Genesis 37:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers reject Joseph's dream with anger, reading it as a threat to their authority.
The Context of Genesis 37:8
The brothers' hostile reaction intensifies their hatred for Joseph.
What Does Genesis 37:8 Mean?
The brothers respond to Joseph's dream with hostile questions—'Shalt thou reign?' 'Shalt thou have dominion?'—words that turn the dream into an insult. They see it not as a spiritual vision but as a claim of power over them, an unacceptable challenge to the natural order of family hierarchy.
Their hatred deepens because of both the dreams and the words—Joseph's willingness to speak about dominating them feels arrogant and divisive. The dream itself would have angered them, but his explanation of it makes it worse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 37:8
What does Genesis 37:8 mean?
The brothers reject Joseph's dream with anger, reading it as a threat to their authority.
What is the context of Genesis 37:8?
The brothers' hostile reaction intensifies their hatred for Joseph.