Genesis 37:28

KJV

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then there passed {H5674} by Midianites {H4084} merchantmen {H582}{H5503}; and they drew {H4900} and lifted up {H5927} Joseph {H3130} out of the pit {H953}, and sold {H4376} Joseph {H3130} to the Ishmeelites {H3459} for twenty {H6242} pieces of silver {H3701}: and they brought {H935} Joseph {H3130} into Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So when the Midyanim, merchants, passed by, they drew and lifted Yosef up out of the cistern and sold him for half a pound of silver shekels to the Yishma'elim, who took Yosef on to Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

American Standard Version

And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:28 marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the life of Joseph, detailing the moment his jealous brothers sold him to a passing caravan of Midianite merchantmen for twenty pieces of silver, who then transported him to Egypt. This act of profound familial betrayal, driven by envy and malice, initiated Joseph's journey from a favored son to a slave, yet it providentially served as a crucial step in God's overarching plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel and fulfill His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of the initial conflict between Joseph and his brothers, building directly on the narrative of their escalating resentment. Earlier in [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal"), Joseph's prophetic dreams (cf. [Genesis 37:5-10](/genesis/37-5-10 "Joseph's Dreams of Dominance")) and Jacob's overt favoritism (symbolized by the coat of many colors, [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Favoritism Towards Joseph")) had fueled the brothers' hatred. Their initial plot was to murder him and conceal the crime ([Genesis 37:18-20](/genesis/37-18-20 "The Brothers' Murder Plot")). However, Reuben intervened, suggesting they cast him into a dry pit instead, intending to rescue him later ([Genesis 37:21-22](/genesis/37-21-22 "Reuben's Intervention")). While Reuben was absent, Judah proposed selling Joseph to the passing merchants, a "more profitable" and less direct way to dispose of him without shedding blood ([Genesis 37:26-27](/genesis/37-26-27 "Judah's Proposal to Sell Joseph")). Verse 28 executes this decision, sealing Joseph's fate and setting the stage for the next major phase of the narrative, which will unfold in Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the ancient Near East, a region where slavery was a common institution and trade routes crisscrossed the fertile crescent. Caravans of "merchantmen" (traders) like the Midianites and Ishmaelites were frequent sights, transporting goods, and sometimes people, across vast distances. The price of twenty pieces of silver for a male slave, particularly a young man, was a recognized sum in the ancient world, as evidenced by various legal codes and economic records (cf. [Leviticus 27:5](/leviticus/27-5 "Redemption Price for a Male Slave")). The mention of both "Midianites" and "Ishmeelites" is historically plausible; these groups, both descendants of Abraham through different mothers (Midian through Keturah, Ishmael through Hagar), were often associated with nomadic trading activities and could have formed confederations or been used as somewhat interchangeable terms for desert traders. Egypt, as a powerful and prosperous nation, was a major destination for slaves and goods, making Joseph's journey there a logical outcome of his sale.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis") and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly highlights the theme of **familial discord and betrayal**, a recurring motif since Cain and Abel, demonstrating the destructive power of envy and sin within even the most intimate relationships. Simultaneously, it introduces the profound theme of **divine sovereignty and providence**, showing how God can orchestrate human actions, even evil ones, to accomplish His ultimate redemptive purposes. Joseph's journey from pit to power, initiated by this sale, becomes a powerful illustration of **suffering leading to exaltation** and the transformative power of God's hand in seemingly hopeless situations. Furthermore, the act of selling an innocent for silver subtly foreshadows future acts of betrayal, most notably the betrayal of Christ, thus linking to the theme of **typology** within the biblical narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From the root meaning "to add" or "he will add." This name is profoundly ironic and prophetic in Joseph's life. Here, it signifies the individual who is being sold, but later, it will denote the one through whom God "adds" to his family and "adds" salvation. The repeated mention of "Joseph" in the verse emphasizes his identity as the victim of this transaction, highlighting the personal nature of the betrayal.
* **Sold (Hebrew, _mâkar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sell," whether merchandise, a daughter in marriage, or into slavery. In this context, it explicitly denotes the act of transferring ownership of Joseph as property for a price. This word underscores the dehumanizing nature of the brothers' act, reducing their own kin to a commodity.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** From a root meaning "pale color," referring to the metal itself, and by implication, money. The "twenty pieces of silver" represent the tangible price paid for Joseph, a sum that was a common valuation for a slave in that era. This detail quantifies the brothers' callous disregard for Joseph's life, valuing him no more than a piece of property.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen":** This clause introduces the agents of Joseph's transfer. The "Midianites merchantmen" are identified as a caravan of traders, emphasizing the commercial nature of their journey and their readiness to engage in transactions, including the buying of slaves. Their appearance is opportune for the brothers' wicked scheme.
* **"and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit":** "They" refers to Joseph's brothers. This action signifies their direct, active involvement in his fate. They physically retrieve him from the pit where he had been abandoned, not to rescue him, but to facilitate his sale. The verbs "drew" and "lifted up" convey a deliberate, forceful extraction, underscoring the brothers' calculated participation in his enslavement.
* **"and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver":** This is the core transaction. The brothers, acting with malicious intent, transfer ownership of Joseph to the "Ishmeelites," another group of traders, for a specific sum. The "twenty pieces of silver" quantifies the brothers' betrayal and Joseph's dehumanization, marking him as property rather than kin. This detail is crucial, as it provides a concrete measure of their callousness.
* **"and they brought Joseph into Egypt":** This final clause describes the immediate consequence of the sale. The "they" here refers to the merchantmen, who, having purchased Joseph, now transport him to Egypt. This marks the physical removal of Joseph from his homeland and family, initiating his long and arduous journey into a foreign land, a journey that will ultimately lead to his exaltation and the preservation of his family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the brothers' attempt to thwart Joseph's dreams of preeminence by selling him into slavery paradoxically becomes the very means by which those dreams begin to be fulfilled. The phrase "drew and lifted up" uses **active verbs** to emphasize the brothers' direct agency and responsibility in Joseph's removal from the pit, contrasting with Reuben's initial passive suggestion of merely leaving him there. The specific mention of "twenty pieces of silver" serves as a powerful **symbol** of betrayal and the commodification of human life, a motif that resonates throughout biblical narratives. The shift from "Midianites" to "Ishmeelites" within the same verse, while historically explainable as interchangeable terms for desert traders, also functions as a **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, where one group's name stands for the broader confederation of merchants, emphasizing the general identity of the buyers rather than rigid tribal distinctions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:28 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign hand working through human sin. It reveals that while human beings are fully responsible for their evil actions—the brothers' betrayal was undeniably wicked—God is able to weave even these acts into His larger tapestry of redemption. This does not mean God causes evil, but that His wisdom and power are so immense that He can redeem and redirect the consequences of sin for His ultimate good purposes, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human depravity.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Providence")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalm/105-16-17 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joseph's sale in Genesis 37:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that life's most painful experiences, particularly those involving betrayal and injustice from those closest to us, are not outside the scope of God's redemptive plan. We are called to recognize that even in moments of profound suffering and apparent defeat, God is actively at work, orchestrating circumstances for a greater, often unseen, purpose. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in divine providence, understanding that while human evil is real and destructive, it cannot ultimately thwart God's sovereign will. It also challenges us to consider our own responses to envy and favoritism, recognizing their potential for devastating consequences, and to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, just as Joseph later forgave his brothers, reflecting God's own character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's experience of betrayal challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human suffering?**
* **In what ways might God be working through difficult or unjust circumstances in your own life for a greater, redemptive purpose?**
* **What lessons can be drawn from the brothers' envy and betrayal regarding the destructive power of sin within relationships?**
* **How can reflecting on Joseph's story encourage you to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, even when it seems impossible?**

