Genesis 37:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Genesis 37:27 takes place during a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob. Joseph's brothers, consumed by jealousy over Jacob's preference for him (symbolized by the coat of many colours) and Joseph's prophetic dreams, had initially conspired to kill him (Genesis 37:20). Reuben, the eldest, had intervened to save Joseph's life, suggesting he be thrown into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later. While Reuben was away, a caravan of Ishmeelites (or Midianites, depending on the manuscript tradition, both referring to nomadic traders) approached. It is at this point that Judah, another brother, proposes an alternative to murder.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Judah's Proposal: A Compromise of Cruelty: Judah's words, "Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him," represent a strategic shift from outright murder to a less direct, yet still profoundly cruel, form of betrayal. It avoids the direct shedding of blood, which might have appeased some moral qualms, but condemns Joseph to slavery.
  • The Irony of Kinship: The phrase "for he is our brother and our flesh" is deeply ironic. While acknowledging Joseph's blood relation, it is used to justify selling him into bondage rather than showing him true familial loyalty. This highlights the severe breakdown of brotherhood caused by envy and hatred.
  • Convenient Conscience: The brothers' agreement ("And his brethren were content") suggests a collective relief at finding a solution that removed Joseph from their lives without staining their hands with his blood. It was a morally convenient option that satisfied their malice while maintaining a semblance of innocence.
  • Divine Providence at Work: Unbeknownst to the brothers, this act of betrayal was a critical step in God's larger plan to preserve the family of Jacob and eventually the nation of Israel during a severe famine. This theme of God using human sin for His ultimate good is powerfully articulated by Joseph later in his life (Genesis 50:20).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "our brother and our flesh" translates from the Hebrew `achinu u'bsarenu`, where `achinu` means "our brother" and `basarenu` means "our flesh." The term `basar` (flesh) in this context profoundly emphasizes blood kinship and shared humanity, making the act of selling him even more egregious in the eyes of ancient Near Eastern culture, where tribal and family loyalties were paramount. The word "content" comes from the Hebrew `yishme'u`, meaning "they heard" or "they agreed/consented," indicating their ready acceptance of Judah's proposal.

Cross-References and Connections

This verse sets the stage for Joseph's journey into Egypt, which is immediately followed by his actual sale to the Ishmeelites in Genesis 37:28. The narrative of Joseph's suffering and eventual rise to power is a profound testament to God's sovereignty. Later in Genesis, Judah himself undergoes a significant transformation, demonstrating genuine self-sacrifice and concern for his brother Benjamin (Genesis 44:33), showcasing a powerful change of heart.

Practical Application

Genesis 37:27 serves as a cautionary tale against the destructive power of envy and unchecked resentment, especially within families. It reminds us that even "lesser" sins, like selling a brother into slavery rather than outright murder, still carry immense moral weight and have far-reaching consequences. Conversely, it offers a hopeful message about God's ability to redeem even the most grievous human failures and betrayals, weaving them into His divine tapestry for ultimate good. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire or unjust, much like the promise that all things work together for good for those who love God.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:21 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Matthew 26:15 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.