Genesis 37:25 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →While Joseph is in the pit, the brothers see a caravan of Ishmeelites heading to Egypt with spices.
The Context of Genesis 37:25
A caravan of spice merchants traveling to Egypt passes by while Joseph is in the pit.
What Does Genesis 37:25 Mean?
After throwing Joseph into the pit, the brothers sit down to eat as if nothing has happened. They can discard their brother and take a meal without shame. But then they see a caravan of Ishmeelites (also called Midianites in verse 28)—merchants traveling from Gilead to Egypt with valuable goods: spices, balm, and myrrh. This caravan is passing by at the very moment Joseph is in the pit.
The timing is remarkable. The caravan provides an unexpected solution to a problem the brothers face: what to do with Joseph? They can sell him rather than kill him, washing their hands of him while avoiding murder.
Genesis 37:25 in the Original Language
qiddâh (קִדָּה), 'spicery' — aromatic spices or incense, valuable trade goods in the ancient world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 37:25
What does Genesis 37:25 mean?
While Joseph is in the pit, the brothers see a caravan of Ishmeelites heading to Egypt with spices.
What is the context of Genesis 37:25?
A caravan of spice merchants traveling to Egypt passes by while Joseph is in the pit.