Genesis 37:27

KJV

Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh. And his brethren were content.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}, and let us sell {H4376} him to the Ishmeelites {H3459}, and let not our hand {H3027} be upon him; for he is our brother {H251} and our flesh {H1320}. And his brethren {H251} were content {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come, let's sell him to the Yishma'elim, instead of putting him to death with our own hands. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers paid attention to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed.

American Standard Version

Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother, our flesh. And his brethren hearkened unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:27 captures Judah's pivotal proposal to his brothers: to sell Joseph to passing Ishmaelites instead of directly killing him. This suggestion, born of envy and a desire to avoid direct bloodguilt, was readily accepted by his brethren, ironically acknowledging Joseph's kinship even as they condemned him to slavery. This act of profound betrayal, however, unwittingly served as a crucial step in God's sovereign plan for the preservation of Jacob's family and the future nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point in the narrative of Joseph, following closely on the heels of his brothers' escalating hatred and their initial murderous plot. Joseph's favored status, symbolized by [Jacob's special tunic](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - The Coat of Many Colors"), and his prophetic dreams of their subservience had fueled their intense jealousy. Their initial conspiracy to kill him and throw him into a pit is detailed in [Genesis 37:18-20](/genesis/37-18-20 "The Brothers' Plot Against Joseph"). Reuben, the eldest, had intervened to save Joseph's life, suggesting he be cast into a dry pit with the secret intention of rescuing him later ([Genesis 37:21-24](/genesis/37-21-24 "Reuben's Intervention to Save Joseph")). While Reuben was absent, a caravan of nomadic traders, identified as Ishmaelites (and later Midianites), appeared, prompting Judah's pragmatic, yet still cruel, alternative to fratricide. This decision sets the stage for Joseph's descent into Egypt, a necessary prelude to his eventual rise and the preservation of his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, selling individuals into slavery was a common, albeit harsh, practice, often driven by debt, capture in war, or, as in this case, a means of disposing of unwanted persons. The Ishmaelites (and Midianites) were nomadic trading groups, descendants of Abraham through Ishmael and Midian respectively, who traversed established trade routes between Canaan and Egypt. Their presence provided a convenient "solution" for the brothers. The phrase "our brother and our flesh" (Hebrew: `achinu u'bsarenu`) carries significant cultural weight, emphasizing deep familial bonds and shared lineage. In a tribal society, such kinship demanded loyalty and protection, making the act of selling a blood relative an egregious betrayal, highlighting the profound moral decay within Jacob's family. The brothers' desire to avoid direct "blood on their hands" reflects an awareness of the gravity of murder, which carried severe consequences, both socially and divinely, under ancient customs.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the destructive power of **sibling rivalry** and **uncontrolled envy**, which had previously manifested in Cain and Abel ([Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel")) and Isaac and Ishmael ([Genesis 21](/genesis/21 "Genesis 21 - Isaac and Ishmael")). The verse also introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty working through human sin**; despite the brothers' malicious intent, their actions unwittingly align with God's larger redemptive plan for Joseph and the nascent nation of Israel, a truth powerfully articulated by Joseph himself in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Sovereign Purpose"). Furthermore, it marks the beginning of Joseph's journey of **suffering and testing**, a period of purification and preparation that ultimately leads to his exaltation and the salvation of his family, foreshadowing a pattern seen in many biblical figures and ultimately in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Judah's proposal in Genesis 37:27 represents a critical shift from the brothers' initial murderous intent, offering a seemingly less direct, yet profoundly cruel, form of betrayal. This decision allowed them to remove Joseph from their lives without directly shedding his blood, a morally convenient option that satisfied their malice while maintaining a semblance of innocence.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** From H251, this primitive word signifies a brother in the widest sense, encompassing literal relationship and metaphorical affinity. In this context, it starkly highlights Joseph's undeniable blood tie to his betrayers. The brothers' use of "our brother" is deeply ironic, acknowledging the very bond that should have compelled their protection, yet instead is twisted to justify his sale into bondage. It underscores the perversion of familial duty driven by envy.
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, this word refers to flesh, by extension, the body or person, and signifies kinship or shared humanity. When paired with "brother" (`achinu u'bsarenu`), it profoundly emphasizes the deepest bonds of family, shared physical substance, and common lineage. Its invocation by the brothers is a chilling justification, using the very intimacy of their relationship to rationalize their heinous act, demonstrating a profound moral dissonance.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the hand, often indicating power, means, or action. In the phrase "let not our hand be upon him," it literally means to avoid direct physical violence or murder. Figuratively, it speaks to the brothers' desire to distance themselves from direct culpability and bloodguilt, seeking a "cleaner" way to dispose of Joseph that would not directly implicate them in a capital offense, thereby easing their consciences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites":** Judah's initiative marks a shift from the initial plot of murder. This proposal is presented as a pragmatic alternative, allowing the brothers to profit from Joseph's removal while avoiding the direct act of fratricide. The mention of "Ishmeelites" (nomadic traders) provides a ready means for Joseph's disposal, moving him far away and out of their lives.
* **"and let not our hand be upon him":** This clause reveals the brothers' desire to avoid direct bloodguilt. While they wished Joseph gone, the thought of personally shedding his blood was a step too far, perhaps due to a lingering moral compass, fear of divine retribution, or social repercussions. This phrase highlights their attempt to mitigate their culpability by outsourcing the final act of cruelty.
* **"for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh":** This is the deeply ironic and morally perverse justification for selling Joseph. The acknowledgment of his kinship—"our brother and our flesh"—should have been a reason for protection and loyalty. Instead, it is twisted into a rationale for selling him into slavery, suggesting that because he is family, they should not kill him outright, but selling him is somehow acceptable. This reveals the profound hypocrisy and callousness of their hearts.
* **"And his brethren were content":** This final clause underscores the collective agreement and relief among the brothers. The Hebrew word for "content" (H8085, `shamaʻ`) implies they "heard" and "consented" or "agreed." They found Judah's proposal agreeable because it offered a solution that satisfied their malice without the direct stain of murder, illustrating their collective moral compromise and willingness to accept a "lesser" sin that still carried immense moral weight.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Irony**, particularly in the brothers' justification for selling Joseph: "for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh." This statement, which should evoke familial love and protection, is instead used to rationalize an act of profound betrayal and cruelty. They acknowledge the deepest bond of kinship only to violate it in a way that is morally convenient for them. This highlights their twisted sense of morality. Additionally, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as Joseph's descent into slavery, orchestrated by his own family, prefigures the later suffering and eventual exaltation of Christ, who was also betrayed by His own people. The entire Joseph narrative, set in motion by this act, serves as a grand **Type** for God's sovereign plan of salvation, working through human sin to bring about ultimate good.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates the destructive power of sin—specifically envy, hatred, and betrayal—within the most intimate of human relationships, the family. The brothers' decision to sell Joseph, while avoiding direct murder, exemplifies the human tendency toward moral compromise, choosing a "lesser" sin that still carries immense ethical weight and far-reaching, devastating consequences. Yet, beneath the surface of human depravity, the narrative subtly reveals the unwavering hand of divine sovereignty. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, orchestrates even the wicked intentions of men to fulfill His redemptive purposes, transforming an act of profound evil into a crucial step in His grand plan for the salvation of Israel and, ultimately, humanity.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Sovereign Purpose")
* [Genesis 44:33](/genesis/44-33 "Genesis 44:33 - Judah's Offer of Self-Sacrifice for Benjamin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:27 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the insidious nature of envy and bitterness, particularly when allowed to fester within family or community. The brothers' actions demonstrate how easily a desire to avoid direct culpability can lead to profound moral compromise, where a "lesser" sin is chosen, yet its consequences are no less devastating. We are challenged to examine our own hearts for any seeds of resentment or jealousy that, if left unchecked, could lead to similar acts of betrayal, even if not as overtly dramatic. Conversely, this narrative offers profound hope, illustrating God's incredible capacity to redeem even the most profound human failures and betrayals, weaving them into His larger, perfect plan for good. It encourages believers to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, even when circumstances appear dire or unjust, knowing that He can transform evil intentions into instruments for His divine purposes, ultimately working all things for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brothers' desire to avoid "blood on their hands" reflect a common human tendency to rationalize or minimize sin?**
* **In what ways might unchecked envy or bitterness in our own lives lead to actions that betray those we are called to love and protect?**
* **How does this story encourage us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when we experience profound injustice or suffering caused by others?**

