Genesis 37:19 Meaning: When the Dreamer Is Mocked
They said to one another, “Behold, this dreamer comes.
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
And they say one unto another, `Lo, this man of the dreams cometh;
And they said one to another, Behold, there comes that dreamer!
Meaning in one sentence
Why did Joseph's brothers mock him as 'this dreamer'? See the contempt that nearly ended his life, and what it means for trusting God's call.
Context
The story moves quickly. Jacob sends his son Joseph to find his brothers near Shechem. By the time Joseph reaches Dothan, they see him from a distance. Their hatred has been simmering since he told them his dreams, which hinted they would one day bow to him. Now, with Joseph walking toward them alone, the opportunity for revenge arrives. They do not greet him. Instead, they mock him with cruel words: 'Behold, this dreamer comes.' The phrase drips with contempt. They call him the 'master of dreams,' as if he owns them. Their mockery is the prelude to murder. Only Reuben's intervention keeps Joseph alive. The whole scene shows how deeply jealousy can twist a family.
Key Words
Two words carry the sting in this verse. The Hebrew phrase translated 'this dreamer' is literally 'this master of dreams' (ba‘al hachalomot). Ba‘al means owner, lord. The brothers use it as a sneer, as if Joseph imagines he owns the dreams, that he can command them. They are mocking his claim to divine revelation. The word 'behold' (hinneh) is usually a call to attention, but here it is ironic: they point him out as a target. And the verb 'comes' (ba) signals the moment of arrival. Everything shifts when he appears. The brothers have been waiting for this. Their words reveal hearts poisoned by envy. They see not a brother but a threat to their pride. The original language shows contempt that is sharp and deliberate.
How Christians Read This Verse
Many Christian commentators see this verse as a vivid picture of how human jealousy opposes God's plan. Adam Clarke notes the contempt in the phrase 'master of dreams.' Gill suggests that Simeon and Levi might have been the speakers, given their violent history. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown calls it a 'bitterly ironical sneer.' These interpretations agree that the brothers' hatred was rooted in envy of Joseph's special status and dreams. Across traditions, the verse serves as a warning: unchecked jealousy can lead to terrible sin. Yet even in this dark moment, Christians trust that God was working.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
Perhaps someone you know seems to get all the attention, the promotion, the recognition you wish you had. It is easy to roll your eyes, to downplay their gifts, to mutter something dismissive. The brothers' reaction challenges you to examine your own heart. When another person’s calling or blessing feels like a threat, what do you do? This week, try to name one person whose success you have resented. Ask God to help you celebrate them honestly. Their dream may be from Him, and your jealousy will only wound you.
Main takeaway: God's calling on a life may stir up opposition, but no amount of human contempt can stop His plans from unfolding.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Joseph’s brothers were very angry about his dreams. They said mean things about him and planned to hurt him. God still had a good plan for Joseph.
For ages 9, 12
When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they called him “that dreamer” as an insult. They were jealous because their father loved Joseph most, and his dreams made them feel small. Their words show how dangerous jealousy can be. But God worked through all of it to save many lives later. We can learn to be happy for others instead of jealous.
Questions People Ask
Why did Joseph’s brothers call him “this dreamer”?
The Hebrew phrase is “master of dreams,” a sarcastic title meant to mock him. They believed he made up his dreams to claim superiority over them.
What did the brothers plan to do to Joseph?
They conspired to kill him and throw his body into a pit, then lie to their father that a wild animal had killed him. Only Reuben talked them out of murder.
Was Joseph wrong to tell his dreams?
Christians have different views. Some think he was naive and tactless, while others see him as simply sharing what God revealed. Either way, the brothers’ violent reaction was their sin.
How does this verse point to Jesus?
Many Christians see a parallel: Jesus was also rejected by His own people, mocked, and put to death, even though He came to save them. Joseph’s unjust suffering foreshadows Christ.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study