The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most well-known and captivating narratives in the Bible. It is a tale of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption that showcases the power of God’s providence in the lives of His people. Through the ups and downs of Joseph’s life, we see how God works all things together for good for those who love Him. Here are 10 Bible verses that bring to life the story of Joseph and his brothers:
Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible. His story is filled with trials, triumphs, and most importantly, his unwavering faith in God. One of the most prominent aspects of Joseph’s life is his dreams, which played a crucial role in shaping his destiny. Let’s explore some key Bible verses that highlight Joseph’s journey as the dreamer.
1. Genesis 37:5-8
“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, ‘Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.'”
2. Genesis 37:9-11
“Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, ‘Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’ But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, ‘What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?'”
3. Genesis 37:23-24
“So they stripped Joseph of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.”
4. Genesis 37:28
“Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.”
5. Genesis 39:2-3
“The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.”
6. Genesis 39:20-21
“And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
7. Genesis 41:14-15
“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'”
8. Genesis 41:39-40
“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.'”
9. Genesis 42:8-9
“And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them.”
10. Genesis 50:20
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Bible Verse About Joseph And His Brothers
Genesis 37:3-4
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. 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.”
Genesis 37:18-20
“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”
Genesis 37:28
“Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
Genesis 45:4-5
“And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”
Genesis 45:7-8
“And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”
Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
Psalm 105:19
“Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Through the story of Joseph and his brothers, we see the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when it may not make sense to us. As we navigate through the trials and tribulations of life, may we always remember that God is in control and will work all things together for good for those who love Him.
Bible Verse For Joseph And Coat Of Many Colors
Genesis 37 tells the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was given a coat of many colors by his father. This coat represented favor and special treatment, causing jealousy among Joseph’s brothers. They were so envious that they plotted to kill him, but instead, they sold him into slavery. This event set the stage for Joseph’s journey of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
Bible Verses for Joseph and Coat of Many Colors
1. Genesis 37:3 – “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colors.”
This verse shows the favoritism that Jacob had towards Joseph, leading to jealousy among his brothers.
2. Genesis 37:4 – “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.”
This verse reveals the extent of the jealousy and animosity Joseph’s brothers felt towards him.
3. Genesis 37:23-24 – “And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit.”
This verse highlights the betrayal and cruelty Joseph experienced at the hands of his brothers.
4. Genesis 37:28 – “Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
This verse marks the beginning of Joseph’s journey into slavery and eventual rise to power in Egypt.
5. Genesis 39:2 – “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”
This verse shows that despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and was blessed by God.
6. Genesis 39:21 – “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
Even in prison, Joseph continued to trust in God, who continued to bless him.
7. Genesis 41:39-41 – “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.”
This verse shows how Joseph’s faithfulness and wisdom led to his exaltation to a position of power in Egypt.
8. Genesis 45:4-5 – “And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”
After being reunited with his brothers, Joseph forgave them and acknowledged God’s plan in everything that had happened to him.
9. Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
This verse encapsulates the theme of forgiveness and redemption in Joseph’s story, showing that God can turn even the most difficult circumstances for good.
10. Psalm 105:17-19 – “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.”
This verse reflects on Joseph’s journey of faith and testing as he remained faithful to God in the midst of trials.
11. Hebrews 11:22 – “By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”
Even in death, Joseph’s faith in God remained strong, demonstrating his trust in God’s promises.
12. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
This verse reflects the overarching theme of Joseph’s story – that God works all things for good for those who trust in Him.
Verse
Summary
Genesis 37:3
Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph
Genesis 37:23-24
Joseph being sold into slavery
Genesis 39:2
God’s blessings on Joseph
How Many Years Between Joseph Dream and Its Fulfillment
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances of dreams and prophecies being fulfilled in God’s perfect timing. One of the most well-known stories of this is the account of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph had a dream that one day his family would bow down to him, which caused jealousy and resentment among his brothers. However, it was many years before this dream was fulfilled. Let’s explore the timeline of events between Joseph’s dream and its eventual fulfillment.
1. Genesis 37:5-9
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.’ His brothers said to him, ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?’ And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.”
2. Genesis 37:23-28
“So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe – the ornate robe he was wearing – and they took him and threw him into the cistern… they sat down to eat their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead… They pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.”
3. Genesis 41:46
“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt…”
4. Genesis 41:53-57
“The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.”
5. Genesis 42:6
“Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people…”
6. Genesis 45:4-9
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.'”
