Genesis 37:17 "They have moved on from here," the man answered. "I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

◄ Genesis 37:17 ►

New International Version
“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.

New Living Translation
“Yes,” the man told him. “They have moved on from here, but I heard them say, ‘Let’s go on to Dothan.’” So Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan and found them there.

English Standard Version
And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Berean Standard Bible
“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

King James Bible
And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

New King James Version
And the man said, “They have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan.

New American Standard Bible
Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

NASB 1995
Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

NASB 1977
Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the man said, “They have journeyed from here; for I heard them saying, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Amplified Bible
Then the man said, “[They were here, but] they have moved on from this place. I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Christian Standard Bible
“They’ve moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They’ve moved on from here,” the man said. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

American Standard Version
And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

Contemporary English Version
"They're not here anymore," the man replied. "I overheard them say they were going to Dothan." Joseph left and found his brothers in Dothan.

English Revised Version
And the man said, They are departed hence: for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The man said, "They moved on from here. I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.' " So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Good News Translation
The man said, "They have already left. I heard them say that they were going to Dothan." So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

International Standard Version
"They've already left," the man answered. "I heard them saying that they were headed to Dothan." So Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan and found them there.

Majority Standard Bible
“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

NET Bible
The man said, "They left this area, for I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

New Heart English Bible
The man said, "They have left here, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the man said, They have departed hence: for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren and found them in Dothan.

World English Bible
The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the man says, “They have journeyed from this, for I have heard some saying, Let us go to Dothan,” and Joseph goes after his brothers, and finds them in Dothan.

Young's Literal Translation
And the man saith, 'They have journeyed from this, for I have heard some saying, Let us go to Dothan,' and Joseph goeth after his brethren, and findeth them in Dothan.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the man will say, They -removed from this; for I heard them saying, We will go to Dothan. And Joseph will go after his brethren and will find them in Dothan.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the man said to him: They are departed from this place: for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothain. And Joseph went forward after his brethren, and found them in Dothain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the man said to him: “They have withdrawn from this place. But I heard them saying, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” Therefore, Joseph continued on after his brothers, and he found them at Dothan.

New American Bible
The man told him, “They have moved on from here; in fact, I heard them say, ‘Let us go on to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan.

New Revised Standard Version
The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the man said, They have departed from here; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The man said to him, “They took them from here and I heard that they said, ‘Let us go to Dawthan’ and Yoseph went on after his brothers and he found them in Dawthan.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the man said: 'They are departed hence; for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothan.' And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the man said to him, They have departed hence, for I heard them saying, Let us go to Dothaim; and Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothaim.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joseph Sold by His Brothers
…16“I am looking for my brothers,” Joseph replied. “Can you please tell me where they are pasturing their flocks?” 17“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan. 18Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 45:4-8
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. ...

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Psalm 105:17-19
He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right.

Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

Acts 7:11-14
Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. / On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. ...

Genesis 42:6-9
Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. / And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” / Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. ...

Genesis 41:39-41
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”

Genesis 39:1-2
Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. / And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 41:14-16
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. / Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Genesis 45:1-3
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.

Genesis 50:24-25
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Genesis 39:20-23
So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, / the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. / And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. ...

Genesis 40:14-15
But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. / For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”

Treasury of Scripture

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.

Dothan.

2 Kings 6:13
And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

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Departed Dothan Findeth Found Heard Hearing Hence Joseph Journeyed Moved Removed

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Departed Dothan Findeth Found Heard Hearing Hence Joseph Journeyed Moved Removed

Genesis 37

1. Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.
5. His dreams and the interpretation.
12. Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.
21. At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;
25. and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites;
29. while Ruben grieves at not finding him.
31. His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.
36. Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.

