Genesis 37:6

And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

Genesis 37:6 (KJV)

Context

Joseph was the son of Jacob, also called Israel. His father loved him more than his other sons and gave him a coat of many colors, which made his brothers hate him and speak harshly to him (Genesis 37:3-4). In the verse before this one, Joseph told his brothers about a dream he had, and their hatred grew (Genesis 37:5). Now Joseph directly addresses them with a polite request: “Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed.” The phrase “I pray you” is an earnest entreaty, showing his sincere desire for them to listen.

Meaning

Joseph’s words introduce the first of two dreams that carried prophetic meaning. In the next verse, he describes sheaves of grain in the field bowing down to his sheaf (Genesis 37:7). This imagery pointed to his future leadership over his family. The brothers understood the implication and resented it deeply. Their envy grew until they plotted against him (Genesis 37:19-20). Joseph’s sharing of the dream, though seemingly naive, set in motion events that God would use for a greater purpose.

Biblical connections

Throughout Scripture, God often used dreams to communicate with people. Joseph’s dreams were not ordinary; they were divinely inspired visions. The second dream, where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him (Genesis 37:9), symbolized his father, mother, and eleven brothers. These dreams were fulfilled when Joseph became ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, and his family came to him during the famine, bowing before him for food. God’s providence worked through human conflict and misunderstanding to preserve the people of Israel and fulfill His covenant promises.

Application

This verse teaches the importance of discerning God’s purpose in our lives. Joseph’s dreams were not personal ambition but part of God’s plan. We should listen carefully when God speaks, even through unexpected means. The brothers’ reaction warns us of the dangers of jealousy and envy. Their hatred blinded them to God’s message. We are called to humility, trusting that God’s plans may be larger than our immediate understanding.

Reflection

Joseph’s life shows that God’s purposes often unfold through trials. He faced slavery and imprisonment, yet God remained with him. The dreams were not about Joseph’s pride but about God’s sovereign plan. This verse invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we respond to God’s revelations with humility, or do we let envy and resentment take root? God’s providence is faithful, even when the path is difficult.