The story of Joseph’s dream and its fulfillment serves as a powerful reminder that God’s plans are greater than our own. Despite the many years that passed between Joseph’s dream and its realization, God was working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will. Just as Joseph’s brothers eventually bowed down to him in Egypt, so too will every knee bow before the Lord in heaven.
Genesis 37
Genesis 37 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Genesis, as it sets the stage for the story of Joseph and his journey from betrayal to redemption. This chapter delves into themes of family dynamics, jealousy, forgiveness, and the providence of God. Let’s explore some key Bible verses from Genesis 37 that shed light on these themes:
1. Genesis 37:3
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.”
2. Genesis 37:4
“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.”
3. Genesis 37:5
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.”
4. Genesis 37:11
“His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
5. Genesis 37:17
“So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.”
6. Genesis 37:18
“But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.”
7. Genesis 37:23
“So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—”
8. Genesis 37:28
“So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.”
9. Genesis 37:31
“Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood.”
10. Genesis 37:36
“Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.”
These verses highlight the complex relationships within Joseph’s family, the consequences of jealousy and betrayal, and the providential hand of God in Joseph’s life. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37 serves as a powerful reminder of how God can work through difficult circumstances to bring about His plans and purposes.
Themes
Verses
Family dynamics
Genesis 37:3, Genesis 37:4
Jealousy
Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:11
Providence of God
Genesis 37:17, Genesis 37:28
Joseph Was Sold by His Brothers Bible Verse
Genesis 37:28
“So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.”
Genesis 37:18-20
“But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. ‘Here comes that dreamer!’ they said to each other. ‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.'”
Genesis 37:26-27
“Judah said to his brothers, ‘What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.’ His brothers agreed.”
Acts 7:9
“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.”
Psalm 105:17
“And he sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.”
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Psalm 37:23-24
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Verse
Explanation
Genesis 37:28
Joseph was sold by his brothers to Ishmaelites for silver.
Acts 7:9
The patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt as a slave.
Joseph First Dream in The Bible
Genesis 37:5-7
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.'”
Genesis 37:9
“Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.'”
Genesis 37:11
“His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”
Joseph’s dreams were significant in the Bible as they were the first recorded dreams that played a crucial role in shaping the future events for Joseph. These dreams were a foreshadowing of Joseph’s future rise to power and the fulfillment of God’s plans for him.
In Genesis 37:5-7, Joseph dreams of sheaves of grain bowing down to him, symbolizing his brothers’ eventual submission to him. This dream foreshadowed Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and how his brothers would come to depend on him during the famine.
In Genesis 37:9, Joseph has another dream where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to him. This dream symbolizes Joseph’s future leadership over his family, as the sun and moon represent his parents, and the eleven stars represent his brothers.
Despite the jealousy and hatred his brothers felt towards him, Joseph’s father Jacob recognized the significance of these dreams, as stated in Genesis 37:11. Jacob kept these dreams in mind, knowing that they held a special meaning and were part of God’s plan for Joseph.
Through these dreams, God was preparing Joseph for the trials and challenges he would face in the future, while also affirming his chosen path towards leadership and greatness. Joseph’s dreams serve as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises in the lives of those who trust and obey Him.
Dream
Interpretation
Sheaves of grain bowing down
Joseph’s brothers and family members will submit to his authority
Sun, moon, and stars bowing down
Joseph will have leadership over his family and others
Joseph’s Dream Bible Lesson
Joseph’s dream is a well-known story in the Bible that teaches us about the importance of faith, perseverance, and trusting in God’s plan. In the book of Genesis, we learn about Joseph, a young man who had dreams that seemed impossible but ultimately came true. Through his story, we can glean valuable lessons about facing adversity with grace and trust in God’s timing.
Genesis 37:5-11
“One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever…”
Genesis 41:15-16
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.'”
Genesis 41:20
“The seven thin, scrawny cows that came up later were seven years of famine, and so were the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind. They are seven years of famine.”
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
Joseph’s story is a powerful example of how God can turn even the most challenging circumstances into something good. Despite facing betrayal and hardship, Joseph remained faithful and trusted in God’s plan for his life. Through his journey, we see the importance of perseverance, forgiveness, and trusting in God’s timing.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Joseph’s story serves as a reminder that God has a purpose for each of us, and even in the midst of difficulty, we can trust in his faithfulness. By following Joseph’s example of faith and perseverance, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”