12 Now his brothers had gone to graze their father's flocks near Shechem,

Other Translations of Genesis 37:12

King James Version

12 And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

English Standard Version

12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem.

The Message

12 His brothers had gone off to Shechem where they were pasturing their father's flocks.

New King James Version

12 Then his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

New Living Translation

12 Soon after this, Joseph's brothers went to pasture their father's flocks at Shechem.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 37:12

Commentary on Genesis 37:12-22

(Read Genesis 37:12-22)

How readily does Joseph wait his father's orders! Those children who are best beloved by their parents, should be the most ready to obey them. See how deliberate Joseph's brethren were against him. They thought to slay him from malice aforethought, and in cold blood. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15. The sons of Jacob hated their brother because their father loved him. New occasions, as his dreams and the like, drew them on further; but this laid rankling in their hearts, till they resolved on his death. God has all hearts in his hands. Reuben had most reason to be jealous of Joseph, for he was the first-born; yet he proves his best friend. God overruled all to serve his own purpose, of making Joseph an instrument to save much people alive. Joseph was a type of Christ; for though he was the beloved Son of his Father, and hated by a wicked world, yet the Father sent him out of his bosom to visit us in great humility and love. He came from heaven to earth to seek and save us; yet then malicious plots were laid against him. His own not only received him not, but crucified him. This he submitted to, as a part of his design to redeem and save us.