Genesis 37:25

Genesis 37:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.

King James Version KJV

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

American Standard Version ASV

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then seating themselves, they took their meal: and looking up, they saw a travelling band of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead on their way to Egypt, with spices and perfumes on their camels.

Free Bible Version FBV

They were just sitting down to have a meal when they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic spices, balm, and myrrh to take to Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then they sate them downe to eate bread: and they lift vp their eyes and looked, and behold, there came a companie of Ishmeelites from Gilead, and their camels laden with spicerie, and balme, and myrrhe, and were going to cary it downe into Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they sit down to eat bread, and they lift up their eyes, and look, and lo, a company of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, and their camels bearing spices, and balm, and myrrh, going to take [them] down to Egypt.

World English Bible WEB

They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery, and balm, and myrrh, going to carry them down to Egypt.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And sitting down to eat bread, they saw some Ismaelites on their way coming from Galaad, with their camels, carrying spices, and balm, and myrrh to Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

After they sat down to eat some food, they looked up and saw a ◄caravan/group of traders►, descendants of Ishmael, coming from the Gilead area. Their camels were loaded with bags of spices and nice-smelling resins. They were going down to Egypt to sell those things there.

Plain English Version PEV

Then Joseph’s brothers sat down to eat some food. While they were eating, they looked up, and they saw some men coming towards them with camels. Those men were from the Midian tribe. Their camels were carrying bags on their backs, and those bags had lots of bush medicine and perfumes. Those men were taking those things from Gilead country to Egypt country, to sell them there.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:25

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 37:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּשְׁבוּ֮ לֶֽ/אֱכָל לֶחֶם֒ וַ/יִּשְׂא֤וּ עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ וַ/יִּרְא֔וּ וְ/הִנֵּה֙ אֹרְחַ֣ת יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים בָּאָ֖ה מִ/גִּלְעָ֑ד וּ/גְמַלֵּי/הֶ֣ם נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים נְכֹאת֙ וּ/צְרִ֣י וָ/לֹ֔ט הוֹלְכִ֖ים לְ/הוֹרִ֥יד מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה

וַ/יֵּשְׁבוּ֮ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

לֶֽ/אֱכָל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לֶחֶם֒ lechem H3899 food N-cs

וַ/יִּשְׂא֤וּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

וַ/יִּרְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

וְ/הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

אֹרְחַ֣ת ʼôrᵉchâh H736 caravan N-fs

יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים Yishmâʻêʼlîy H3459 Ishmaelite Ngmpa

בָּאָ֖ה bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

מִ/גִּלְעָ֑ד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead Prep | N-proper

וּ/גְמַלֵּי/הֶ֣ם gâmâl H1581 camel Conj | N-mp | Suff

נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal

נְכֹאת֙ nᵉkôʼth H5219 tragacanth gum N-fs

וּ/צְרִ֣י tsᵉrîy H6875 balsam Conj | N-ms

וָ/לֹ֔ט lôṭ H3910 myrrh Conj | N-ms

הוֹלְכִ֖ים hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

לְ/הוֹרִ֥יד yârad H3381 to go down Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:25

וַ/יֵּשְׁבוּ֮ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

לֶֽ/אֱכָל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

לֶחֶם֒ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וַ/יִּשְׂא֤וּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

עֵֽינֵי/הֶם֙ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וַ/יִּרְא֔וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/הִנֵּה֙ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

אֹרְחַ֣ת ʼôrᵉchâh H736 "caravan" N-fs

A caravan refers to a group of travelers journeying together, like a company of people on a trip. In the Bible, it describes a traveling company. This term is used in the context of people moving from one place to another.

Definition: caravan, travelling company

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: (travelling) company. See also: Genesis 37:25; Isaiah 21:13.

יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים Yishmâʻêʼlîy H3459 "Ishmaelite" Ngmpa

An Ishmaelite is a descendant of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. Ishmaelites are first mentioned in Genesis 16 and are associated with the Arabian peoples.

