Genesis 37:27

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְכ֞וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנִמְכְּרֶ֣נּוּ

H4376

and let us sell

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֗ים

H3459

him to the Ishmeelites

a jishmaelite or descendant of jishmael

וְיָדֵ֙נוּ֙

H3027

and let not our hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּהִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ב֔וֹ

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶחָֽיו׃

H251

And his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#10

בְשָׂרֵ֖נוּ

H1320

and our flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#11

ה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

were content

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

אֶחָֽיו׃

H251

And his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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