Genesis 37:20 - Brothers plot against dreams

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Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה לְכוּ וְנַהַרְגֵהוּ וְנַשְׁלִכֵהוּ בְּאַחַד הַבֹּרוֹת וְאָמַרְנוּ חַיָּה רָעָה אֲכָלָתְהוּ וְנִרְאֶה מַה־יִּהְיוּ חֲלֹמֹתָיו׃

English Translation

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, An evil beast has devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Transliteration

Ve'atah lechu venahargehu venashlichehu be'achad haborot ve'amarnu chayah ra'ah achaltehu venireh mah-yihyu chalomotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ לְכ֣וּ וְנַֽהַרְגֵ֗הוּ וְנַשְׁלִכֵ֙הוּ֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד הַבֹּר֔וֹת וְאָמַ֕רְנוּ חַיָּ֥ה רָעָ֖ה אֲכָלָ֑תְהוּ וְנִרְאֶ֕ה מַה־יִּהְי֖וּ חֲלֹמֹתָֽיו׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 37:20) records the words of Yosef's brothers as they conspire against him after he shares his dreams of dominance over them. The brothers' jealousy and anger lead them to plot Yosef's murder, intending to conceal their crime by claiming a wild animal killed him.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the brothers' statement "we shall see what will become of his dreams" reflects their belief that killing Yosef would nullify his prophetic dreams. They reasoned that if Yosef died, his dreams of ruling over them could not be fulfilled. Rashi also notes the irony that their very act of throwing Yosef into a pit would set in motion the events leading to the dreams' fulfillment in Mitzrayim (Rashi on Bereshit 37:20).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:14) highlights the brothers' flawed logic - they thought they could thwart divine prophecy, not realizing that Hashem's plans cannot be undone by human actions.
Some Midrashim suggest the brothers were testing whether Yosef's dreams were truly prophetic or merely arrogant fantasies (Yalkut Shimoni, Vayeshev 142).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:48) discusses how this episode demonstrates that human free will operates within the framework of divine providence. The brothers exercised free will in their plot, yet their actions ultimately served to fulfill Yosef's divinely-inspired dreams.

Moral Lessons

The Malbim notes how jealousy blinds people to proper judgment, as the brothers - who were righteous individuals - temporarily lost their moral compass due to envy.
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the brothers' plan to "see what will become of his dreams" shows the danger of testing divine promises through improper means.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 10b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the brothers' plot against Joseph, illustrating the consequences of jealousy and deceit.

📖 Sanhedrin 102a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the moral lessons derived from the story of Joseph and his brothers, emphasizing the dangers of sibling rivalry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 37:20?
A: In Genesis 37:20, Joseph's brothers are plotting to kill him out of jealousy because of his dreams, which suggested he would rule over them. They plan to throw him into a pit and claim a wild animal killed him.

Q: Why were Joseph's brothers so angry with him?
A: Joseph's brothers were angry because he shared dreams that implied he would one day rule over them (Genesis 37:5-11). Additionally, their father, Jacob, showed favoritism by giving Joseph a special coat, increasing their jealousy (Rashi on Genesis 37:3).

Q: What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' actions in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the dangers of jealousy and hatred, which can lead people to commit terrible acts. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) warns that jealousy removes a person from the world, emphasizing how destructive these emotions can be.

Q: Did Joseph's brothers actually kill him?
A: No, they did not kill Joseph. Reuven convinced them to throw him into a pit instead (Genesis 37:21-22), and later, Yehudah suggested selling him to Ishmaelite traders (Genesis 37:26-27). This shows how their initial violent plan was altered.

Q: How does this verse relate to the bigger story of Joseph?
A: This verse marks the beginning of Joseph's journey from being a favored son to a slave in Egypt. Despite his brothers' evil intentions, Hashem had a greater plan—Joseph would eventually rise to power and save his family during a famine (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 84:17).