Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Judah’s proposal to sell Joseph rather than kill him isn't just a slightly more merciful option; it’s a strategic move to absolve the brothers of direct responsibility. By selling him to foreigners, they distance their "hand" from his fate, claiming innocence of his blood while still ensuring he's out of their lives and away from their father's favor.
Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph's brothers, consumed by jealousy over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, have captured him and stripped him of his special coat. After considering murder, they are persuaded by Judah to sell him instead to passing Ishmaelites who are heading to Egypt. Reuben, who had initially tried to save Joseph by suggesting he be thrown into a pit, is absent when the sale takes place.
When Joseph's brothers decide his fate, their words reveal a disturbing disconnect between kinship and cruelty. How could they claim he's 'our brother, our flesh' while plotting his demise?
In Genesis 37:27, Judah proposes selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites. He frames it with the poignant phrase, 'for he is our brother, our own flesh.' This statement is deeply ironic.
Reuben tried to save Joseph with a plan to return him to Jacob. When that failed, it was Judah who stepped in with a new proposal. What was his motivation, and how did it change things?
While the brothers' initial intent was to kill Joseph (Genesis 37:20), Judah redirects their energy in verse 27. He proposes selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites instead of letting him die in the pit.
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Understand the original words
basar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the familial and biological connection between kin; it emphasizes the bond of common ancestry and the moral obligation to protect and care for one's own relative.
This pivotal moment reveals the dark currents of sibling rivalry and betrayal. The brothers' decision to sell Joseph, driven by envy and a desire to thwart his prophetic dreams, marks a stark departure from familial loyalty, setting in motion the events that will eventually lead to their own salvation.
c. 1770 BC
Jacob's Favoritism Towards Joseph
Jacob shows extreme favoritism to his son Joseph, giving him a richly colored coat and favoring him over his other sons. This disparity breeds deep resentment and envy among Joseph's older brothers.
c. 1770 BC
Joseph's Dreams
Joseph recounts two dreams to his brothers and father, prophesying his future dominance over them. These dreams intensify their hatred and solidify their plot against him.
c. 1770 BC
Brothers Plot Against Joseph
Joseph is sent by Jacob to check on his brothers and their flocks near Shechem. Upon seeing him, his brothers conspire to kill him, calling him 'this dreamer.'
c. 1770 BC
Reuben's Intervention and Joseph is Thrown in Pit
Reuben intervenes, persuading his brothers not to kill Joseph but to throw him into an empty cistern. This was intended as a way to save Joseph's life and return him to Jacob.
c. 1770 BC— this verse
Judah Proposes Selling Joseph
While Joseph is in the pit, a caravan of Ishmaelites from Gilead, carrying spices to Egypt, passes by. Judah suggests selling Joseph to them, arguing it is better than killing him and concealing the deed.
c. 1770 BC
Joseph Sold to Ishmaelites
The brothers draw Joseph out of the pit and sell him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelite traders, who then take him down to Egypt.
c. 1770 BC
Brothers Deceive Jacob
The brothers kill a goat, dip Joseph's colorful coat in its blood, and present it to Jacob, claiming a wild animal must have devoured him. Jacob mourns deeply for his lost son.
This proverb speaks to the fear of man, highlighting how the desire to please others can lead to snares, mirroring how the brothers' fear of Joseph's rise led them to sell him.
Romans 12:15This verse calls believers to 'weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice,' which stands in stark contrast to the brothers' indifference and even glee at Joseph's misfortune, showing a profound lack of empathy.
Galatians 5:19-21The actions of Joseph's brothers—enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, and selfishness—are listed as works of the flesh that exclude one from the kingdom of God, directly reflecting their sinful hearts.
Micah 6:8This verse calls for acting justly, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God, principles that Joseph's brothers completely disregarded when they conspired against him out of jealousy and spite.
Matthew 7:12Jesus' teaching to 'do to others what you would have them do to you' is the inverse of what Joseph's brothers did, as they certainly would not have wanted to be sold into slavery by their own family.
calvinGenesis 37:1-36: "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
Istae sunt generationes Iahacob. Joseph filius septendecim annorum pascebat cum fratribus suis pecudes, et erat puer cum filiis Bil…
pooleGenesis 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."
No text from Poole on this verse.
Judah’s proposal to sell Joseph rather than kill him isn't just a slightly more merciful option; it’s a strategic move to absolve the brothers of direct responsibility. By selling him to foreigners, they distance their "hand" from his fate, claiming innocence of his blood while still ensuring he's out of their lives and away from their father's favor.
Joseph's brothers, consumed by jealousy over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, have captured him and stripped him of his special coat. After considering murder, they are persuaded by Judah to sell him instead to passing Ishmaelites who are heading to Egypt. Reuben, who had initially tried to save Joseph by suggesting he be thrown into a pit, is absent when the sale takes place.
Joseph's brothers, consumed by jealousy over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, have captured him and stripped him of his special coat. After considering murder, they are persuaded by Judah to sell him instead to passing Ishmaelites who are heading to Egypt. Reuben, who had initially tried to save Joseph by suggesting he be thrown into a pit, is absent when the sale takes place.
"Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him." — Judah’s proposal to sell Joseph rather than kill him isn't just a slightly more merciful option; it’s a strategic move to absolve the brothers of direct responsibility. By selling him to foreigners,…
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Last reviewed October 2026