Genesis 37:18
Genesis 37:18 in Multiple Translations
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
But they saw him when he was a long way off, and before he came near them they made a secret design against him to put him to death;
But they saw him coming way off in the distance, and before he got to them, they made plans to kill him.
And when they sawe him a farre off, euen before he came at them, they conspired against him for to slay him.
And they see him from afar, even before he draweth near unto them, and they conspire against him to put him to death.
They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him.
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.
And when they saw him afar off, before he came nigh them, they thought to kill him.
But they saw him when he was still far away, and they decided to kill him.
But Joseph was still a long way away, and his brothers saw him coming. So they talked quickly to each other and made a plan to kill him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:18
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 37:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
וּ/בְ/טֶ֨רֶם֙
יִקְרַ֣ב
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
וַ/יִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ
אֹת֖/וֹ
לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
וּ/בְ/טֶ֨רֶם֙
ṭerem
H2962
before
Conj | Prep | Adv
יִקְרַ֣ב
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ
nâkal
H5230
to plot
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:18
וַ/יִּרְא֥וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
וּ/בְ/טֶ֨רֶם֙
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Conj | Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יִקְרַ֣ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/יִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ
nâkal
H5230
"to plot"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To plot or act deceitfully, as seen in the actions of Jacob and Esau in Genesis. This verb means to be crafty or treacherous, often with the intention of deceiving others. It is used to describe the cunning actions of biblical characters.
Definition: 1) to be deceitful, be crafty, be knavish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be knavish 1a2) deceiver (participle) 1b) (Piel) to beguile 1c) (Hithpael) to act craftily, act knavishly, deal knavishly
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: beguile, conspire, deceiver, deal subtilly. See also: Genesis 37:18; Psalms 105:25; Malachi 1:14.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
16“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?”
17“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.
18Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.
19“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. 20“Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 23:12 | When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:12 | The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, |
| 3 | Psalms 37:32 | Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 19:1 | Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, |
| 5 | Mark 14:1 | Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. |
| 6 | Psalms 31:13 | For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. |
| 7 | John 11:53 | So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. |
| 8 | Matthew 21:38 | But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ |
| 9 | Mark 12:7 | But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ |
| 10 | Luke 20:14–15 | But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? |
Genesis 37:18 Summary
[Genesis 37:18 tells us that Joseph's brothers saw him coming and plotted to kill him, showing the deep-seated jealousy and hatred they had towards him. This verse teaches us that our actions are often a reflection of what's in our hearts, and that we must be careful not to let negative emotions like jealousy and hatred consume us, as warned in Proverbs 14:30. By looking at this verse, we can learn the importance of loving and forgiving one another, as seen in John 13:34-35, and strive to cultivate a heart of love and compassion towards those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph's brothers plot to kill him?
Joseph's brothers were filled with jealousy and hatred towards him, which led them to plot against him, as seen in Genesis 37:18. This was also influenced by their father's favoritism towards Joseph, as mentioned in Genesis 37:3-4.
What role did envy play in the brothers' actions?
Envy played a significant role in the brothers' actions, as they were envious of the special treatment Joseph received from their father and the dreams that Joseph had, which they believed made him think he was superior to them, as seen in Genesis 37:5-11.
How did the brothers' actions reflect their heart condition?
The brothers' actions, as seen in Genesis 37:18-20, reflected a heart condition of hatred, jealousy, and a lack of love and compassion towards their brother Joseph, which is contrary to the biblical command to love one another, as seen in John 13:34-35.
What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' mistakes?
We can learn from Joseph's brothers' mistakes the dangers of allowing jealousy and hatred to consume us, and the importance of loving and forgiving one another, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be allowing jealousy or envy to influence my actions towards others?
- How can I cultivate a heart of love and compassion towards those who may be difficult to get along with?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling with feelings of hatred or resentment towards others?
- How can I apply the biblical command to love one another to my relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:18
And when they saw him afar off,.... They knew him as soon as they saw him, by his stature, his gesture or manner of walking, and especially by his coat of various colours he now had on, Genesis
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:18
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. When they saw him afar off.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:18
Genesis 37:18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.Ver. 18. They conspired against him.] So did the husbandmen against Christ: "This is the heir," say they, &c. The word is by one rendered, They craftily conspired. The Greek hath it, malignantly: craft and cruelty go usually together in the Church’ s adversaries. The devil lends them his seven heads to plot, and his ten horns to push poor Joseph, that dreads no danger.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:18
2b–36 (JE). Joseph sold into Egypt 2b (J). and he was a lad with, &c.] The English here gives an awkward rendering. The meaning is, “he was keeping sheep, being still a lad, with his brethren, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah,” i.e. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. Joseph’s home at this time seems to have been at Hebron (cf. Genesis 35:27). The life of Joseph, the elder son of the favourite wife, spent in the field with the sons of the concubines, was not likely to be happy. the evil report] What this was, does not appear; cf. 1 Samuel 2:23. But Joseph’s action brought upon him the odium of tale-bearing. On the words for “evil report” cf. Numbers 13:32; Numbers 14:36-37 (P).
Sermons on Genesis 37:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:7-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dreams of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph had two dreams where his family members, including his parents and brothers, bowed dow |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph 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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Lessons in Leadership - Part 3 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, K.P.O. Hannon focuses on the character of a worker or servant of God, using 2 Timothy 1 as a reference. He emphasizes that despite setbacks and suffering, God will |
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A Small Step by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the perilous journey from doubting a father's love to taking control of our lives, which can lead to a cascade of evil actions. He illustrates this throu |
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(The Book of Acts) Session 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for Christians to take action and make a difference in their country through prayer, witness, and distributing literature. The Holy S |
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6 Blessings + 6 Barriers by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses six blessings and six barriers in the work of OM (Operation Mobilization). The first blessing is the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables b |