Definition: Someone descended from Ishmael who was a man of Arabia living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.11; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Hagar (H1904); half-brother of: Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); father of: Nebaioth (H5032), Kedar (H6938), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258) Group of yish.ma.el (יִשְׁמָעֵאל "Ishmael" H3458) § Ishmaelite , of Ishmael "God will hear" a descendant of Ishmael

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ishmaelite. See also: Genesis 37:25; Judges 8:24; Psalms 83:7.

בָּאָ֖ה bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מִ/גִּלְעָ֑ד Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" Prep | N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

וּ/גְמַלֵּי/הֶ֣ם gâmâl H1581 "camel" Conj | N-mp | Suff

A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.

Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food

Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.

נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal

נְכֹאת֙ nᵉkôʼth H5219 "tragacanth gum" N-fs

This word refers to a type of aromatic gum, possibly styrax or tragacanth gum. It's used to describe a spice or fragrance in the Bible.

Definition: 1) a spice 1a) perhaps tragacanth gum

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: spicery(-ces). See also: Genesis 37:25; Genesis 43:11.

וּ/צְרִ֣י tsᵉrîy H6875 "balsam" Conj | N-ms

This word refers to a type of balsam, a fragrant resin used for medicine and trade. It was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used to heal and perfume.

Definition: 1) a kind of balsam, balm, salve 1a) as merchandise 1b) as medicine

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: balm. See also: Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 46:11; Jeremiah 8:22.

וָ/לֹ֔ט lôṭ H3910 "myrrh" Conj | N-ms

This word refers to myrrh, a fragrant gum extracted from plants, probably ladanum. Myrrh was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for perfume and incense. In the Bible, it appears as a gift or offering.

Definition: 1) myrrh 1a) an aromatic gum exuded by the leaves of the rock rose

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: myrrh. See also: Genesis 37:25; Genesis 43:11.

הוֹלְכִ֖ים hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

לְ/הוֹרִ֥יד yârad H3381 "to go down" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper | Suff

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — Genesis 37:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 37:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:25
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:25
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:25
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:25
Sermons on Genesis 37:25

Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt

23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing— 24and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, with no water in it.

25And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.

26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27Come, 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 37:28	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.
2	Genesis 43:11	Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.
3	Jeremiah 8:22	Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
4	Genesis 37:36	Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
5	Genesis 16:11–12	The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction. He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”
6	Jeremiah 46:11	Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing.
7	Genesis 31:23	So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.
8	Genesis 39:1	Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
9	Psalms 14:4	Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.
10	Genesis 25:16–18	These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes. Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.

Genesis 37:25 Summary

This verse tells us that while Joseph's brothers were eating a meal, they saw a group of traders, called Ishmaelites, passing by with camels carrying valuable spices and other goods on their way to Egypt, as mentioned in Genesis 37:25. This chance encounter would lead to the brothers' decision to sell Joseph into slavery, which would ultimately lead to Joseph's rise to power and his ability to provide for his family, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20. This verse reminds us that God can use even unexpected events to fulfill His plans and purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:5-7. It also teaches us about the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 13:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the Ishmaelites doing in this area?

The Ishmaelites were traveling merchants, and according to Genesis 37:25, they were on their way to Egypt with camels carrying spices, balm, and myrrh, indicating they were likely traders of these valuable commodities, similar to those mentioned in Genesis 43:11.

Why did the brothers decide to eat a meal after throwing Joseph into the pit?

The brothers' decision to eat a meal after throwing Joseph into the pit, as seen in Genesis 37:25, shows their callousness and lack of remorse for their actions, highlighting the depth of their jealousy and hatred towards Joseph, as mentioned in Genesis 37:4-5 and Genesis 37:11.

What is the significance of the spices, balm, and myrrh mentioned in this verse?

