Genesis 37:1
Genesis 37:1 in Multiple Translations
Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan.
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan.
Now Jacob was living in the land where his father had made a place for himself, in the land of Canaan.
Jacob settled down and lived in Canaan as his father had done.
Iaakob nowe dwelt in the lande, wherein his father was a stranger, in the lande of Canaan.
And Jacob dwelleth in the land of his father's sojournings — in the land of Canaan.
Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan.
And Jacob dwelt in the land in which his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
And Jacob dwelt in the land of Chanaan wherein his father sojourned.
Jacob continued to live in the Canaan region where his father had lived previously.
Jacob lived in Canaan country. That’s the country where his father Isaac used to have his camp.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 37:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
מְגוּרֵ֣י
אָבִ֑י/ו
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
כְּנָֽעַן
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מְגוּרֵ֣י
mâgûwr
H4033
sojourning
N-mp
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כְּנָֽעַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:1
וַ/יֵּ֣שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מְגוּרֵ֣י
mâgûwr
H4033
"sojourning"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a temporary or permanent place to live, like a home or dwelling. It appears in the Bible when talking about where people lived, like the Israelites in a foreign land. The KJV translates it as dwelling or pilgrimage.
Definition: 1) sojourning place, dwelling-place, sojourning 1a) dwelling-place 1b) sojourning, lifetime
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger. Compare H4032 (מָגוֹר). See also: Genesis 17:8; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 55:16.
אָבִ֑י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּנָֽעַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 37:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
- Sermons on Genesis 37:1
Context — Joseph’s Dreams
1Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan.
2This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:8 | And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” |
| 2 | Genesis 23:4 | “I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.” |
| 3 | Genesis 36:7 | For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:9–16 | By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. |
| 5 | Genesis 28:4 | And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.” |
Genesis 37:1 Summary
This verse tells us that Jacob lived in the land of Canaan, just like his father before him. This shows that Jacob is choosing to follow in his father's footsteps and trust in God's promises (Genesis 28:15). By living in Canaan, Jacob is also showing respect and honor to his family and heritage. Just like Jacob, we can choose to trust in God's promises and follow in the footsteps of those who have come before us (Hebrews 11:9-10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob living in the land of Canaan?
Jacob living in the land of Canaan is significant because it shows that he is following in the footsteps of his father, Isaac, and grandfather, Abraham, who also lived in Canaan (Genesis 26:2-3, Genesis 12:5-7).
Why does the verse mention Jacob's father?
The verse mentions Jacob's father to establish the connection between Jacob and the previous generation, highlighting the continuity of God's promises and plans (Genesis 28:4, Genesis 35:12).
What can we learn from Jacob's decision to live in Canaan?
We can learn that Jacob is choosing to trust in God's promises and provision, just as his father and grandfather did before him (Genesis 28:15, Hebrews 11:9-10).
How does this verse set the stage for the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter by introducing Jacob and his family, and providing context for the events that will unfold, particularly the story of Joseph (Genesis 37:2-3, Genesis 37:12-36).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can follow in the footsteps of my spiritual heritage, just as Jacob followed in the footsteps of his father?
- How can I trust in God's promises and provision, even when faced with uncertainty or challenge?
- What are some ways I can show respect and honor to my family and heritage, as Jacob did by living in the land of Canaan?
- What are some lessons I can learn from Jacob's decision to live in Canaan, and how can I apply them to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:1
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger,.... And this stands opposed unto, and is distinguished from the case and circumstances of Esau and his posterity, expressed in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:1
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger - i:e., sojourner; father used collectively.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
Genesis 37:1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. Ver. 1. In the land of his father’ s sojournings (Marg.).] The dukes of Edom had habitations in the land of their possessions. But Jacob, with his father Isaac, were pilgrims in the land of Canaan; content to dwell in tents here, that they might dwell with God for ever. Justin Martyr saith of the Christians of his time: They dwell in their own countries but as strangers; have fight to all, as citizens; but suffer hardship, as foreigners, &c. Pατπιδαςοικουσινιδιας, αλλ" ωςπαροικοι, &c. - Epist. ad Diognetum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
XXXVII.(1) And Jacob . . . —This verse is not the beginning of a new section, but the conclusion of the Tôldôth Esau. In Genesis 36:6, we read that Esau went into a land away from Jacob. Upon this follows in Genesis 37:8, “And Esau dwelt in Mount Seir;” and now the necessary information concerning the other brother is given to us, “And Jacob dwelt in the land . . . of Canaan.” In the Hebrew the conjunctions are the same.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
CHAPTER XXXVII Jacob continues to sojourn in Canaan, 1. Joseph, being seventeen years of age, is employed in feeding the flocks of his father, 2. Is loved by his father more than the rest of his brethren, 3. His brethren envy him, 4. His dream of the sheaves, 5-7. His brethren interpret it, and hate him on the account, 8. His dream of the sun, moon, and eleven stars, 9-12. Jacob sends him to visit his brethren, who were with the flock in Shechem, 13, 14. He wanders in the field, and is directed to go to Dothan, whither his brethren had removed the flocks, 15-17. Seeing him coming they conspire to destroy him, 18-20.
Reuben, secretly intending to deliver him, counsels his brethren not to kill, but to put him into a pit, 21, 22. They strip Joseph of his coat of many colours, and put him into a pit, 23, 24. They afterwards draw him out, and sell him to a company of Ishmaelite merchants for twenty pieces of silver, who carry him into Egypt, 25-28. Reuben returns to the pit, and not finding Joseph, is greatly affected, 29, 30. Joseph's brethren dip his coat in goat's blood to persuade his father that he had been devoured by a wild beast, 31-33. Jacob is greatly distressed, 34, 35. Joseph is sold in Egypt to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard, 36. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVII Verse 1. Wherein his father was a stranger] מגורי אביו megurey abiv, Jacob dwelt in the land of his father's sojournings, as the margin very properly reads it.
The place was probably the vale of Hebron, see Genesis 37:14.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:1
1. sojournings] Cf. Genesis 17:8, Genesis 28:4, Genesis 36:7 (P).
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 37:1
- Joseph Was Sold into Egypt 17. דתין dotayı̂n Dothain, “two wells?” (Gesenius) 25. נכאת neko't “tragacanth” or goat’s-thorn gum, yielded by the “astragalus gummifer”, a native of Mount Lebanon.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:1
1. In the land wherein his father was a stranger — Rather, in the land of the sojournings of his father. This verse serves to acquaint us with the location of Jacob at this period of his history.
Sermons on Genesis 37:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, at the age of 17, was the youngest among his brothers and was tasked with feeding the |
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Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance |
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Genesis #22 Ch. 37-39 Joseph, the Faithful Servant by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding the word of God. The sermon focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genes |
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When Darkness Turns to Light by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and obeying the stories in the Bible. He explains that these stories can either harden our hearts if we don't |
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(Genesis) 53 - Joseph - Beloved, Hated and Sold by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He begins by pointing out the common use of the phrase "you know" in modern language, comparing it to the |
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The First Gift of the Father by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses two different gifts given by fathers to their sons. The first gift is a coat of many colors given by Jacob to his son Joseph, which symbolize |
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Forgiveness, the Ultimate Cure (Part 2) by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness through the life of Joseph, who faced immense suffering and betrayal from his brothers despite his innocence. He il |