Genesis 37:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Midianite merchants pull Joseph from the pit and sell him to the Ishmeelites for twenty silver pieces.
The Context of Genesis 37:28
Joseph is sold into slavery and transported to Egypt.
What Does Genesis 37:28 Mean?
The Midianites (another name for the same caravan, or a separate group that passes by) draw Joseph out of the pit and sell him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver. It is a transaction of stunning brevity—a human being reduced to a price. Joseph, who dreamed of exaltation, is now a commodity. The merchants bring him to Egypt, where he will be sold again.
The price is low—twenty pieces of silver, the price of a slave. Joseph is now removed from Canaan, separated from his father and brothers, and bound for a foreign land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 37:28
What does Genesis 37:28 mean?
Midianite merchants pull Joseph from the pit and sell him to the Ishmeelites for twenty silver pieces.
What is the context of Genesis 37:28?
Joseph is sold into slavery and transported to Egypt.