Genesis 37:16 — Word Study
WLCוַיֹּ֕אמֶר אֶת־ אַחַ֖י אָנֹכִ֣י מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ הַגִּֽידָה־ נָּ֣א לִ֔י אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים׃
BSA◂I amʼânôkîy [the speaker, referring to himself] looking forbâqash [seeking, searching] my brothersʼâch [male siblings, close relatives] Joseph repliedʼâmar▸ [said, spoke] Can you please tellnâgad [I pray, kindly] whereʼêyphôh [in what place, at what location] ◂theyhêm [those men, the ones in question] are pasturing their flocks?râʻâh [feeding, taking care of, sheep, livestock]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּ֕אמֶר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| אַחַ֖י | brothers my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אָנֹכִ֣י | I | Pronoun |
| מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ | [am] seeking | Verb, Piel, participle (active) masculine singular |
| הַגִּֽידָה־ | tell ! | Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| נָּ֣א | please | Particle |
| לִ֔י | to me | Preposition, suffix |
| אֵיפֹ֖ה | where? | Particle |
| הֵ֥ם | [are] they | Pronoun |
| רֹעִֽים׃ | pasturing | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” |
| KJV | And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. |
| ASV | And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock. |
| YLT | and he saith, 'My brethren I am seeking, declare to me, I pray thee, where they are feeding?' |
| WEB | He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.” |
| BBE | And he said, I am looking for my brothers; please give me word of where they are keeping their flock. |
The translations agree on the meaning of Joseph's inquiry and his search for his brothers.
The structure is straightforward, with a clear main clause followed by a request for information.
4 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאָנֹכִי
verbוְ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 37:16
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Joseph Searches for His Brothersgenerated
Genesis 37:16 describes Joseph's search for his brothers, highlighting his determination to find them. This moment is pivotal as it leads to significant events in Joseph's life, including his eventual journey to Egypt. The context shows Joseph's role as a caring brother, emphasizing familial bonds amidst the unfolding narrative of his life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:10 | For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 1:7 |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְבַקֵּשׁ, me.va.Keshgenerated
The word מְבַקֵּשׁ (baqash) is a participle from the root בָּקַשׁ meaning 'to seek' or 'to search for'. It indicates an active pursuit, reflecting Joseph's urgency and desire to find his brothers.
This participle form suggests that Joseph is not just passively waiting but is actively engaged in the search. The use of this verb highlights the importance of relationships and the lengths one will go to maintain them.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase is rendered as seeking, which is consistent across several translations including the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the sentence is וַיֹּ֕אמֶר, and he said, which introduces Joseph's speech. The structure includes a noun phrase for the object אֶת־אַחַ֖י, my brothers, followed by a participial phrase that describes his action of seeking.
The sentence is straightforward, with Joseph's inquiry structured clearly, allowing for a direct understanding of his request for information.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew מְבַקֵּשׁ is rendered as ζητῶ, which means 'I seek.' This choice emphasizes the active nature of Joseph's search, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning.
The Greek translation captures the urgency of Joseph's quest, reinforcing the narrative's focus on his determination to find his brothers.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 37:16 shows Joseph searching for his brothers and asking for help in finding them. This moment is important as it leads to significant events in his life. Joseph's concern for his brothers highlights the importance of family bonds.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Joseph is expressing his desire to find his male siblings, indicating his concern for their well-being.
Joseph is seeking to reunite with his brothers, showing his commitment to family and his role within it.
This search sets in motion the events that will lead to Joseph's journey to Egypt, a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative.
It demonstrates Joseph's loyalty and care for his family, traits that are important throughout his story.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I show concern for my family members, similar to Joseph's search for his brothers?
- How do I respond when I am separated from loved ones?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family relationships?
- How can I actively seek to maintain connections with those I care about?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 37:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he said, I seek my brethren,.... Whom, no doubt, he described to the man, and told him who they were, and to whom they belonged; or otherwise the man would have been at a loss to know who he
Read John Gill on Genesis 37 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 37 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 37:16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks].Ver. 16. I seek my brethren.] He stayed not at Shechem, whither his father sent him; but missing them there, he seeks farther, till he found them. This is true obedience, whether to God or man, when we look not so much to the letter of the law, as to the mind of the lawmaker; apices iuris non sunt ius.
Read John Trapp on Genesis 37 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2b–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).
Read Cambridge on Genesis 37 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?”
He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”
“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?”
He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Please tell me where they are grazing their flocks.”
Tyndale line
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
And he answered, I seeke my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they keepe sheepe.
Strictly literal
And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks].
and he saith, 'My brethren I am seeking, declare to me, I pray thee, where they are feeding?'
And he says, “I am seeking my brothers, please declare to me where they are feeding.”
And he said, I seek my brothers; tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding their flocks?
Joseph said, “I am seeking my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are tending the flock.”
From the Latin
But he answered: I seek my brethren; tell me where they feed the flocks.
Simplified
“I'm looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they're looking after the flock?”
And he said, I am looking for my brothers; please give me word of where they are keeping their flock.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch, with the latter differing by one word: אני (i), which translates to 'I'. This slight variation does not alter the overall meaning of the verse.
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אֶת־ אַחַ֖י אָנֹכִ֣י מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ הַגִּֽידָה־ נָּ֣א לִ֔י אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים׃
7 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ויאמר את אחי אני מבקשׁ הגידה נא לי איפה הם רעים
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: אני (i)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 37:16
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.
אָח 630 n.m. brother
brother, born of same mother (& father)
indef. = relative
fig. of resemblance
in phr. one … another
base
H251 אָח brother
251 'ach awkh
a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of
literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance
(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.
Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".
see HEBREW for 01
אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.
