate scheme in Genesis 44:6–13 align with ethical principles, and why would a righteous figure like Joseph resort to deception rather than straightforward communication? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And when</span> (literally, <span class="accented">and</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>they saw him afar off, even</span> (or, and) <span class="cmt_word">before he came near unto them, they</span> (literally, and <span class="accented">they</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>conspired against him</span> (or, dealt with him fraudulently) <span class="cmt_word">to slay him</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-18.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">Now [Joseph’s brothers] saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְא֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the distance,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָחֹ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remote, of place, time, precious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and before</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְטֶ֙רֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṭe·rem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Non-occurrence, not yet, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he arrived,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְרַ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·raḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they plotted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·nak·kə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5230.htm">Strong's 5230: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be crafty, deceitful or knavish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to kill him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲמִיתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·mî·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:18 They saw him afar off and before (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:19" /></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>