### FAQ
**Why did Judah propose selling Joseph instead of killing him?**

Answer: Judah's proposal was a pragmatic compromise aimed at achieving the brothers' goal of removing Joseph without incurring the direct bloodguilt of murder. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and under divine law, murder was a grave sin with severe consequences. Selling Joseph offered a "cleaner" solution that appeased their consciences, allowing them to satisfy their malice while avoiding the direct act of fratricide and its associated repercussions. It was a morally convenient way to dispose of their resented brother.

**What is the significance of the phrase "our brother and our flesh"?**

Answer: This phrase, `achinu u'bsarenu` in Hebrew, profoundly emphasizes the deep blood kinship between Joseph and his brothers. Its use here is deeply ironic and highlights the brothers' profound moral depravity. While acknowledging their familial bond, which in ancient Near Eastern culture should have demanded protection and loyalty, they twist it to rationalize a heinous act of betrayal. It underscores the perversion of their familial duty, using the very basis of their relationship as a twisted justification for selling him into bondage.

**Are the Ishmaelites and Midianites the same group?**

Answer: In the biblical narrative of Joseph's sale, the terms "Ishmaelites" and "Midianites" are used in close proximity, leading to some scholarly discussion. [Genesis 37:27](/genesis/37-27 "Judah's proposal to sell Joseph") mentions Ishmaelites, while [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold to the Midianites") mentions Midianites. This suggests that they were either closely related nomadic trading groups who shared similar routes and customs, or perhaps the terms were used broadly to refer to a mixed caravan of desert merchants. The core point remains that Joseph was sold to merchants traveling to Egypt, regardless of the precise tribal composition of the caravan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, beginning with his brothers' betrayal in [Genesis 37:27](/genesis/37-27 "Judah's proposal to sell Joseph"), serves as a profound type of Christ. Joseph, the beloved son of his father, was unjustly rejected and sold by his own brethren, mirroring how Jesus, the beloved Son of God, was rejected and betrayed by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")). Joseph's suffering, though born of human sin and malice, was sovereignly orchestrated by God to bring about salvation for his family and many others, ultimately leading to his exaltation as a ruler in Egypt. Similarly, Christ's suffering and crucifixion, though the result of human wickedness and betrayal (including that of Judas, one of His own), were part of God's perfect, redemptive plan to secure eternal salvation for humanity. His humiliation and death led to His resurrection and ultimate exaltation as Lord over all creation ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Joseph's act of forgiveness and preservation of his family, encapsulated in his profound declaration in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words on God's Sovereign Plan"), powerfully prefigures Christ's ultimate redemptive work, turning the evil intentions of men into the means of divine grace, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 42:21

¶ And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

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?

1 Samuel 18:17

And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.

Exodus 21:21

Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he [is] his money.

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Exodus 21:16

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Genesis 37:22

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, [but] cast him into this pit that [is] in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.