Genesis 37:2

Authorized King James Version

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֣לֶּה׀

H428

these or those

תֹּֽלְד֣וֹת

H8435

These are the generations

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

יוֹסֵ֛ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and with the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שְׁבַֽע

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה

H6240

being seventeen

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָה֙

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָיָ֨ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

רֹעֶ֤ה

H7462

was feeding

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#11

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

אֶחָיו֙

H251

with his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#13

בַּצֹּ֔אן

H6629

the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#14

וְה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#15

נַ֗עַר

H5288

and the lad

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#16

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#17

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and with the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

בִלְהָ֛ה

H1090

of Bilhah

bilhah, the name of a place in palestine

#19

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#20

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and with the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#21

זִלְפָּ֖ה

H2153

of Zilpah

zilpah, leah's maid

#22

נְשֵׁ֣י

H802

wives

a woman

#23

אֲבִיהֶֽם׃

his father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#24

וַיָּבֵ֥א

H935

brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#25

יוֹסֵ֛ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#26

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#27

דִּבָּתָ֥ם

H1681

report

slander

#28

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

their evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#29

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#30

אֲבִיהֶֽם׃

his father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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