Genesis 37:27 cpdv — It is better that he be sold to the Ishmaelites, and then our hands will not be defiled. For he is our brother and our…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"It is better that he be sold to the Ishmaelites, and then our hands will not be defiled. For he is our brother and our flesh.” His brothers agreed to his words. "

— Genesis 37:27, Catholic Public Domain Version

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Genesis 37:27 in Other Translations

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Genesis 37 — Context

24

and they cast him into an old cistern, which held no water.

25

And sitting down to eat bread, they saw some Ishmaelites, travelers coming from Gilead, with their camels, carrying spices, and resin, and oil of myrrh into Egypt.

26

Therefore, Judah said to his brothers: “What will it profit us, if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?

27

It is better that he be sold to the Ishmaelites, and then our hands will not be defiled. For he is our brother and our flesh.” His brothers agreed to his words.

28

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.

29

And Reuben, returning to the cistern, did not find the boy.

30

And rending his garments, he went to his brothers and said, “The boy is not present, and so where shall I go?”

Genesis 37:27 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 37:27 say?
Genesis 37:27 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “It is better that he be sold to the Ishmaelites, and then our hands will not be defiled. For he is our brother and our flesh.” His brothers agreed to his words. ”
Where is Genesis 37:27 in the Bible?
Genesis 37:27 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 37, verse 27.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 37:27.
What translation should I read Genesis 37:27 in?
Genesis 37:27 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 37:27?
Genesis 37:27 reads (CPDV): “It is better that he be sold to the Ishmaelites, and then our hands will not be defiled. For he is our brother and our flesh.” His brothers agreed to his words. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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