Genesis 37:26

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?

Complete Jewish Bible:

Y'hudah said to his brothers, "What advantage is it to us if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?

Berean Standard Bible:

Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?

American Standard Version:

And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Judah^{H3063} said^{H559} unto his brethren^{H251}, What profit^{H1215} is it if we slay^{H2026} our brother^{H251}, and conceal^{H3680} his blood^{H1818}?

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Commentary for Genesis 37:26

Genesis 37:26 is a verse from the Old Testament that captures a moment within the narrative of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel). The broader story centers on Joseph's dreams of grandeur, his subsequent sale into slavery by his jealous brothers, and his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

**Themes:**
1. **Jealousy and Brotherly Conflict:** The brothers' plot against Joseph arises from their jealousy over their father's favoritism towards him, as well as Joseph's own dreams which seem to predict his dominion over them.
2. **Moral Decision-Making:** Judah's intervention reflects a moment of moral consideration amidst a severe lack of judgment. He questions the profitability and morality of killing their brother rather than seeking a less severe course of action.
3. **Preservation of Life:** Judah's argument introduces the theme of the sanctity of life, suggesting that even in the face of deep-seated animosity, taking a life is not justifiable.
4. **Providence and Human Agency:** The brothers' actions, though driven by jealousy, are part of a larger divine plan that will eventually lead to the preservation of the Israelite line during a famine.

**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** This event is set in the late 2nd millennium BCE, during the Patriarchal age, when the Hebrew patriarchs lived in Canaan.
- **Cultural Practices:** The story reflects ancient Near Eastern customs, including the importance of familial ties, the role of favoritism within the family structure, and the practice of slavery.
- **Narrative Function:** The sale of Joseph into slavery sets the stage for his journey to Egypt, where he will interpret Pharaoh's dreams and rise to a position of power, ultimately saving his family from famine.

In summary, Genesis 37:26 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the tension between moral reasoning and fraternal jealousy, highlighting the themes of brotherly conflict, life's sanctity, and the unfolding of divine providence within the context of ancient patriarchal society. Judah's intervention is crucial in altering the course of events, leading to the preservation of Joseph's life and the eventual fulfillment of his prophetic dreams.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3063
   There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהוּדָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
   Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1215
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֶּצַע
   Transliteration: betsaʻ
   Pronunciation: beh'-tsah
   Description: from בָּצַע; plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust); covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2026
   There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָרַג
   Transliteration: hârag
   Pronunciation: haw-rag'
   Description: a primitive root; to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3680
   There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּסָה
   Transliteration: kâçâh
   Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1818
   There are 295 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּם
   Transliteration: dâm
   Pronunciation: dawm
   Description: from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent.