Genesis 37:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers plan to kill Joseph, throw him in a pit, and lie about his fate to their father.
The Context of Genesis 37:20
The brothers plan Joseph's murder and cover-up.
What Does Genesis 37:20 Mean?
The brothers outline their scheme: kill Joseph, cast him into a pit, and tell Jacob that a wild animal devoured him. The plan is calculated and cruel. They mock God's providence by asking, 'We shall see what will become of his dreams'—as if they can nullify destiny by ending Joseph's life.
The lie they plan to tell Jacob shows premeditation. They do not intend this to appear as a crime but as an accident of nature. This is not a murder of passion but one born of long-festering hatred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 37:20
What does Genesis 37:20 mean?
The brothers plan to kill Joseph, throw him in a pit, and lie about his fate to their father.
What is the context of Genesis 37:20?
The brothers plan Joseph's murder and cover-up.