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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 37:28 So 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_37_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold by His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/37-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/37-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/37-27.htm" title="Genesis 37:27">◄</a> Genesis 37:28 <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm" title="Genesis 37:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/37.htm">New International Version</a> So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a> So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt. <a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a> Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him out and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. So they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then as the Midianite [and Ishmaelite] traders were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and they sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And so they took Joseph [as a captive] into Egypt. <a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a> And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the Midianite merchants came by, Joseph's brothers took him out of the well, and for 20 pieces of silver they sold him to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. <a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a> And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As the Midianite merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for eight ounces of silver. The Ishmaelites took him to Egypt. <a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a> and when some Midianite traders came by, the brothers pulled Joseph out of the well and sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a> As the Midianite merchants were passing through, they extracted Joseph from the cistern and sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who then took Joseph down to Egypt. <a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So 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. <a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a> So when the Midianite merchants passed by, Joseph's brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. The Ishmaelites then took Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the Midianites merchants passed by, and they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the cistern, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph to Egypt. <a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then there passed by Midianites, merchants; and they drew and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a> Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. The merchants brought Joseph into Egypt. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Midianite merchantmen pass by and they draw out and bring up Joseph out of the pit, and sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, and they bring Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Midianite merchantmen pass by and they draw out and bring up Joseph out of the pit, and sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty silverlings, and they bring Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And men will pass by, Midianites, merchants; and they will draw and bring up Joseph from the pit, and they will sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty of silver: and they will bring Joseph to Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when the Madianite merchants passed by, they drew him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ismaelites, for twenty pieces of silver: and they led him into Egypt. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when the Midianite merchants were passing by, they drew him from the cistern, and they sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And these led him into Egypt. <a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a> Midianite traders passed by, and they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern. They sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then some Midianite merchants passed by; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Arabians for twenty pieces of silver; and they brought him into Egypt. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Midianite men, traders, passed and they dragged and carried Yoseph from the pit and they sold Yoseph to the Arabs for twenty silver coins, and they brought him to Egypt.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt. <a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men, the merchants of Madian, went by, and they drew and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ismaelites for twenty pieces of gold; and they brought Joseph down into Egypt. <a href="/parallel/genesis/37-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9549" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph Sold by His Brothers</a> …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. 28<a href="/hebrew/4084.htm" title="4084: miḏ·yā·nîm (N-proper-mp) -- A desc. of Midian. Patronymical or patrial from Midyan; a Midjanite or descend. of Midjan.">So when the Midianite</a> <a href="/hebrew/5503.htm" title="5503: sō·ḥă·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go around or about, travel about. A primitive root; to travel round; intensively, to palpitate.">traders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘aḇ·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">passed by,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4900.htm" title="4900: way·yim·šə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To draw, drag. A primitive root; to draw, used in a great variety of applications.">his brothers pulled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">out of</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: hab·bō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">the pit</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: way·yim·kə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">and sold</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/6242.htm" title="6242: bə·‘eś·rîm (Prep-b:: Number-cp) -- Twenty. From eser; twenty; also twentieth.">for twenty shekels</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: kā·sep̄ (N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">of silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/3459.htm" title="3459: lay·yiš·mə·‘ê·lîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Ishmael. Patronymically from Yishma'e'l; a Jishmaelite or descendant of Jishmael.">to the Ishmaelites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇî·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">who took</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yə·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to Egypt.</a> 29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him <a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17</a> He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-5</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/judges/6-1.htm">Judges 6:1-2</a> Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, / and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-4</a> When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” <a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12-13</a> Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21-22</a> 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.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1</a> Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. <a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Genesis 49:22-26</a> Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. / The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. / Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, ... <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Exodus 21:16</a> Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession. <a href="/amos/2-6.htm">Amos 2:6</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. <a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-11</a> Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. <a href="/john/19-16.htm">John 19:16-18</a> Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away. / Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. / There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. <a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a> Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / 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. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then there passed by Midianites merchants; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.Midianites.<a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Genesis 37:25</a> And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.