Genesis 37:26
Genesis 37:26 in Multiple Translations
Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood?
And Judah said to his brothers, What profit is there in putting our brother to death and covering up his blood?
“What's the point of killing our brother?” Judah asked his brothers. “Then we'd have to cover up his death!
Then Iudah said vnto his brethren, What auaileth it, if we slay our brother, though wee keepe his blood secret?
And Judah saith unto his brethren, 'What gain when we slay our brother, and have concealed his blood?
Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?
And Judah said to his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood.
And Juda said to his brethren: What will it profit us to kill our brother, and conceal his blood?
Judah said to his older and younger brothers, “If we kill our younger brother and hide his body, ◄what will we gain?/we will not gain anything!► [RHQ]
One of Joseph’s brothers was called Judah. He talked to the rest of his brothers, and he said, “We talked about killing Joseph and tricking our father. But if we kill Joseph, that will be a really bad thing, and we will not get anything for ourselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:26
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 37:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוּדָ֖ה
אֶל
אֶחָ֑י/ו
מַה
בֶּ֗צַע
כִּ֤י
נַהֲרֹג֙
אֶת
אָחִ֔י/נוּ
וְ/כִסִּ֖ינוּ
אֶת
דָּמֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
בֶּ֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נַהֲרֹג֙
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָחִ֔י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
וְ/כִסִּ֖ינוּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דָּמֽ/וֹ
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:26
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוּדָ֖ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶחָ֑י/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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
בֶּ֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
כִּ֤י
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.
נַהֲרֹג֙
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָחִ֔י/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.
וְ/כִסִּ֖ינוּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-1cp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּמֽ/וֹ
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:26
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:26
- Sermons on Genesis 37:26
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:20 | “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” |
| 2 | Genesis 4:10 | “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. |
| 3 | Genesis 25:32 | “Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” |
| 4 | Job 16:18 | O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest. |
| 5 | Romans 6:21 | What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 41:8 | But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 17:8 | If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 1:16 | For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” |
| 9 | 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? |
| 10 | Ezekiel 24:7 | For the blood she shed is still within her; she poured it out on the bare rock; she did not pour it on the ground to cover it with dust. |
Genesis 37:26 Summary
In Genesis 37:26, Judah asks his brothers what they will gain by killing their brother Joseph and covering up his blood. This question highlights the idea that sin may seem profitable in the short term, but it ultimately leads to harm and consequences. As seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 10:2, worldly gain is fleeting and can lead to spiritual loss. By considering Judah's question, we can reflect on our own motivations and actions, and seek to prioritize doing what is right and just, even when it is difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Judah to suggest selling Joseph instead of killing him?
Judah's suggestion to sell Joseph instead of killing him was likely motivated by a desire to profit from the situation, as indicated in Genesis 37:26, and to avoid the guilt and consequences of shedding his brother's blood, as warned against in Genesis 9:6.
Was Judah's plan to sell Joseph a morally justifiable solution?
While Judah's plan to sell Joseph may have seemed like a more humane option than killing him, it was still a sinful act that went against God's command to love and respect one's neighbors and family members, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph's life and God's plan for him?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets in motion the events that will lead to his rise to power in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:41, and ultimately, to the fulfillment of God's plan to bless the nations through him, as promised in Genesis 12:3.
What can we learn from Judah's question about gaining profit from sin?
Judah's question in Genesis 37:26 highlights the fleeting nature of worldly gain and the importance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions, as warned against in Proverbs 10:2 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I may be tempted to prioritize personal gain over doing what is right, and how can I apply Judah's question to those situations?
- How can I balance the desire to avoid conflict or difficult consequences with the need to do what is right and just, as Judah faced in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate love and respect for my family members and neighbors, even when it is challenging or inconvenient, as taught in Scripture?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as Joseph's story illustrates?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:26
And Judah said unto his brethren,.... In sight of the Ishmaelites, a thought came into his mind to get Joseph sold to them; what profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:26
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Judah said ... What profit?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:26
If we suffer him to perish in the pit, when we may sell him with advantage, and conceal his blood, i.e. his death, as the word blood is often used. See 3:28.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:26
Genesis 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?Ver. 26. What profit is it? &c.] Cui bono said that old judge in Rome. This is a song that most men will listen to. As the Jassians in Strabo, delighted with the music of an excellent harper, ran all away, when once they heard the market bell ring, save a deaf old man, that could take little delight in the harper’ s ditties. But it were to be wished, that whenever we are tempted to sin, we would ask ourselves this question, What profit is it? &c. Cic., Orat. pro. C. Rabir.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:26
26. conceal his blood] Referring to the superstition that blood, which was not covered, would cry for vengeance: see note on Genesis 4:10. Cf. Job 16:18; Isaiah 26:21; Ezekiel 24:7.
Sermons on Genesis 37:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) 54 - Judah and the Messianic Succession by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Judah and Tamar from the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by highlighting the possibility of evil that exists within human nat |
|
(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 |
|
The Voice of Jesus Blood by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript discusses various topics, including the consequences of breaking rules and the importance of having plans for the future. It also highlights the transformatio |
|
Principles of the Most Holy War by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of refraining from engaging in harmful conversations. He highlights the need for holi |
|
God Only by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being a slave to what we choose. He emphasizes that our ability to choose is our royalty, and we are fixed by the choices we ma |
|
Watch Your Heart - the Wellspring of Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart above all else. He uses examples such as taking care of livestock and being attentive while driving to |
|
Message to Ministers by Ray Brubaker | In this sermon, the commentator, Ray Brubaker, discusses the importance of cherishing and protecting our God-honoring freedoms. He references Haggai 1:8 to highlight the consequenc |