### FAQ
**Why are both "Midianites" and "Ishmeelites" mentioned in the same verse?**

Answer: The mention of both "Midianites merchantmen" and "Ishmeelites" in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 KJV") reflects the fluidity and interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern trade groups. Both groups were descendants of Abraham through different mothers (Midian through Keturah, Ishmael through Hagar) and were known for their nomadic trading activities. It is likely that the terms were used somewhat interchangeably to refer to a general confederation of desert traders, or that the caravan comprised members from both groups, operating together. The primary point is that Joseph was sold to a non-Israelite trading party who would take him far away.

**What is the significance of Joseph being sold for "twenty pieces of silver"?**

Answer: The "twenty pieces of silver" was a common and recognized price for a male slave in the ancient Near East, particularly for a young man between the ages of five and twenty (cf. [Leviticus 27:5](/leviticus/27-5 "Redemption Price for a Male Slave")). This specific sum underscores the brothers' callous disregard for Joseph's life and dignity, reducing him to mere chattel. The detail also serves as a poignant **foreshadowing** of the ultimate betrayal of Jesus Christ, who was sold for thirty pieces of silver, a slightly higher but still demeaning price for a slave (cf. [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Judas's Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver")).

**How can God's plan involve such an evil act as selling a brother into slavery?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical concept of **divine sovereignty** and **redemptive providence**. While the brothers' act was undeniably evil, driven by malice and envy, God did not cause their sin but was able to providentially use their wicked intentions to accomplish His righteous purposes. Joseph himself later articulates this profound truth in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Providence"), stating, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." This demonstrates God's ability to work through human brokenness and sin, turning what was intended for harm into a means of salvation and blessing, without condoning the sin itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The betrayal and sale of Joseph in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 KJV") serve as a profound and multifaceted type of Christ, illuminating key aspects of His redemptive work. Like Joseph, Jesus was the beloved Son, uniquely favored by His Father (cf. [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Affirmation of Jesus at His Baptism")). Both were unjustly betrayed by their own people: Joseph by his brothers, and Jesus by one of His disciples, Judas, for a price of silver (thirty pieces, a slightly higher slave price, as noted in [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Judas's Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver") and foreshadowed in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "The Price of the Shepherd")). Joseph was sold into a form of servitude and taken to a foreign land (Egypt), while Jesus, though innocent, was "sold" into the hands of sinful men and delivered over to death, entering the "foreign land" of the grave (cf. [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Betrayal and Resurrection")). Yet, through their profound suffering and humiliation, both were ultimately exalted to positions of immense power and authority—Joseph as the ruler of Egypt, saving his family from physical famine, and Jesus as Lord and Savior, saving all humanity from spiritual death and sin (cf. [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Joseph's later act of radical forgiveness towards his brothers (cf. [Genesis 50:19-21](/genesis/50-19-21 "Joseph Forgives His Brothers")) powerfully prefigures Christ's ultimate act of reconciliation and forgiveness for those who, in their ignorance or malice, betrayed and crucified Him, demonstrating God's transformative grace.

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

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Psalms 105:17

He sent a man before them, [even] Joseph, [who] was sold for a servant:

Genesis 25:2

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

Genesis 45:4

And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Genesis 45:5

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Judges 6:1

¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;