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And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the man said, “They have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard <i>them</i> say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the man said, &#8220They have moved from here; for I heard them say, &#8216Let us go to Dothan.&#8217&#8221 So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard <i>them</i> say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the man said, “They have journeyed from here; for I heard <i>them</i> saying, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the man said, “[They were here, but] they have moved on from this place. I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“They’ve moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They&#8217ve moved on from here,&#8221 the man said. &#8220I heard them say, &#8216Let&#8217s go to Dothan.&#8217&#8221 So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"They're not here anymore," the man replied. "I overheard them say they were going to Dothan." Joseph left and found his brothers in Dothan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the man said, They are departed hence: for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The man said, "They moved on from here. I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.' " So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The man said, "They have already left. I heard them say that they were going to Dothan." So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"They've already left," the man answered. "I heard them saying that they were headed to Dothan." So Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan and found them there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The man said, "They left this area, for I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The man said, "They have left here, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the man said, They have departed hence: for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the man says, “They have journeyed from this, for I have heard some saying, Let us go to Dothan,” and Joseph goes after his brothers, and finds them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the man saith, 'They have journeyed from this, for I have heard some saying, Let us go to Dothan,' and Joseph goeth after his brethren, and findeth them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the man will say, They -removed from this; for I heard them saying, We will go to Dothan. And Joseph will go after his brethren and will find them in Dothan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the man said to him: They are departed from this place: for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothain. And Joseph went forward after his brethren, and found them in Dothain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the man said to him: “They have withdrawn from this place. But I heard them saying, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” Therefore, Joseph continued on after his brothers, and he found them at Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The man told him, “They have moved on from here; in fact, I heard them say, ‘Let us go on to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the man said, They have departed from here; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The man said to him, “They took them from here and I heard that they said, ‘Let us go to Dawthan’ and Yoseph went on after his brothers and he found them in Dawthan.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the man said: 'They are departed hence; for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothan.' And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the man said to him, They have departed hence, for I heard them saying, Let us go to Dothaim; and Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothaim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/37-17.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=9452" 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">16</span>“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: nā·sə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">“They have moved on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: miz·zeh (Prep-m:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">from here,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">answered.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">“I heard them</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mə·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: nê·lə·ḵāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">‘Let us go</a> <a href="/hebrew/1886.htm" title="1886: dō·ṯā·yə·nāh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A place N. of Samaria. Or Dothayin; of uncertain derivation; Dothan, a place in Palestine.">to Dothan.’”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">So Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥar (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: way·yim·ṣā·’êm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To attain to, find. ">and found them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1886.htm" title="1886: bə·ḏō·ṯān (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A place N. of Samaria. Or Dothayin; of uncertain derivation; Dothan, a place in Palestine.">at Dothan.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.…<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/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-8</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. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17-19</a></span><br />He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Hebrews 11:22</a></span><br />By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Acts 7:11-14</a></span><br />Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. / On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Genesis 42:6-9</a></span><br />Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. / And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” / Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Genesis 41:39-41</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1-2</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. / And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14-16</a></span><br />So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. / Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Genesis 45:1-3</a></span><br />Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-24.htm">Genesis 50:24-25</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20-23</a></span><br />So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, / the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. / And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/40-14.htm">Genesis 40:14-15</a></span><br />But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. / For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.</p><p class="hdg">Dothan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">2 Kings 6:13</a></b></br> And he said, Go and spy where he <i>is</i>, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, <i>he is</i> in Dothan.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">Dothan</a> <a href="/genesis/37-15.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-15.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/37-14.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/genesis/35-21.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/genesis/30-35.htm">Removed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">Dothan</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Findeth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-32.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/42-15.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/exodus/12-37.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/genesis/43-30.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Removed</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>“They have moved on from here,” the man answered.