“Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”– Genesis 37:20 (KJV)
“Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father a wild animal has eaten him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!”– Genesis 37:20 (NLT)
“Let’s kill him and throw him into one of these pits. We’ll say that a ferocious animal ate him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”– Genesis 37:20 (MSG)
What Does Genesis 37:20 Mean?
Genesis 37:20 is a dramatic moment in the story of Joseph, who was favored by his father Jacob over his brothers. This verse shows the depths of jealousy and hatred when Joseph’s brothers plot to murder him. The act of suggesting to kill Joseph reveals their unwillingness to acknowledge his potential future and the dreams he had shared with them. Instead of supporting him, they choose an extreme act of violence. The verse captures the selfishness of envy and how it can lead to destructive decisions. Joseph’s brothers did not see him as a sibling but rather as a threat to their importance. This mindset ultimately leads to a cascade of betrayals and hardships for Joseph. It raises points about familial love and the consequences of allowing jealousy to cloud one’s judgment.
As we reflect on this verse, we find ourselves thinking about our own lives and relationships. Do we sometimes let negativity or past grievances blind us to the good in others? Do we recognize when our actions may hurt others around us? When we observe the behavior of Joseph’s brothers, we learn the importance of compassion and nurturing our relationships. Instead of allowing envy to control us, we should strive for understanding and kindness.
Genesis 37:20 Explanation and Commentary
This verse provides insight into the darker side of humanity, particularly familial relationships. The plot to kill Joseph arises from jealousy towards the affection their father showed him. Many of us can relate to feeling overlooked or less favored in specific situations. However, the extreme reaction of Joseph’s brothers serves as a warning against letting those feelings escalate. It is a reminder of how jealousy can lead to tragic outcomes if left unchecked.
Moreover, when the brothers suggest covering up their crime by deceiving their father Jacob, it highlights their moral decline. This deceptive act not only signifies hatred but also the willingness to betray their father’s trust. Their plan to lie about Joseph’s fate caused irreversible consequences not just for Joseph but for the entire family. It’s a classic example of how one wrong decision can have a ripple effect and impact more than just those involved. We need to be aware of our choices and the eventual ramifications they might carry.
When reading Genesis 37:20, it’s important to consider what God desires from our family relationships. Acts of kindness, respect, and love should be the driving forces within families. Instead of harboring negative feelings, we should communicate openly and express our feelings. Often, discussing our concerns can lead to resolutions instead of fueling animosity.
We also see Joseph’s unwavering faith through difficult times. He may not have understood why he faced betrayal from his family, but his eventual rise to power demonstrates that God’s plans are often beyond human understanding. This reminds us that hardships can lead to greater growth and transformation in our lives. Even when faced with adversities, maintaining faith can help us navigate life’s challenges.
Context of Genesis 37:20
To fully understand Genesis 37:20, we must consider the overall narrative surrounding Joseph. Joseph is introduced as the beloved son of Jacob, who presents him with a coat of many colors. This special treatment plants seeds of jealousy among his brothers. They resent Joseph for his dreams, which suggest they would someday bow to him, representing his future leadership. The brothers find his dreams insulting and condescending, particularly because they believe they hold more significance as older siblings.
As the story progresses, we see the hatred boiling over in this verse, leading to the plotting of Joseph’s death. Their initial reaction, fueled by jealousy, was profoundly destructive. It’s essential to recognize that this incident wasn’t just an isolated event; it was indicative of a family deeply hurt by favoritism and misunderstanding.
This includes a contrast with how Jacob, their father, reacted to Rachel and Leah. His love for Rachel overshadows his feelings for Leah, creating a complicated family dynamic. Joseph’s brothers may have felt sidelined, which pushed them to act out violently. Less than understanding how their actions would drastically change their lives, they allowed negative emotions to foster a bitter environment.
In the grand scheme of the biblical narrative, we learn that this turning point in Joseph’s life eventually leads to forgiveness and reconciliation, making it a vital lesson for us today in resolving family conflicts and acknowledging each person’s role within a family unit.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 37:20
Breaking down this verse helps us recognize its essential themes and meanings. “Come now therefore” calls for an immediate response, showcasing the urgency and seriousness of the brothers’ plot. It signifies they are acting on impulse rather than considering the gravity of the situation. This impulsivity serves as a lesson, reminding us to be cautious about acting on negative emotions without reflection.
The phrase “let us slay him” is forceful. Here, we witness the brothers’ transformation from merely harboring jealousy to plotting intentional harm. This shift demonstrates how resentment can escalate into dangerous territories. We should consider how easily negative feelings can lead us to make harmful choices that endanger our relationships with others.
Next, the notion of casting him “into some pit” symbolizes abandonment and the intentional decision to remove Joseph from their lives. It indicates a failure to acknowledge Joseph’s potential, reducing him to a mere problem to be discarded instead of a brother worth supporting. This begs the question: how do we treat people in our lives when we feel threatened by them?
Lastly, the plan to deceive their father adds an extra layer of betrayal and deception. They are not just rejecting their brother but also crafting a narrative to mislead their father, showing how envy can corrupt even the most fundamental family bonds. It teaches us that consequences can extend beyond our immediate actions and influence those around us in devastating ways.
Lessons to Learn From Genesis 37:20
Genesis 37:20 is rich with lessons for us. One critical lesson centers on the importance of communication within families. If Joseph’s brothers had expressed their feelings to each other or sought to understand Joseph’s dreams, miscommunication could have been avoided. Open-dialogue fosters relationships and prevents misunderstandings that can lead to destructive behavior.
Another lesson involves the dangers of jealousy and resentment. We must be aware of how these feelings can distort our perspectives and lead us to harm those we love. Recognizing and addressing negative feelings is essential. Rather than allowing them to turn into actions that can cause pain, we should seek support, hold discussions, and work towards resolution.
Additionally, forgiveness is a recurring theme throughout Joseph’s story, and Genesis 37:20 serves as a contrast to this ultimate message. Instead of allowing past wrongdoings to define us, we can learn to forgive, as Joseph does later in life. Reflecting on the importance of forgiveness can pave the way for healing and restoration in our lives and families.
We also see how faith shapes Joseph’s journey. Despite facing tremendous adversity and betrayal, Joseph rises to considerable power in Egypt. This tells us that our situations can change, that we can overcome challenges with our faith and resilience. Trusting in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it, can guide us through tough times in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Genesis 37:20 presents a sobering reflection on jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences that come from allowing our negative feelings to guide us. It urges us to approach our relationships, particularly in our families, with understanding, communication, and compassion. As we strive to embody these values, we create healthier relationships and foster a nurturing environment for ourselves and each other.
Let us remember that everyone’s journey is unique, with bumps along the way. We cannot allow resentment and misunderstanding to fester into actions that harm those we love. Instead, we are called to respond with kindness, patience, and love, promoting healing and reconciliation. As we reflect on this narrative, we can explore more topics, such as Joseph’s rise in Egypt and others, to grow deeper in our understanding of the Bible.