Genesis 37:27 - 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.
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What does "Genesis 37:27" mean?
This verse, Genesis 37:27, is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Joseph's brothers hated him because he was their father Jacob's favorite and because of Joseph's prophetic dreams that implied he would rule over them. They were initially planning to kill him.
"Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him...": This is Judah's proposition (as revealed later in the narrative). Instead of killing Joseph directly (shedding his blood, as they originally intended), Judah suggests selling him to traveling Ishmaelite traders. This way, they get rid of him, make some money, and avoid the guilt of direct murder. The phrase "not let our hand be on him" is a euphemism for not directly killing him.
"...for he is our brother, our flesh.”: This is a crucial and somewhat ironic justification. Judah is appealing to the brothers' sense of familial connection. He's essentially saying, "Even though we hate him, he's still family. Killing him is too much; let's just sell him." However, this appeal is highly disingenuous because their actions are still driven by jealousy and hatred. This line highlights the moral conflict within the brothers. They are acknowledging Joseph's place within the family while simultaneously betraying him in a profound way.
"His brothers listened to him.": This signifies that the other brothers, despite their initial desire for violence, found Judah's plan more palatable. It allowed them to satisfy their desire to get rid of Joseph without directly participating in his death. This decision sets the stage for Joseph's enslavement in Egypt and the subsequent events in the Book of Genesis.
In Summary:
The verse reveals a moment of calculated cruelty disguised as a softer alternative. Judah proposes selling Joseph into slavery as a way to get rid of him without the direct guilt of murder. While invoking the bond of brotherhood, the verse underscores the depth of the brothers' jealousy and their willingness to betray their own family for personal gain. This decision has significant consequences for Joseph and his entire family.
Genesis 37:27 - 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.
What does "Genesis 37:27" mean?
This verse, Genesis 37:27, is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Joseph's brothers hated him because he was their father Jacob's favorite and because of Joseph's prophetic dreams that implied he would rule over them. They were initially planning to kill him.
"Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him...": This is Judah's proposition (as revealed later in the narrative). Instead of killing Joseph directly (shedding his blood, as they originally intended), Judah suggests selling him to traveling Ishmaelite traders. This way, they get rid of him, make some money, and avoid the guilt of direct murder. The phrase "not let our hand be on him" is a euphemism for not directly killing him.
"...for he is our brother, our flesh.”: This is a crucial and somewhat ironic justification. Judah is appealing to the brothers' sense of familial connection. He's essentially saying, "Even though we hate him, he's still family. Killing him is too much; let's just sell him." However, this appeal is highly disingenuous because their actions are still driven by jealousy and hatred. This line highlights the moral conflict within the brothers. They are acknowledging Joseph's place within the family while simultaneously betraying him in a profound way.
"His brothers listened to him.": This signifies that the other brothers, despite their initial desire for violence, found Judah's plan more palatable. It allowed them to satisfy their desire to get rid of Joseph without directly participating in his death. This decision sets the stage for Joseph's enslavement in Egypt and the subsequent events in the Book of Genesis.
In Summary:
The verse reveals a moment of calculated cruelty disguised as a softer alternative. Judah proposes selling Joseph into slavery as a way to get rid of him without the direct guilt of murder. While invoking the bond of brotherhood, the verse underscores the depth of the brothers' jealousy and their willingness to betray their own family for personal gain. This decision has significant consequences for Joseph and his entire family.