Genesis 37:27
Genesis 37:27 in Multiple Translations
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 Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
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.
Let us give him to these Ishmaelites for a price, and let us not put violent hands on him, for he is our brother, our flesh. And his brothers gave ear to him.
Instead, why don't we sell him to these Ishmaelites? We don't have to kill him. After all he's our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.
Come and let vs sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our handes be vpon him: for he is our brother and our flesh: and his brethren obeyed.
Come, and we sell him to the Ishmaelites, and our hands are not on him, for he [is] our brother — our flesh;' and his brethren hearken.
Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.” His brothers listened to him.
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 were content.
It is better that he be sold to the Ismaelites, and that our hands be not defiled: for he is our brother and our flesh. His brethren agreed to his words.
So, instead of harming him, let’s sell him to these men who are descendants of Ishmael. Don’t forget, he is our own younger brother!” So they all agreed to do that.
So let’s not kill him. Let’s sell him to this Midian mob. You know, Joseph is our brother, and we are all in the same family, so we shouldn’t hurt him.” The rest of Joseph’s brothers agreed to do what Judah said.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:27
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 37:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְכ֞וּ
וְ/נִמְכְּרֶ֣/נּוּ
לַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֗ים
וְ/יָדֵ֨/נוּ֙
אַל
תְּהִי
ב֔/וֹ
כִּֽי
אָחִ֥י/נוּ
בְשָׂרֵ֖/נוּ
ה֑וּא
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֖וּ
אֶחָֽי/ו
לְכ֞וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/נִמְכְּרֶ֣/נּוּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff
לַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֗ים
Yishmâʻêʼlîy
H3459
Ishmaelite
Prep | Ngmpa
וְ/יָדֵ֨/נוּ֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cs | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
ב֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָחִ֥י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
בְשָׂרֵ֖/נוּ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶחָֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:27
לְכ֞וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/נִמְכְּרֶ֣/נּוּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
לַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֗ים
Yishmâʻêʼlîy
H3459
"Ishmaelite"
Prep | 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.
וְ/יָדֵ֨/נוּ֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ב֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָחִ֥י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בְשָׂרֵ֖/נוּ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶחָֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
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.
28So 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. 29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 16:26 | What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 2 | Genesis 42:21 | Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 18:17 | Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” |
| 4 | Exodus 21:21 | However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. |
| 5 | Matthew 26:15 | and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 1:10 | for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching |
| 7 | Genesis 37:22 | “Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father. |
| 8 | Genesis 29:14 | Then Laban declared, “You are indeed my own flesh and blood.” After Jacob had stayed with him a month, |
| 9 | Exodus 21:16 | Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 12:9 | Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. |
Genesis 37:27 Summary
[Genesis 37:27 shows us that even in tough situations, we have choices to make, and those choices can have big consequences. Judah suggested selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites instead of hurting him, which was a more compassionate decision. This verse reminds us that our actions affect others and that we should consider how our choices will impact those around us, as seen in Proverbs 22:1. By choosing to sell Joseph, Judah and his brothers were able to avoid harming their brother, but they still faced the consequences of their actions, as seen in the rest of the story of Joseph.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Judah suggest selling Joseph instead of killing him?
Judah suggested selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites as a way to profit from the situation without taking his brother's life, as seen in Genesis 37:27, and this decision was influenced by his concern for their brotherly bond, as stated in the verse 'for he is our brother, our own flesh'
What can we learn from Judah's actions in this verse?
We can learn that even in difficult situations, we have the opportunity to choose a path that aligns with God's heart, as seen in Genesis 37:27, and that our actions can have significant consequences, as noted in Proverbs 22:1
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Joseph?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets in motion the events that will lead to his time in Egypt, where he will eventually rise to a position of power, as seen in Genesis 41:41, and fulfill the dreams God had given him, as stated in Genesis 37:5-11
What does this verse reveal about the character of Judah and his brothers?
This verse reveals that Judah and his brothers were capable of both cruelty and compassion, as seen in their initial plan to kill Joseph and their later decision to sell him, and that they were motivated by a desire for profit and a sense of brotherly responsibility, as stated in Genesis 37:27
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with difficult decisions, and what role does my faith play in those moments?
- In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and kindness to those around me, even in challenging situations?
- What are some times when I have chosen a path that aligned with God's heart, and what were the consequences of those choices?
- How can I balance my own desires and interests with my responsibility to care for and protect others, as Judah and his brothers struggled with in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:27
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites,.... For a slave, and that will defeat his dream; and as these were going down to Egypt, where they would sell him, he would be far enough from them, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:27
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Judah said ... What profit?
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:27
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.Ver. 27. For he is our brother, and our flesh.] This consideration should be, as the angel’ s call to Abraham, to stay our hand from striking another; (1.) That he is our brother, in respect of God; for "have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" (2.) That he is "our flesh," in regard of our first parents.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:27
27. let us sell him] Judah proposes to sell Joseph, in order to save his life. Judah takes the lead in J’s version, as Reuben in E’s. See Genesis 43:3 ff., Genesis 44:18 ff.
Sermons on Genesis 37:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:20-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. The speaker highlights the actions of Reuben, who shows maturity and compassio |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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"Dow Jones and Revival" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jo |
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Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |
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Strengthen Me Just Once - Alternate 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine experience with God that requires sacrifice and dedication. He compares the pursuit of spiritual anointin |
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What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a lawyer who was led to Jesus Christ. The lawyer credits his salvation not to the preacher's sermon, but to a conversation he had |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin an |