Genesis 37 – Joseph’s Dreams, Betrayal, and Descent into Egypt: The Coat of Many Colours, Dothan, the Pit, and God’s Higher Purpose (KJV Bible Study Chart)

Genesis 37 begins the major Joseph narrative that will carry Genesis almost to its conclusion. Joseph is seventeen years old and already occupies a favored position in Jacob’s household. Jacob gives him a “coat of many colours,” and his brothers recognize that their father loves Joseph more than them. The result is hatred so intense that they “could not speak peaceably unto him.” Scripture openly shows the destructive consequences of favoritism within a family.

Joseph’s first dream involves sheaves in the field, with his brothers’ sheaves bowing to his. His brothers immediately understand the implication and hate him even more. The second dream expands the picture: the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow to Joseph. Jacob rebukes him but “observed the saying,” indicating that he does not simply dismiss the revelation.

When Jacob later sends Joseph to check on his brothers, Joseph willingly goes. He travels from the vale of Hebron toward Shechem and eventually reaches Dothan. His brothers see him before he reaches them and plot his death, saying, “Behold, this dreamer cometh.” Their hatred is aimed not only at Joseph but at the future his dreams appear to announce.

Reuben opposes killing Joseph and suggests putting him into a pit, intending to return and rescue him. Scripture does not explicitly say Reuben was absent when Joseph was initially placed in the pit; it does show that when he later returns, Joseph is gone. Joseph is stripped of his coat and cast into an empty pit with no water.

Judah proposes selling Joseph instead of murdering him. Genesis 37:28 mentions both Midianites and Ishmeelites, terminology that has generated discussion, but the narrative plainly places Joseph into the hands of traders traveling toward Egypt. Twenty pieces of silver are paid, and Joseph is carried away.

The brothers then construct a deception. They kill a young goat, dip Joseph’s coat in blood, and allow Jacob to reach the intended conclusion. Jacob identifies the coat and assumes a wild beast has devoured his son. He mourns for many days and refuses to be comforted.

The chapter’s final verse changes the perspective. Joseph is not dead; he has been sold in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The brothers think the dreamer has been removed, yet their actions have actually transported him toward the setting where his dreams will ultimately be fulfilled.

Genesis 50:20 later interprets the entire story: the brothers intended evil, “but God meant it unto good.” Divine providence does not make their sin righteous; it demonstrates that human wickedness cannot defeat God’s larger purpose.