The spices, balm, and myrrh carried by the Ishmaelites, as mentioned in Genesis 37:25, were valuable commodities used for various purposes, including perfume, medicine, and worship, as seen in Exodus 30:23 and Matthew 2:11, and their presence in this verse sets the stage for the brothers' decision to sell Joseph into slavery.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?

Genesis 37:25 is a pivotal verse in the story of Joseph, as it marks the beginning of Joseph's journey into slavery in Egypt, which ultimately leads to his rise to power and his ability to provide for his family, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20, fulfilling the dreams and visions given to him by God, as mentioned in Genesis 37:5-11.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God can use unexpected events, like the arrival of the Ishmaelites, to further His plans and purposes in our lives?
How can we, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with difficult and trying circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:5-7 and Romans 8:28?
What can we learn from the brothers' actions in this verse about the dangers of jealousy, hatred, and a lack of compassion, as warned against in Proverbs 14:30 and 1 John 2:9-11?
How does this verse remind us of the importance of being mindful of the needs and struggles of those around us, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 13:3?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread,.... Not at all concerned at what they had done, nor in the least grieved for the affliction of Joseph, and without any pity and compassion for him in his distress, but

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:25

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:25

They sat down to eat bread, to refresh themselves, their consciences being stupified, and their hearts hardened against their brother, notwithstanding all his most passionate entreaties to them, . Ishmeelites; the posterity of Ishmael. See . Gilead, a famous place for balm, and other excellent commodities, and for the confluence of merchants. See 22:6. Balm, or rosin, as the ancient and divers other translators render it.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:25

Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.Ver. 25. And they sat down to eat.] To weep for their wickedness, they should have sat down rather. But the devil had drawn a hard hoof over their hearts, that either they fdt no remorse of what they had done, for present; or else they sought to ease themselves of it by eating and merry making. "They drank wine in bowls; but no man was sorry for the affliction of Joseph." Nay, perhaps they had so tired themselves with making away their brother, that they were even spent again, and stood in need of some refreshing. The good providence of God was in it howsoever, that they should there sit down, till the merchants came by from Gilead, which was a market for merchants. "All things co-operate for good to them that love God."

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:25

(25) A company of Ishmeelites.—Dothan was situated on the great caravan line by which the products of India and Western Asia were brought to Egypt. As the eastern side of Canaan is covered by the great Arabian desert, the caravans had to travel in a north-westernly direction until, having forded the Euphrates, they could strike across from Tadmor to Gilead. The route thence led them over the Jordan at Beisan, and so southward to Egypt. For “Ishmeelites,” we have “Midianites,” Heb., Medyanim, in Genesis 37:28, and Medanites, Heb., Medanim, in Genesis 37:36; but the Targum and the Syriac, instead of Ishmeelites, read Arabs. Midian was a son of Abraham by Keturah, and Ishmael was his son by Hagar. But probably these merchants were descended from neither by blood, but belonged to some branch of the Canaanites, who were the great traders of ancient times, and which Ishmael and Midian had compelled to submit to their sway. (But see Note on Genesis 25:2.) The Jewish interpreters are reduced to great straits in reconciling these names, and even assert that Joseph was sold three times. Really Ishmeelites, Midianites, and Medanites are all one and the same, if we regard them as bearing the names only politically. It is remarkable that the Egyptians never took part in the carrying trade. Even the navigation of the Red Sea they left to the Phœnicians, Israelites, and Syrians, though Psammetichus, Pharaoh-Necho, and Apries tried to induce the Egyptians to take to maritime pursuits. Their products were corn, stuffs of byssus and other materials, and carpets; but the exportation of these goods they left to foreign traders. Spicery, and balm, and myrrh.—The first was probably gum tragacanth, though some think that it was storax, the gum of the styrax tree (see Genesis 30:37). “Balm,” that·is, balsam, was probably the resin of the balsamodendron Gileadense, a tree which grows abundantly in Gilead, and of which the gum was greatly in use for healing wounds. “Myrrh” was certainly ladanum, the gum of the cistus rose (cistus creticus). As all these were products of Palestine valued in Egypt, Jacob included them in his present to the governor there (Genesis 43:11).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:25

