Genesis 37:4
New International Version
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

New Living Translation
But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.

English Standard Version
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.

Berean Standard Bible
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

King James Bible
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

New King James Version
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

New American Standard Bible
And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.

NASB 1995
His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.

NASB 1977
And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.

Legacy Standard Bible
And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and so they hated him and could not speak to him in peace.

Amplified Bible
His brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than all of his brothers; so they hated him and could not [find it within themselves to] speak to him on friendly terms.

Christian Standard Bible
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.

American Standard Version
And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Contemporary English Version
which showed that Joseph was his favorite son, and so Joseph's brothers hated him and would not be friendly to him.

English Revised Version
And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them. They hated Joseph and couldn't speak to him on friendly terms.

Good News Translation
When his brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated their brother so much that they would not speak to him in a friendly manner.

International Standard Version
When Joseph's brothers realized that their father loved him more than all of his brothers, they hated him so much that they were unable to speak politely to him.

Majority Standard Bible
When Joseph?s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

NET Bible
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated Joseph and were not able to speak to him kindly.

New Heart English Bible
His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn?t speak a kind word to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

World English Bible
His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and his brothers see that their father has loved him more than any of his brothers, and they hate him, and have not been able to speak [to] him peaceably.

Young's Literal Translation
and his brethren see that their father hath loved him more than any of his brethren, and they hate him, and have not been able to speak to him peaceably.

Smith's Literal Translation
And his brethren will see that their father loved him above all his brethren, and they will hate him, and will not be able to speak to him for peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his brethren seeing that he was loved by his father, more than all his sons, hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then his brothers, seeing that he was loved by his father more than all his other sons, hated him, and they were not able to say anything peacefully to him.

New American Bible
When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his brothers, they hated him so much that they could not say a kind word to him.

New Revised Standard Version
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his brothers saw that their father had loved him more than all of them, and they hated him and they were not able to speak peace with him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his brethren having seen that his father loved him more than all his sons, hated him, and could not speak anything peaceable to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph's Dreams
3Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. 4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.…

Cross References
Acts 7:9
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him

John 15:18-19
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

1 John 3:12-13
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. / So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.

Matthew 10:36
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

John 7:5
For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.

1 Samuel 18:8-9
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

John 15:25
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’

Matthew 27:18
For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

Mark 15:10
For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over.

Psalm 69:4
Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

Psalm 38:19
Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.


Treasury of Scripture

And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

hated him.

Genesis 37:5,11,18-24
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more…

Genesis 4:5
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Genesis 27:41
And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

Jump to Previous
Able Couldn't Dearer Friendly Full Greet Hate Hated Joseph Kind Loved Others Peaceably Speak Terms Word
Jump to Next
Able Couldn't Dearer Friendly Full Greet Hate Hated Joseph Kind Loved Others Peaceably Speak Terms Word
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.














When his brothers saw
The Hebrew word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which means to perceive or consider. This indicates more than just a physical seeing; it implies an understanding or realization. The brothers' perception of their father's favoritism towards Joseph was not just a fleeting observation but a deep-seated awareness that affected their emotions and actions. This perception set the stage for the unfolding drama, highlighting the importance of perception in human relationships and the potential for misunderstanding and jealousy.

that their father loved him more
The Hebrew word for "loved" is "ahav," which conveys a deep affection and preference. Jacob's love for Joseph was not hidden; it was evident and perhaps even flaunted, as seen in the gift of the multicolored coat. This favoritism is a recurring theme in Genesis, as seen in the relationships between Isaac and Esau, and Rebekah and Jacob. The historical context of patriarchal favoritism often led to family discord, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of partiality within families.

than any of them
This phrase underscores the exclusivity of Jacob's affection for Joseph. The Hebrew word "min" is used here, indicating a comparison or distinction. The brothers were acutely aware of this preferential treatment, which was not just a matter of degree but of kind. This distinction sowed seeds of division and resentment, illustrating the destructive power of favoritism and the importance of equitable love and treatment within families.

they hated him
The Hebrew word for "hated" is "sane," which means to detest or be hostile towards. This is a strong word that indicates a deep-seated animosity. The brothers' hatred was not a mild dislike but a profound enmity that would eventually lead to their betrayal of Joseph. This hatred is a powerful reminder of how unchecked emotions can lead to destructive actions, and it serves as a warning against allowing jealousy and resentment to fester.

and could not speak a kind word to him
The phrase "could not speak" in Hebrew is "lo yakol dabber," which implies an inability or incapacity. Their hatred was so intense that it affected their ability to communicate positively with Joseph. This breakdown in communication is a critical point, as it shows how negative emotions can hinder relationships and dialogue. The absence of "a kind word" or "shalom" (peace) indicates a complete lack of harmony and goodwill, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open and loving communication even in the face of conflict.

Verse 4. - And when (literally, and) his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they (literally, and they) hated him, - as Esau hated Jacob (Genesis 27:41; cf. Genesis 49:23) - and could not speak peaceably unto him - literally, they were not able to speak of him for peace, L e. they could not address him in such a way as to wish him well; they could not offer him the customary salutation of Shalom, or Peace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When [Joseph’s] brothers
אֶחָ֗יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

saw
וַיִּרְא֣וּ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

their father
אֲבִיהֶם֙ (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

loved
אָהַ֤ב (’ā·haḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

him
אֹת֞וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

more than any
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

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

they hated
וַֽיִּשְׂנְא֖וּ (way·yiś·nə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8130: To hate

him
אֹת֑וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and could
יָכְל֖וּ (yā·ḵə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

speak
דַּבְּר֥וֹ (dab·bə·rōw)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

a kind word to him.
לְשָׁלֹֽם׃ (lə·šā·lōm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace


Links
Genesis 37:4 NIV
Genesis 37:4 NLT
Genesis 37:4 ESV
Genesis 37:4 NASB
Genesis 37:4 KJV

Genesis 37:4 BibleApps.com
Genesis 37:4 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 37:4 Chinese Bible
Genesis 37:4 French Bible
Genesis 37:4 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 37:4 His brothers saw that their father loved (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 37:3
Top of Page
Top of Page