New International VersionSo he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. When Joseph arrived at Shechem,
New Living Translation“Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are getting along,” Jacob said. “Then come back and bring me a report.” So Jacob sent him on his way, and Joseph traveled to Shechem from their home in the valley of Hebron.
English Standard VersionSo he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Berean Standard BibleThen Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,
King James BibleAnd he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
New King James VersionThen he said to him, “Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.
New American Standard BibleThen he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
NASB 1995Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
NASB 1977Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Legacy Standard BibleThen he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Amplified BibleThen Jacob said to him, “Please go and see whether everything is all right with your brothers and all right with the flock; then bring word [back] to me.” So he sent him from the Hebron Valley, and he went to Shechem.
Christian Standard BibleThen Israel said to him, “Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are doing, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the Hebron Valley, and he went to Shechem.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Israel said to him, “Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are doing, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.
American Standard VersionAnd he said to him, Go now, see whether it is well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Contemporary English VersionHis father said, "Go and find out how your brothers and the sheep are doing. Then come back and let me know." So he sent him from Hebron Valley. Joseph was near Shechem
English Revised VersionAnd he said to him, Go now, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo Israel said, "See how your brothers and the flocks are doing, and bring some news back to me." Then he sent Joseph away from the Hebron Valley. When Joseph came to Shechem,
Good News TranslationHis father told him, "Go and see if your brothers are safe and if the flock is all right; then come back and tell me." So his father sent him on his way from Hebron Valley. Joseph arrived at Shechem
International Standard Version"Go and see how things are with your brothers," Israel ordered him. "And see how things are with the flock. Bring back a report for me." Then he sent Joseph from the valley of Hebron. When Joseph reached Shechem,
NET BibleSo Jacob said to him, "Go now and check on the welfare of your brothers and of the flocks, and bring me word." So Jacob sent him from the valley of Hebron.
New Heart English BibleSo he said to him, "Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers and well with the flock, and report back to me."So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it is well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him from the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,
World English BibleHe said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.” So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says to him, “Now go see the peace of your brothers, and the peace of the flock, and bring me back word”; and he sends him from the Valley of Hebron, and he comes to Shechem.
Young's Literal Translation and he saith to him, 'Go, I pray thee, see the peace of thy brethren, and the peace of the flock, and bring me back word;' and he sendeth him from the valley of Hebron, and he cometh to Shechem.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say to him, Go, now, see the peace of thy brethren, and the peace of the sheep; and turn back to me word: and he will send him from the valley of Hebron and he will go to Shechem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI am ready: he said to him: Go, and see if all things be well with thy brethren, and the cattle: and bring me word again what is doing. So being sent from the vale of Hebron, he came to Sichem:
Catholic Public Domain Version“I am ready,” he said to him, “Go, and see if everything is prospering with your brothers and the cattle, and report to me what is happening.” So, having been sent from the valley of Hebron, he arrived at Shechem.
New American Bible“Go then,” he replied; “see if all is well with your brothers and the flocks, and bring back word.” So he sent him off from the valley of Hebron. When Joseph reached Shechem,
New Revised Standard VersionSo he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen his father said to him, Go, see whether it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So Jacob sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd his father said to him, “Go, see the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the sheep and bring me a report”, and Yaquuv sent him from the valley of Khebroun and he came to Shecheem. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said to him: 'Go now, see whether it is well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and bring me back word.' So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Israel said to him, Go and see if thy brethren and the sheep are well, and bring me word; and he sent him out of the valley of Chebron, and he came to Sychem.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joseph Sold by His Brothers… 13Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. 14Then Israel toldhim,“Gonowand seehow your brothersand the flocksare faring,and bring wordback to me.”So he sent him offfrom the Valleyof Hebron.And when Joseph arrivedin Shechem,15a man found him wandering in the field and asked, “What are you looking for?”…
Cross References Genesis 37:12-13Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem. / Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied.
Genesis 42:18-20and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: / If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households. / Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.
Genesis 45:9-11Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. / You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. / And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’
Genesis 46:28-30Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen, / Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
1 Samuel 17:17-18One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. / Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
1 Samuel 17:20-22So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. / And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other. / Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing.
1 Samuel 17:28-29Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” / “What have I done now?” said David. “Was it not just a question?”
2 Samuel 18:18During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.
2 Kings 6:13-14So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” / the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.
Jeremiah 37:17Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”
Matthew 10:16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 21:33-41Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ...
Luke 20:13-15‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’ / But when the tenants saw the son, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ / So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
John 7:3-5So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” / For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.
