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Genesis 37:18 - Brothers plot against Joseph

Genesis 37:18 - בראשית 37:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּרְאוּ אֹתוֹ מֵרָחֹק וּבְטֶרֶם יִקְרַב אֲלֵיהֶם וַיִּתְנַכְּלוּ אֹתוֹ לַהֲמִיתוֹ׃

English Translation

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.

Transliteration

Va'yir'u oto me'rachok u'vetarem yikrav aleihem va'yitnaklu oto lahamito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּרְא֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ מֵרָחֹ֑ק וּבְטֶ֙רֶם֙ יִקְרַ֣ב אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ לַהֲמִיתֽוֹ׃
וַיִּרְא֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ מֵרָחֹ֑ק וּבְטֶ֙רֶם֙ יִקְרַ֣ב אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ לַהֲמִיתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 37:18) describes the moment Yosef's brothers saw him approaching from a distance and conspired to kill him before he even reached them. This occurs after Yosef had shared his dreams of dominance over his brothers, which fueled their jealousy and hatred (Bereshit 37:5-11).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיִּתְנַכְּלוּ אֹתוֹ" ("they conspired against him") indicates they sought cunning strategies to kill him. He cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:15) that they debated whether to kill him directly or indirectly—such as throwing him into a pit where wild animals might devour him—to avoid direct bloodshed.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the brothers' immediate hostility upon seeing Yosef from afar demonstrates how deeply their resentment had taken root. Their hatred was so intense that they did not wait to hear his words or intentions before plotting his death.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 4) elaborates that the brothers' conspiracy was not merely impulsive but a calculated decision. They reasoned that Yosef's dreams threatened the future of the tribes of Israel, and they saw his elimination as a necessary measure to preserve the family's unity under Yaakov's leadership.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) uses this episode as a cautionary lesson about the dangers of unchecked hatred and jealousy. The brothers' inability to reconcile with Yosef's favoritism led them to irrational violence, emphasizing the Torah's warning against letting emotions override justice (Vayikra 19:17).

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • The Danger of Sinat Chinam (Baseless Hatred): The brothers' hatred blinded them to the severity of their actions, a theme later echoed in the destruction of the Second Temple (Yoma 9b).
  • Divine Providence: Despite their plot, Hashem's plan for Yosef's rise in Egypt unfolded, teaching that human actions cannot thwart the divine will (Bereshit 50:20).
  • Repentance and Reconciliation: This incident sets the stage for the brothers' eventual teshuvah when they confront Yosef in Egypt (Bereshit 42:21-22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 102a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the brothers' conspiracy against Joseph, illustrating the severity of their actions and the consequences of hatred among siblings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 37:18 mean?
A: Genesis 37:18 describes how Joseph's brothers saw him from a distance and plotted to kill him before he even reached them. This verse marks the beginning of their conspiracy against Joseph due to jealousy over their father Jacob's favoritism (Rashi on Genesis 37:18).
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers want to kill him?
A: Joseph's brothers wanted to kill him because they were jealous of their father Jacob's special love for him (shown through the 'coat of many colors') and angered by Joseph's dreams that suggested he would rule over them (Genesis 37:3-11, Ramban on Genesis 37:18).
Q: How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph?
A: This verse is the turning point where Joseph's brothers' hatred leads to action, setting in motion the events that will bring Joseph to Egypt - ultimately leading to the Jewish people's descent there (Sforno on Genesis 37:18).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 37:18?
A: This verse teaches the dangers of uncontrolled jealousy and hatred, showing how these emotions can lead people to consider extreme actions. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) warns that jealousy removes a person from the world.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is significant because it begins the chain of events that leads to the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, which is central to Jewish history and the Exodus story. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:15) sees this as part of Hashem's plan to fulfill Abraham's prophecy (Genesis 15:13).