Verse MeaningGenesisSome background helps
Genesis 37:12: Meaning Explained
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
Genesis 37:12
“His brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem.”
What it means
Joseph's brothers take the sheep out to find grass near the city of Shechem.
What’s Happening Here
The brothers are away from home, taking care of the animals.
Key Words
pasturefind grass for animals to eat
Why It Matters
The brothers are far from home when Joseph is sent to find them.
Did You Know?
This is the same place where Dinah had been attacked years before!
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
H251
And his brethrenאֶחָ֑יו
H7462
to feedלִרְע֛וֹת
H6629
flockצֹ֥אן
H1
their father'sאֲבִיהֶ֖ם
H7927
in Shechemבִּשְׁכֶֽם׃
Frequently asked questions
What does Genesis 37:12 mean?
Joseph's brothers take the sheep out to find grass near the city of Shechem.
What is the context of Genesis 37:12?
The brothers are away from home, taking care of the animals.
Why does Genesis 37:12 matter?
The brothers are far from home when Joseph is sent to find them.
What's a surprising detail about Genesis 37:12?
This is the same place where Dinah had been attacked years before!
Continue Exploring
Read Genesis 37:12 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Places in Genesis 37:12
Commentary on Genesis 37:12
Verses 12–22 How readily does Joseph wait his father's orders! Those children who are best beloved by their parents, should be the most ready to obey them. See how deliberate Joseph's brethren were against him. They thought to slay him from malice aforethought, and in cold blood. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, 1Jo 3:15. The sons of Jacob hated their brother because their father loved him. New occasions, as his dreams and the like, drew them on further; but this laid rankling in their hearts, till they resolved on his death. God has all hearts in his hands. Reuben had most reason to be jealous of Joseph, for he was the first-born; yet he proves his best friend. God overruled all…