<a href="/genesis/25-2.htm">Genesis 25:2</a> And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.<a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16</a> Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.sold.<a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4,5</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt… <a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17</a> He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:<a href="/zechariah/11-12.htm">Zechariah 11:12,13</a> And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/genesis/33-7.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/37-24.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Ishmaelites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Ish'maelites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Merchantmen</a> <a href="/genesis/23-16.htm">Merchants</a> <a href="/genesis/36-35.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/judges/8-3.htm">Midianite</a> <a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Mid'ianite</a> <a href="/genesis/36-35.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Midianitish</a> <a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/genesis/37-24.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/genesis/19-10.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/genesis/24-22.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/genesis/31-15.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/revelation/18-23.htm">Traders</a> <a href="/genesis/32-15.htm">Twenty</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/45-22.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/genesis/38-29.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Ishmaelites</a> <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Ish'maelites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/39-15.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Merchantmen</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Merchants</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Midianite</a> <a href="/numbers/25-14.htm">Mid'ianite</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/numbers/25-6.htm">Midianitish</a> <a href="/genesis/41-1.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-45.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/genesis/39-12.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/genesis/45-22.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">Traders</a> <a href="/exodus/12-18.htm">Twenty</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div>1. <a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a> 29. <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/37.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Midianite traders The term "Midianite" refers to a group of people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah (<a href="/genesis/25.htm">Genesis 25:1-2</a>). Historically, the Midianites were known as traders and nomads, often traveling through the regions of the Near East. This highlights the interconnectedness of Abraham's descendants and the complex relationships between different tribes. The presence of Midianite traders in this narrative underscores the providential orchestration of events, as God uses even distant relatives to fulfill His purposes.passed by This phrase indicates the movement and timing of the traders, suggesting divine timing in the unfolding of Joseph's story. The passing by of the traders at this precise moment is not coincidental but part of God's sovereign plan. It serves as a reminder that God is always at work, even in the seemingly mundane or coincidental events of life.his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit The act of pulling Joseph out of the pit is both literal and symbolic. Literally, it marks the transition from Joseph's initial suffering to a new phase of his journey. Symbolically, it represents the beginning of Joseph's rise from the depths of despair to eventual prominence. The pit, a place of abandonment and hopelessness, becomes the starting point for God's redemptive work in Joseph's life.sold him for twenty shekels of silver The price of twenty shekels of silver for Joseph reflects the value of a young male slave during that period, as corroborated by ancient Near Eastern texts. This transaction highlights the brothers' betrayal and the devaluation of Joseph's life. Yet, it also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. The sale of Joseph is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for God's greater plan of salvation for His people.to the Ishmaelites The Ishmaelites, like the Midianites, are descendants of Abraham, through Ishmael, the son of Hagar (<a href="/genesis/16-15.htm">Genesis 16:15</a>). This connection emphasizes the broader family dynamics at play and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants. The involvement of the Ishmaelites in Joseph's account illustrates how God uses various people and circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes.who took him to Egypt Egypt, in the biblical narrative, often represents a place of both refuge and bondage. For Joseph, Egypt becomes the land of his affliction and exaltation. This journey to Egypt is a crucial step in God's plan to preserve the family of Jacob during a future famine. It also prefigures the later exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, highlighting God's faithfulness in delivering His people. The movement to Egypt signifies a transition from the familiar to the unknown, a journey that requires trust in God's providence and sovereignty.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) Twenty pieces of silver.--Twenty shekels of silver were computed, in <a href="/leviticus/27-5.htm" title="And if it be from five years old even to twenty years old, then your estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.">Leviticus 27:5</a>, as the average worth of a male slave under twenty. It would be about 2 10s. of our money, but silver was of far greater value then than it is now.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; - literally, and passed by the men, Midianites (by country), merchants (by profession). On the different appellations given to the traders vide infra, ver. 36 - and they - not the Midianites (Davidson), but Joseph's brethren - drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver - literally, for twenty (sc. shekels) of silver - L2 10s.; the price afterwards fixed for a boy between five and twenty (<a href="/leviticus/27-5.htm">Leviticus 27:5</a>), the average price of a slave being thirty shekels (<a href="/ezekiel/21-32.htm">Ezekiel 21:32</a>), and Joseph only bringing twenty because he was a lad (Kurtz), because the Midianites desired to make money by the transaction (Keil), perhaps because-his brethren wished to avoid the reproach of having acted from love of gain (Gerlach), but most probably because Joseph's brethren cared little what they had for him, if so be they were rid of him (Lawson). On the term keseph vide <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Genesis 20:16</a>. And they brought Joseph into Egypt - where they in turn disposed of their purchase, doubtless at a profit (ver. 36). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So when the Midianite מִדְיָנִ֜ים (miḏ·yā·nîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4084.htm">Strong's 4084: </a> Midianite -- a descendant of Midian traders סֹֽחֲרִ֗ים (sō·ḥă·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> To go around or about, travel about passed by, וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֩ (way·ya·‘aḇ·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on his brothers pulled וַֽיִּמְשְׁכוּ֙ (way·yim·šə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4900.htm">Strong's 4900: </a> To draw, drag Joseph יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites out of מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of the pit הַבּ֔וֹר (hab·bō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> A pit, cistern, well and sold וַיִּמְכְּר֧וּ (way·yim·kə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> To sell him יוֹסֵ֛ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites for twenty [shekels] בְּעֶשְׂרִ֣ים (bə·‘eś·rîm) Preposition-b | Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6242.htm">Strong's 6242: </a> Twenty, twentieth of silver כָּ֑סֶף (kā·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money to the Ishmaelites, לַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֖ים (lay·yiš·mə·‘ê·lîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3459.htm">Strong's 3459: </a> Ishmaelites -- descendant of Ishmael who took וַיָּבִ֥יאוּ (way·yā·ḇî·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go [him] יוֹסֵ֖ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites to Egypt. מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃ (miṣ·rā·yə·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:28 Midianites who were merchants passed (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>