John 11:7-8and then He said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” / “Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?”
Treasury of Scripture And he said to him, Go, I pray you, see whether it be well with your brothers, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. see whether it be well with. Genesis 29:6 And he said unto them,Is he well? And they said,He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. Genesis 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying,It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. 1 Samuel 17:17,18 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parchedcorn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; … Hebron. Genesis 23:2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the sameis Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, whichis Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak,were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) Jump to Previous FlockFlocksHebronJosephPeaceShechemTowardsValeValleyWelfareWhetherWordJump to Next FlockFlocksHebronJosephPeaceShechemTowardsValeValleyWelfareWhetherWordGenesis 37 1.Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.5.His dreams and the interpretation.12.Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.21.At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;25.and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites;29.while Ruben grieves at not finding him.31.His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.36.Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.Then Israel told him,Israel, formerly known as Jacob, is the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name change signifies his role as the father of a nation. This moment highlights the familial dynamics and favoritism that play a significant role in Joseph's story. Israel's directive to Joseph sets the stage for the unfolding events that lead to Joseph's eventual rise in Egypt. “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring,
This request reflects the pastoral lifestyle of the time, where tending to flocks was a primary occupation. It also underscores the responsibility and trust placed on Joseph, despite the tension with his brothers. The task of checking on the welfare of the brothers and the flocks indicates the importance of family and livestock in their society. and bring word back to me.”
Israel's desire for a report suggests a lack of trust or concern for the well-being of his other sons. This request foreshadows the role of Joseph as a messenger and intermediary, a role he will later fulfill in Egypt. It also hints at the communication issues within the family, which contribute to the unfolding drama. So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron.
The Valley of Hebron is significant as a historical and spiritual location. It is one of the oldest cities in the region and is associated with the patriarchs, including Abraham. This setting connects Joseph's story to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,
Shechem is a city with a complex history, known for its earlier association with Jacob and his family (Genesis 34). It is a place of both promise and conflict, symbolizing the challenges Joseph will face. The journey from Hebron to Shechem marks the beginning of Joseph's trials and his path to fulfilling God's plan for his life. Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel (Jacob)The patriarch of the family, also known as Jacob, who sends his son Joseph to check on his brothers and the flocks. 2. JosephThe favored son of Jacob, who is sent to find his brothers and report back on their welfare. 3. Brothers of JosephThe sons of Jacob, who are tending the flocks and have a strained relationship with Joseph due to jealousy. 4. Valley of HebronThe starting point of Joseph's journey, a significant location in the patriarchal accounts. 5. ShechemThe initial destination where Joseph seeks his brothers, a place with historical and spiritual significance in Israel's history. Teaching Points Obedience to Parental AuthorityJoseph's willingness to obey his father, despite potential danger, exemplifies respect and obedience to parental authority, a principle upheld in Ephesians 6:1. Faithfulness in Small TasksJoseph's journey to check on his brothers, though seemingly minor, sets the stage for God's larger plan. This teaches us to be faithful in small tasks, as they may lead to greater purposes ( Luke 16:10). God's Sovereignty in CircumstancesThe events that unfold from Joseph's obedience demonstrate God's sovereignty and ability to use circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28. The Importance of ReconciliationThe strained relationship between Joseph and his brothers foreshadows the need for reconciliation, a theme echoed in Matthew 5:23-24. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 37:14?
2.How does Genesis 37:14 demonstrate Joseph's obedience to his father, Jacob?
3.What can we learn about family responsibility from Genesis 37:14?
4.How does Joseph's journey in Genesis 37:14 foreshadow his future challenges?
5.How does Genesis 37:14 connect to God's plan for Joseph's life?
6.How can we apply Joseph's example of obedience in our daily lives?
7.Why did Jacob send Joseph alone to check on his brothers in Genesis 37:14?
8.What does Genesis 37:14 reveal about Jacob's trust in his sons?
9.How does Genesis 37:14 foreshadow Joseph's future trials and triumphs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37?
11.What does the Bible say about burial practices?
12.Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?
13.What is Hebron's significance in the Bible?
14.(Genesis 37:12-17) Are there any historical records or evidence supporting Joseph's journey to Shechem and Dothan that validate this narrative?What Does Genesis 37:14 Mean A Caring Father’s Instruction“Then Israel told him,” Jacob’s simple directive is loaded with fatherly concern. Earlier Scripture shows Jacob’s special affection for Joseph (Genesis 37:3–4), so his words carry the weight of love, stewardship, and accountability. Much like God’s call to Samuel as a boy (1 Samuel 3:8–9), Jacob’s voice is intended for Joseph’s good and for the welfare of the entire family. • The phrase underscores that authority flows through family lines, echoingProverbs 1:8, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction.” • It frames Joseph’s upcoming journey as obedience to a parent, anticipating Paul’s reminder centuries later: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).
