Genesis 37:18

Catalan (BCI) 2008 - (Bíblia Catalana, Traducción Interconfesional)

Ells el veieren de lluny i, abans que se’ls acostés, maquinaven de matar-lo.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Joseph's brothers plotting to kill him when they saw him coming from a distance. No one is speaking directly, but the key message is about jealousy and the evil intentions of Joseph's brothers.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a sibling who always gets the best gifts from your parents. Now, if you saw that sibling coming from far away, you might not be happy. Joseph's brothers felt this way and planned to hurt him before he even got close.

Historical Background

The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The verse reflects the cultural context of sibling rivalry and the challenges of leadership.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where a coworker is favored for a promotion. Instead of plotting against them, find a way to improve your own skills or focus on positive collaboration to achieve common goals.

Topics

• jealousy
• sibling rivalry
• evil intentions
• conflict resolution
• leadership
• forgiveness

Related Verses

• Genesis 4:8
• Proverbs 24:17
• Matthew 27:20
• Acts 7:9
• Romans 12:21

Recommended Reading

Commentary Genesis Commentaries → Get This Bible BCI Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joseph's brothers want to kill him?

Joseph's brothers were jealous because he was their father's favorite son and he had prophetic dreams suggesting he would be in a position of authority over them.

How does this relate to modern sibling relationships?

This verse can help us understand the dynamics of jealousy and rivalry within families, encouraging us to seek healthier ways to resolve conflicts and to value forgiveness.

What can we learn about leadership from this verse?

Leadership can sometimes come with challenges, including envy from others. It teaches us the importance of humility and building trust within a team.

How does this verse relate to conflict resolution?

The verse shows the harmful consequences of letting jealousy and anger control our actions. It encourages seeking peaceful and constructive ways to resolve conflicts.