Genesis 37:26

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Genesis 37:26 presents a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Joseph and his brothers. Having already thrown Joseph into a pit, the brothers were contemplating his ultimate fate when Judah intervenes with a pragmatic question.

Context

This verse immediately follows the brothers' initial, murderous intent towards their younger brother, Joseph, fueled by envy over Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:20). Reuben had previously suggested throwing Joseph into a pit with the intention of rescuing him later (Genesis 37:21), but now, as a caravan of Ishmaelites approaches, Judah proposes an alternative to outright murder. His concern isn't primarily moral, but practical: "What profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?"

Key Themes

  • Pragmatism Over Morality: Judah's argument is not rooted in a sudden change of heart or deep moral conviction regarding the sanctity of life. Instead, it's a calculation of "profit" (Hebrew: betsa`), meaning gain or advantage. He implies that murder brings no tangible benefit and carries significant risks of discovery and divine retribution.
  • Concealment of Guilt: The phrase "conceal his blood" points to the brothers' desire to hide their crime. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shedding of innocent blood was a grave offense, often requiring blood vengeance and incurring divine judgment (Genesis 9:6). Judah's suggestion is a way to avoid direct culpability while still removing Joseph.
  • Human Agency and Divine Providence: While the brothers act out of malice and self-interest, their decision to sell Joseph (Genesis 37:28) ultimately sets in motion the events that lead to Joseph's rise in Egypt and the preservation of Jacob's family during a famine. This highlights God's sovereignty, capable of working through human sin and flawed decisions to achieve His greater purposes (Genesis 50:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "profit," betsa` (ื‘ึถึผืฆึทืข), often carries connotations of unjust gain or covetousness. Judah is appealing to their base desire for advantage, suggesting that a transaction (selling Joseph) is more "profitable" than a senseless murder that would only bring guilt and potential exposure.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers a stark look at human nature, revealing how self-interest and a desire to avoid consequences can shape decisions, even in the face of extreme malice. It reminds us that while we may seek to "conceal" our wrongdoings, nothing is truly hidden from God. Furthermore, it beautifully foreshadows God's incredible ability to orchestrate His plans, turning even the most wicked intentions into instruments for His ultimate good and the fulfillment of His promises.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 37:20

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

  • Genesis 4:10

    And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

  • Matthew 16:26

    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

  • Job 16:18

    O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

  • Deuteronomy 17:8

    ยถ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

  • 2 Samuel 1:16

    And David said unto him, Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

  • Jeremiah 41:8

    But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.