: male-sibling
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.
: male-relative
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.
: compatriot
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word אָֽנֹכִ֫י (*anokiy*) is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is a variant spelling of אֲנִי (*ani*), which also means 'I.' The entries confirm its use as a personal pronoun without significant disagreement among lexicons.
אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H595 אָֽנֹכִ֫י, אָנֹ֑כִי I
595 'anokiy aw-no-kee'
sometimes {aw-no'-kee}; a primitive pro.; I:--I, me, X
which.
אָֽנֹכִ֫י (a.no.khi) — I.
I (first pers. sing.)
Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Pron — PronounHPp1bs
בָּקַשׁ (baqash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or search out, often in the context of worship or prayer. It encompasses a range of actions including asking, desiring, and requiring. The verb can appear in different forms, such as Piel and Pual, indicating various nuances of seeking or being sought.
[בָּקַשׁ] 224 vb. seek
Pi.
seek to find
seek to secure
seek the face
desire, demand
require, exact
exact equivalent or penalty for
(late) ask, request
Pu. be sought
base
H1245 בָּקַשׁ seek
1245 baqash baw-kash'
a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically
in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after:--ask,
beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure,
(make) request, require, seek (for).
בָּקַשׁ (ba.qash) — to seek.
1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to seek to find
1a2) to seek to secure
1a3) to seek the face
1a4) to desire, demand
1a5) to require, exact
1a6) to ask, request
1b) (Pual) to be sought
V-Piel — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singularHVprmsa
נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.
[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous
Hiph. declare, tell
Hoph. be told, announced, reported
base
H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell
. be told, announced, reported
5046 nagad naw-gad'
a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out
opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;
figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one
present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,
praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),
denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,
rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.
נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known
1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1a1) to tell, announce, report
1a2) to declare, make known, expound
1a3) to inform of
1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim
1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
1a5a) messenger (participle)
1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVhv2ms/Sh
See TALE.
נָא (na') is a Hebrew particle used primarily for entreaty or exhortation, meaning 'I pray,' 'now,' or 'please.' It often appears attached to verbs in the imperative or future forms, and can also modify interjections, adverbs, or conjunctions. The entries consistently emphasize its role in expressing a plea or request.
נָא part. of entreaty or exhortation, I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
base
H4994 נָא I (we) pray, now (enclitic)
4994 na' naw
a primitive particle of incitement and entreaty, which may
usually be rendered: "I pray," "now," or "then"; added mostly
to verbs (in the Imperative or Future), or to interjections,
occasionally to an adverb or conjunction:--I beseech (pray)
thee (you), go to, now, oh.
נָא (na) — please.
1) I (we) pray, now, please
1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
HTj — ParticleHTj
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
אֵיפֹה ('eyphoh) is an adverb meaning 'where?' and 'of what kind?'. It is derived from two roots, one related to place and the other to time or means. The word is used in contexts asking about location or manner.
אֵיפֹה adv.
where?
of what kind?
base
H375 אֵיפֹה . where?
. of what kind?
375 'eyphoh ay-fo'
from 335 and 6311; what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of
means) how?; --what manner, where.
see HEBREW for 0335
see HEBREW for 06311
אֵיפֹה (e.phoh) — where?.
1) where?
2) what kind?
Part — ParticleHTi
הֵ֫מָּה (hemmah) is a masculine plural pronoun meaning 'they.' The entries indicate that it can also mean 'these,' 'the same,' or refer to people in an emphatic context. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its usage.
הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) pron. 3 pl. masc. they
base
H1992 הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) they
1992 hem haym
or (prolonged) hemmah {haym'-maw}; masculine plural from
1981; they (only used when emphatic):--it, like, X (how, so)
many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, X so, X such,
their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.
see HEBREW for 01981
הֵ֫מָּה (hem.mah) — they(masc.).
they, these, the same, who
Pron — PronounHPp3mp
The Hebrew word רָעָה (*ra'ah*) is built from a primitive root meaning to tend or pasture a flock. It covers a range of meanings including to graze, rule, associate with, and befriend. The term appears in contexts related to shepherding and companionship, with a specific mention of the 'binding-house of shepherds' in 2 Kings 10:12.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים perh. n.pr.loc. (binding-house of the shepherds) 2 K 10:12
base
רָעָה 167 vb. pasture, tend, graze
Qal
trans.
intrans.
Niph. poss.
Hiph. v.
base
[רָעָה] vb. prob. associate with
Qal cherish faithfulness
Hithp. do not make companionship with a bad-tempered man
base
[רָעָה] vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend;—Ju 14:20
ref
H7462a בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים binding-house of shepherds H7462b רָעָה pasture, tend, graze H7462c רָעָה prob. associate with H7462d רָעָה vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend
7462 ra`ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it;
intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively);
generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a
friend):--X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat
up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with,
herdman, keep (sheep)(-er), pastor, + shearing house,
shepherd, wander, waste.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים (bet-e.qed ha.ro.im) — House of Shepherds.
Ra'ah = "pasturing"
perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to pasture.
1) to pasture, tend, graze, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to tend, pasture
1a1a) to shepherd
1a1b) of ruler, teacher (fig)
1a1c) of people as flock (fig)
1a1d) shepherd, herdsman (subst)
1a2) to feed, graze
1a2a) of cows, sheep etc (literal)
1a2b) of idolater, Israel as flock (fig)
1b) (Hiphil) shepherd, shepherdess
Also means: ro.i (רֹעִי "to shepherd" H7473)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to accompany.
1) to associate with, be a friend of (meaning probable)
1a) (Qal) to associate with
1b) (Hithpael) to be companions
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to befriend.
(Piel) to be a special friend
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa