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Genesis 37:19 - Brothers scorn Joseph's dreams

Genesis 37:19 - בראשית 37:19

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו הִנֵּה בַּעַל הַחֲלֹמוֹת הַלָּזֶה בָּא׃

English Translation

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer comes.

Transliteration

Vayomru ish el-achiv hine ba'al hachalomot halaze ba.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו הִנֵּ֗ה בַּ֛עַל הַחֲלֹמ֥וֹת הַלָּזֶ֖ה בָּֽא׃
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֑יו הִנֵּ֗ה בַּ֛עַל הַחֲלֹמ֥וֹת הַלָּזֶ֖ה בָּֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 37:19) appears in the narrative of Yosef (Joseph) and his brothers. Yosef had previously shared his dreams, which foretold his future leadership over his family, provoking jealousy and resentment among his brothers. Here, they refer to him derisively as "ba'al hachalomot halazeh" ("this dreamer").

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the brothers' use of the term "ba'al hachalomot" ("master of dreams") was sarcastic. They mocked Yosef, implying that his dreams were arrogant fantasies. Rashi also notes that the word "halazeh" ("this one") is derogatory, emphasizing their disdain for him.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:12) elaborates that the brothers' reaction stemmed from their belief that Yosef's dreams were false or self-serving. They saw his dreams as a threat to the unity of Yaakov's (Jacob's) household and interpreted them as delusions of grandeur.

  • Jealousy and Misunderstanding: The brothers' hostility was fueled by their inability to perceive the divine truth in Yosef's dreams, which were ultimately prophetic.
  • Divine Providence: Despite their mockery, the Midrash hints that Yosef's dreams were part of Hashem's plan to bring the family to Egypt and fulfill the covenant with Avraham (Abraham).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 2:3) discusses the dangers of jealousy and hatred, which blinded the brothers to Yosef's righteousness. Their dismissal of his dreams as mere arrogance prevented them from recognizing his spiritual insight.

Chassidic Interpretation

Chassidic teachings (e.g., the Sefas Emes) suggest that Yosef's dreams represented a higher spiritual vision—his ability to see beyond the present and perceive the future redemption. The brothers, entrenched in their earthly concerns, failed to grasp this deeper dimension.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Guarding Against Sinas Chinam (Baseless Hatred): The brothers' animosity led to their harsh judgment of Yosef, teaching the destructive power of unfounded hatred.
  • Trust in Divine Wisdom: Yosef's eventual rise to power demonstrates that even seemingly arrogant claims may be part of a divine plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating how dreams can lead to jealousy and conflict among brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Behold, this dreamer comes' mean in Genesis 37:19?
A: In Genesis 37:19, Joseph's brothers refer to him as 'this dreamer' (ba'al hachalomot) mockingly because Joseph had previously shared dreams suggesting he would rule over them (Genesis 37:5-11). Rashi explains that they were dismissive of his dreams, seeing them as arrogant fantasies.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers call him a 'dreamer'?
A: Joseph's brothers called him a 'dreamer' (ba'al hachalomot) because he had told them about his prophetic dreams where their sheaves bowed to his and where the sun, moon, and stars bowed to him (Genesis 37:5-11). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:12) explains that they resented him, believing he was claiming superiority over them.
Q: What can we learn from Joseph being called a 'dreamer'?
A: Joseph being called a 'dreamer' teaches us about the challenges of receiving and sharing divine messages. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) discusses prophecy and dreams, showing that true visions from Hashem may be misunderstood by others. Joseph's story reminds us to trust in Hashem's plan even when others doubt us.
Q: How does the term 'dreamer' relate to Joseph's later life?
A: The term 'dreamer' connects to Joseph's later role in Egypt, where his ability to interpret dreams (Genesis 41) led to his rise as a leader. The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams have significance, and Joseph's life shows how Hashem's plan unfolded through his dreams, despite his brothers' initial mockery.