Verse 25. They sat down to eat bread] Every act is perfectly in character, and describes forcibly the brutish and diabolic nature of their ruthless souls. A company of Ishmaelites] We may naturally suppose that this was a caravan, composed of different tribes that, for their greater safety, were travelling together, and of which Ishmaelites and Midianites made the chief. In the Chaldee they are called Arabians, which, from ערב arab, to mingle, was in all probability used by the Targumist as the word Arabians is used among us, which comprehends a vast number of clans, or tribes of people. The Jerusalem Targum calls them סרקין Sarkin, what we term Saracens. In the Persian, the clause stands thus: [Persian] karavanee iskmaaleem araban aya. "A caravan of Ishmaelite Arabs came." This seems to give the true sense.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:25

25. to eat bread] i.e. to take their meal; cf. Genesis 31:54, Genesis 43:25. The E narrative is here interrupted, and is resumed at Genesis 37:28. 25b. a travelling company] “A caravan.” Cf. Job 6:19, “the caravans of Tema, the companies of Sheba”; Isaiah 21:13, “travelling companies of Dedanites.” Dothan lay on the trade route that led from Gilead through the valley of Jezreel towards Egypt. Ishmaelites] This must be regarded as a descriptive title for bands of traders at the time of the composition of this narrative. Ishmael, according to the P genealogies in Genesis, was Jacob’s uncle; and the sons of Ishmael were cousins of Joseph. Here the title is used almost in the sense of “Bedouin nomads.” from Gilead] The trade route followed by caravans passed (1) from Gilead on the east of the Jordan, (2) by a ford, across the Jordan, (3) by Beth-Shean or Beisan, down the plain of Jezreel, and so (4) by Lydda and the coast, to Egypt. spicery] R.V. marg. gum tragacanth, or, storax. “Spicery” is too vague a word. LXX θυμιαμάτων. Lat. aromata. “Tragacanth” is “the resinous gum of the Astragalus gummifer.” “Spice, Old Fr. espice (epice), is derived from species. The mediaeval merchants recognised four ‘kinds’ = species of aromatic trade; hence ‘spice,’ viz. saffron, cloves, cinnamon, nutmegs.” Weekley’s Romance of Words, p. 129 (1912). balm] R.V. marg. mastic, for which Gilead was famous; cf. Genesis 43:11; Jeremiah 8:22; Jeremiah 46:11; Jeremiah 51:8; Ezekiel 27:17. It was used for incense, and medicinally for wounds. It is said to be the gum of the mastic tree, pistacia lentiscus. myrrh] R.V. marg. ladanum, a gum obtained from the cistus creticus, or rock-rose. Myrrh, lτt = LXX στακτή (cf. Genesis 43:11), appears is ladunu in Assyrian inscriptions describing tribute from Syria to Tiglath-Pileser IV. The caravan trade with Egypt was evidently largely occupied with materials for the practice of physicians, embalmers, and priests.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:25

25. Sat down to eat — This remark reveals their heartless cruelty most vividly. Reuben was not a partaker of that meal; but off, probably, devising measures for the rescue of his brother.

Sermons on Genesis 37:25

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:27-28 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. He explains that the Ishmaelites and the Midianites had joined together, making t
	Revival (Joseph) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the harsh treatment of slaves in the past, where they were chained and made to work as human horses. He emphasizes the importance of bringi
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by
	Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance
	(Genesis) Genesis 40 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parallels between the life of Joseph and the life of Jesus. He highlights how Joseph was sent to his brethren, just as Jesus was sent to
	Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-02 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of whether children in the audience are truly listening. He engages with a young boy named David and asks him about the title of