</b><br>This phrase indicates a change in location, which is significant in the narrative of Joseph. The man who speaks to Joseph is unnamed, suggesting divine providence guiding Joseph's journey. This encounter is a pivotal moment, as it sets Joseph on the path that leads to his eventual enslavement in Egypt. The movement of Joseph's brothers reflects their nomadic lifestyle, common in the patriarchal period, where herding and seeking pasture were essential for survival.<p><b>“I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’”</b><br>Dothan is a location in the northern part of ancient Israel, known for its fertile land and strategic position on trade routes. This area is mentioned again in <a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">2 Kings 6:13-17</a>, where Elisha's servant sees the heavenly army. The choice of Dothan by Joseph's brothers may indicate their search for better grazing land. The mention of Dothan also foreshadows Joseph's sale into slavery, as it was near major trade routes to Egypt, facilitating the Ishmaelites' purchase of Joseph.<p><b>So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.</b><br>Joseph's determination to find his brothers demonstrates his obedience to his father, Jacob, and his commitment to family duties. This journey to Dothan is a critical turning point in Joseph's life, leading to his betrayal and eventual rise to power in Egypt. The narrative highlights themes of divine sovereignty and human agency, as Joseph's actions, though seemingly mundane, are part of God's larger plan. Joseph's experience can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also sent by His Father, faced betrayal, and ultimately brought salvation.<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. He is on a mission to find his brothers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_man.htm">The Man</a></b><br>An unnamed individual who provides Joseph with information about his brothers' whereabouts.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>They are tending their father's flocks and have moved from Shechem to Dothan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dothan.htm">Dothan</a></b><br>A location in the region of Israel where Joseph eventually finds his brothers. It becomes the setting for his betrayal.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>The initial location where Joseph expected to find his brothers before learning they had moved to Dothan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_uncertainty.htm">Divine Guidance in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Joseph's encounter with the man who directs him to Dothan illustrates how God can use seemingly random encounters to guide us according to His plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_obedience.htm">Faithfulness in Obedience</a></b><br>Joseph's determination to find his brothers, despite the challenges, exemplifies obedience and commitment to family duties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/providence_in_adversity.htm">Providence in Adversity</a></b><br>The move to Dothan sets the stage for Joseph's betrayal, yet it is a crucial step in God's larger plan for Joseph's life and the future of Israel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_unnamed_individuals.htm">The Role of Unnamed Individuals</a></b><br>The man who directs Joseph plays a pivotal role, reminding us that God can use anyone, regardless of their prominence, to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_plan.htm">Trusting God's Plan</a></b><br>Even when circumstances seem unfavorable, as with Joseph's journey, believers are encouraged to trust in God's overarching plan and timing.<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/dothan's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Dothan's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_to_do_when_a_church_closes.htm">What is Dothan's significance in the Bible?</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/who_brought_joseph_to_egypt.htm">Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)?</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>(17) <span class= "bld">Dothan.</span>--This town was twelve miles north of Shechem, and is famous as being the place where Elisha struck the Syrian army with blindness (<a href="/context/2_kings/6-13.htm" title="And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.">2Kings 6:13-23</a>) It is situated in a small but fertile valley, and Jacob's sons, having exhausted the produce of the larger plain round Shechem, had moved northward thither. Not having found them at Shechem, Joseph did not know where to go, but wandered about "in the field"--the open downs--till he met some one who could give him information. Had he been a practised hunter, like Esau, he would have followed them by the tracks of the cattle.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan</span> - <span class="accented">Dothaim</span>, "the Two ells," a place twelve miles north of Samaria in the direction of the plain of Esdraelon, situated on the great caravan road from Mount Gilead to Egypt, the scene of one of the greatest miracles of Elisha the prophet (<a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">2 Kings 6:13-18</a>), and, though now a deserted ruin, still called by its ancient name. <span class="cmt_word">And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.</span> "Just beneath Tell Dothan, which still preserves its name, is the little oblong plain, containing the best pasturage in the country, and well chosen by Jacob's sons when they had exhausted for a time the wider plain of Shechem" (Tristram, 'Land of Israel,' p. 132; cf. Thomson, ' Land and Book,' p. 466). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-17.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">“They have moved on</span><br /><span class="heb">נָסְע֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·sə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from here,”</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(miz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the man</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִישׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I heard</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them say,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹֽמְרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·mə·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Let us go</span><br /><span class="heb">נֵלְכָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(nê·lə·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common 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 Dothan.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">דֹּתָ֑יְנָה</span> <span class="translit">(dō·ṯā·yə·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1886.htm">Strong's 1886: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dothan -- a place North of Samaria</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So Joseph</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵף֙</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<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">after</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֔יו</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">and found them</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמְצָאֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·ṣā·’êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Dothan.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּדֹתָֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḏō·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1886.htm">Strong's 1886: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dothan -- a place North of Samaria</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/37-17.htm">Genesis 37:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/37-17.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:17 The man said They have left here (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:18" /></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>