Genesis 37:19

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

Genesis 37:19 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the story of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is also called Israel. Joseph was his father’s favorite, and this favoritism stirred jealousy and resentment among his brothers. In Genesis 37, Joseph shares two dreams with his family. In the first dream, sheaves of grain bow to his sheaf (Genesis 37:6-7). In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow to him (Genesis 37:9). These dreams pointed to Joseph’s future prominence, and they made his brothers envy him even more. The brothers’ envy is explicitly noted in Genesis 37:11, where they envied him, while his father observed the saying.

Meaning

The brothers’ words, “Behold, this dreamer cometh,” are spoken with sarcasm and contempt. The Hebrew phrase behind “dreamer” can be understood as “master of dreams,” a title they use to mock Joseph. They do not see his dreams as messages from God. Instead, they treat them as the proud imagination of a favored younger brother. Their words reveal how deeply their envy has hardened their hearts.

In the Old Testament, God often spoke through dreams, and Joseph’s dreams were not ordinary. They carried divine meaning, even though the brothers refused to recognize it. Their mockery shows a dangerous attitude: despising what God may be revealing because it threatens personal pride.

Biblical connections

The brothers’ rejection of Joseph as God’s messenger finds a larger echo in Scripture. Later, Joseph’s own words and dreams are fulfilled when his brothers bow before him in Egypt. The New Testament shows a greater rejection: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was also despised and rejected by men. Yet God used that rejection to bring salvation. In both accounts, human malice cannot stop God’s purposes.

Application

This verse warns against jealousy. Envy can poison relationships and lead to harmful actions. The brothers’ hatred grew until they plotted to sell Joseph into slavery. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy and to find contentment in God’s unique plan for each person.

The verse also teaches humility. Joseph’s dreams were from God, but he later learned to depend on God rather than on his own status. When God gives visions or callings, they should be held with humility, trusting that God will fulfill them in His time.

Another lesson is to be careful how we treat those whom God has set apart. The brothers mocked Joseph, but God was with him. Rejecting or belittling a person whom God is using can bring serious consequences.

Reflection

God’s providence is a central truth in Joseph’s story. Even when his brothers meant evil, God worked through their actions to preserve His people. The journey involved betrayal, slavery, prison, and finally exaltation. Through it all, God shaped Joseph’s character and fulfilled His promises.

This verse invites readers to examine their own responses to God’s plans. Do we react with envy when others are blessed? Do we mock what we do not understand? Or do we trust that God is sovereign, even when His ways seem strange? The brothers’ words were spoken in contempt, but God turned them into a step toward redemption. His purposes cannot be defeated by human anger or pride.