Genesis 37:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers mock Joseph, calling him 'the dreamer' as he approaches.
The Context of Genesis 37:19
The brothers mock Joseph as 'the dreamer' as he arrives.
What Does Genesis 37:19 Mean?
The brothers call Joseph 'the dreamer'—a mocking epithet that captures their contempt. The dreams that Joseph shared have become the symbol of his arrogance in their eyes. They do not call him by his name or acknowledge him as a brother; they reduce him to his supposed presumption.
The word 'dreamer' is both an insult and a summary of their grievance: Joseph dreams of greatness, and they are determined to destroy that pretense.
Genesis 37:19 in the Original Language
hălômî (חֲלוֹמִי), 'dreamer' — one who dreams, used here as contemptuous mockery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 37:19
What does Genesis 37:19 mean?
The brothers mock Joseph, calling him 'the dreamer' as he approaches.
What is the context of Genesis 37:19?
The brothers mock Joseph as 'the dreamer' as he arrives.