Berean Study Bible

They have moved on from here
This phrase indicates a change in location, suggesting a dynamic and active pursuit. In the Hebrew text, the word for "moved on" is "נָסְעוּ" (nas'u), which implies a journey or departure. This reflects the transient nature of life and the need for vigilance and perseverance in our spiritual journey. Historically, this movement can be seen as a metaphor for the Israelites' own journey and wanderings, emphasizing the importance of following God's guidance even when the path is uncertain.

the man answered
The "man" here is an unnamed figure who provides Joseph with crucial information. In the Hebrew, "אִישׁ" (ish) is used, a term that can denote a person of significance or simply a passerby. This encounter highlights the providence of God, using seemingly random individuals to fulfill His divine plan. It serves as a reminder that God can use anyone to guide us, and we should be attentive to His voice through others.

I heard them say
This phrase underscores the importance of listening and being attentive to the words and actions of others. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen, but it also implies understanding and obedience. This reflects the biblical principle that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), and it encourages believers to be discerning and receptive to God's messages, which can come through various channels.

Let us go to Dothan
"Dothan" is a specific location, and its mention here is significant. In Hebrew, "דֹּתָן" (Dothan) means "two wells," indicating a place of sustenance and provision. Archaeologically, Dothan is identified with a site in the northern part of Israel, known for its strategic location. This geographical detail not only grounds the narrative in a real-world setting but also symbolizes a place of decision and destiny. For Joseph, Dothan becomes a pivotal point in his journey, leading to his eventual enslavement and rise to power in Egypt. Spiritually, it reminds believers that God can turn places of trial into places of triumph.

So Joseph went after his brothers
This phrase highlights Joseph's obedience and determination. The Hebrew verb "וַיֵּלֶךְ" (vayelech) means "he went," indicating purposeful action. Joseph's pursuit of his brothers, despite the potential danger, reflects his commitment to his father Jacob's instructions and his desire for reconciliation. This mirrors the Christian call to pursue peace and unity within the family of God, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

and found them at Dothan
The culmination of Joseph's search is his finding his brothers at Dothan. The Hebrew word "וַיִּמְצָאֵם" (vayim'tza'em) means "he found them," signifying the successful completion of his quest. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph's life. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over our circumstances, and even when we find ourselves in difficult situations, He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). The discovery at Dothan is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His divine timing and purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) Dothan.--This town was twelve miles north of Shechem, and is famous as being the place where Elisha struck the Syrian army with blindness (2Kings 6:13-23) It is situated in a small but fertile valley, and Jacob's sons, having exhausted the produce of the larger plain round Shechem, had moved northward thither. Not having found them at Shechem, Joseph did not know where to go, but wandered about "in the field"--the open downs--till he met some one who could give him information. Had he been a practised hunter, like Esau, he would have followed them by the tracks of the cattle.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan - Dothaim, "the Two ells," a place twelve miles north of Samaria in the direction of the plain of Esdraelon, situated on the great caravan road from Mount Gilead to Egypt, the scene of one of the greatest miracles of Elisha the prophet (2 Kings 6:13-18), and, though now a deserted ruin, still called by its ancient name. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. "Just beneath Tell Dothan, which still preserves its name, is the little oblong plain, containing the best pasturage in the country, and well chosen by Jacob's sons when they had exhausted for a time the wider plain of Shechem" (Tristram, 'Land of Israel,' p. 132; cf. Thomson, ' Land and Book,' p. 466).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“They have moved on
נָסְע֣וּ (nā·sə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

from here,”
מִזֶּ֔ה (miz·zeh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

the man
הָאִישׁ֙ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

answered.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I heard
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ (šā·ma‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

them say,
אֹֽמְרִ֔ים (’ō·mə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Let us go
נֵלְכָ֖ה (nê·lə·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to Dothan.’”
דֹּתָ֑יְנָה (dō·ṯā·yə·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1886: Dothan -- a place North of Samaria

So Joseph
יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

set out
וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

after
אַחַ֣ר (’a·ḥar)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

his brothers
אֶחָ֔יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and found them
וַיִּמְצָאֵ֖ם (way·yim·ṣā·’êm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

at Dothan.
בְּדֹתָֽן׃ (bə·ḏō·ṯān)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1886: Dothan -- a place North of Samaria

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OT Law: Genesis 37:17 The man said They have left here (Gen. Ge Gn)