Entrusted to Observe and Report“Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” Jacob assigns Joseph three tasks: go, see, and report. • Go: Immediate action—Jacob wants a current status, not a leisurely update (cf.1 Samuel 17:17–18 where Jesse similarly sends David with urgency). • See: Evaluate both “brothers and the flocks.” Pastoral oversight of the animals (Proverbs 27:23) and relational concern for the brothers are inseparable. • Report: Jacob seeks a trustworthy messenger.Numbers 13:17 shows Moses sending spies to “see the land,” but Joseph’s mission is familial, not military. The request hints at Jacob’s lingering wariness after Simeon and Levi’s violence in Shechem (Genesis 34:25–30). By seeking information, he models responsible leadership rather than suspicion.
Sent from the Valley of Hebron“So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron.” Hebron, the patriarchal homeland (Genesis 13:18; 23:19), is a place of covenant memory. Joseph departs from a valley rich with promise: • Geographic descent: Hebron sits higher than Shechem; Joseph literally goes down, symbolizing descent into trial (Romans 5:3–4 links trials to proven character). • Spiritual contrast: Hebron’s altars and oaks recall God’s faithfulness, while the road ahead leads Joseph toward betrayal. YetPsalm 121:8 comforts, “The LORD will watch your coming and going.” By sending Joseph, Jacob unknowingly sets in motion the chain of events that will preserve the entire family during famine (Genesis 50:20).
Arrival in Shechem“And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,” Shechem is about fifty miles north, a three–to–four-day walk for a teenager. The site is already infamous for Dinah’s story (Genesis 34). Joseph’s arrival signals: • Obedience completed: He doesn’t stop short.James 1:25 blesses the “doer who acts.” • Potential danger: Shechem reminds readers of fallen human nature and the need for divine protection (Psalm 23:4). • Providential setup: Shechem is only a staging point; Joseph will soon be redirected to Dothan (Genesis 37:17), illustratingProverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
summaryGenesis 37:14 captures a father’s caring command and a son’s ready obedience. Jacob’s charge, Joseph’s departure from covenant-rich Hebron, and his faithful arrival in tension-filled Shechem weave together God’s unfolding plan. The verse reminds us that simple acts of obedience—going, seeing, reporting—often escort us into the larger redemptive purposes of God, even when we cannot foresee the twists ahead. (14) Whether it be well with thy brethren.--Jacob might well fear lest the natives should form a confederacy against his sons, and take vengeance upon them for their cruelty. They were too fierce themselves to have any such alarm, but Jacob was of a far more timid disposition. The vale of Hebron.--The flocks and herds which formed the portion of Jacob's cattle which pastured nearest home, occupied the country immediately to the north of Hebron as far as the tower of Eder; but he would no doubt pitch his own tent as near as possible to that of his father Verse 14. - And he (Jacob) sa id to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren (literally, see the place of thy brethren) ,and well with the flocks (literally, and the peace of the flock); and bring me word again.So (literally, and) he sent him out of the vale of Hebron ( vide Genesis 35:27), and he same to Shechem - a distance of sixty miles.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then [Israel] told him,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Goלֶךְ־(leḵ-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walknowנָ֨א(nā)Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'and seeרְאֵ֜ה(rə·’êh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seehow your brothersאַחֶ֙יךָ֙(’a·ḥe·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )and the flocksהַצֹּ֔אן(haṣ·ṣōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockare faring,שְׁל֣וֹם(šə·lō·wm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peaceand bring wordדָּבָ֑ר(dā·ḇār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeback to me.”וַהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי(wa·hă·ši·ḇê·nî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againSo he sent him offוַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֙הוּ֙(way·yiš·lā·ḥê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outfrom the Valleyמֵעֵ֣מֶק(mê·‘ê·meq)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010:A valeof Hebron.חֶבְר֔וֹן(ḥeḇ·rō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2275:Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern JudahAnd when [Joseph] arrivedוַיָּבֹ֖א(way·yā·ḇō)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goin Shechem,שְׁכֶֽמָה׃(šə·ḵe·māh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7927:Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor
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OT Law: Genesis 37:14 He said to him Go now see (Gen. Ge Gn) |
