Genesis 37:25 And 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.

◄ Genesis 37:25 ►

New International Version
As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.

New Living Translation
Then, just as they were sitting down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of camels in the distance coming toward them. It was a group of Ishmaelite traders taking a load of gum, balm, and aromatic resin from Gilead down to Egypt.

English Standard Version
Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible
And 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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.

New American Standard Bible
Then they sat down to eat a meal. But as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying labdanum resin, balsam, and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.

NASB 1995
Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.

NASB 1977
Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted up their eyes and saw, and behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, going to bring them down to Egypt.

Amplified Bible
Then they sat down to eat their meal. When they looked up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead [east of the Jordan], with their camels bearing ladanum resin [for perfume] and balm and myrrh, going on their way to carry the cargo down to Egypt.

Christian Standard Bible
They sat down to eat a meal, and when they looked up, there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balsam, and resin, going down to Egypt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they sat down to eat a meal. They looked up, and there was a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying aromatic gum, balsam, and resin, going down to Egypt.

American Standard Version
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Contemporary English Version
As Joseph's brothers sat down to eat, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with all kinds of spices that they were taking to Egypt.

English Revised Version
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a travelling company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As they sat down to eat, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying the materials for cosmetics, medicine, and embalming. They were on their way to take them to Egypt.

Good News Translation
While they were eating, they suddenly saw a group of Ishmaelites traveling from Gilead to Egypt. Their camels were loaded with spices and resins.

International Standard Version
After this, while they were seated, eating their food, they looked around and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead with camels carrying spices, balm, and myrrh for sale down in Egypt.

Majority Standard Bible
And 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.

NET Bible
When they sat down to eat their food, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh down to Egypt.

New Heart English Bible
Then they sat down to eat a meal. And they looked up, and look, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh on their way to carry them down to Egypt.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery, and balm, and myrrh, going to carry them down to Egypt.

World English Bible
They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they sit down to eat bread, and they lift up their eyes, and look, and behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, and their camels carrying spices, and balm, and myrrh, going to take [them] down to Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation
And they sit down to eat bread, and they lift up their eyes, and look, and lo, a company of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, and their camels bearing spices, and balm, and myrrh, going to take them down to Egypt.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will sit down to eat bread, and they will lift up their eyes, and will see, and behold travelers, Ishmaelites come from Gilead, and their camels bearing perfumes and balsam and myrrh, going to carry down to Egypt.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And sitting down to eat bread, they saw some Ismaelites on their way coming from Calaad, with their camels, carrying spices, and balm, and myrrh to Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
Then they sat down to eat. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm, and resin to be taken down to Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they sat down to eat bread; and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Arabians coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to carry it down to Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they sat to eat bread and lifted up their eyes and they saw, and behold, a caravan of Arabia was coming from Gilead, and their camels were bearing balm and balsam and terebinth berries, and were going to carry them to Egypt.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And they sat down to eat bread; and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites came from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and ladanum, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they sat down to eat bread; and having lifted up their eyes they beheld, and lo, Ismaelitish travellers came from Galaad, and their camels were heavily loaded with spices, and resin, and myrrh; and they went to bring them to Egypt.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joseph Sold by His Brothers
…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?…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.

Genesis 42:21
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.”

Genesis 45:4-5
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.

Genesis 50:20
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.

Judges 8:24
Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)

1 Kings 10:2
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

Job 6:19
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.

Psalm 105:17
He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.

Isaiah 21:13
This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.

Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise.

Matthew 26:15
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.

Matthew 27:3
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.

Mark 15:1
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.

Luke 22:5
They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

Treasury of Scripture

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 spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

they sat.

Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

Psalm 14:4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Proverbs 30:20
Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

Ishmeelites.

Genesis 37:28,36
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…

Genesis 16:11,12
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction…

Genesis 25:1-4,16-18
Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah…

Gilead.

Genesis 31:21
So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

Genesis 43:11
And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

spicery.

myrrh.

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Genesis 37

1. Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.
5. His dreams and the interpretation.
12. Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.
21. At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;
25. and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites;
29. while Ruben grieves at not finding him.
31. His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.
36. Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.

Berean Study Bible

And as they sat down to eat their meal
This phrase highlights the callousness of Joseph's brothers. After throwing Joseph into a pit, they are able to sit and eat, showing a hardened heart. The Hebrew root for "sat down" (יָשַׁב, yashab) often implies dwelling or remaining, suggesting a sense of comfort or indifference in their actions. This moment foreshadows the later feasts in the Bible where meals are significant, such as the Last Supper, contrasting the betrayal here with the redemption to come.

they looked up and saw
The act of looking up signifies a change in focus or awareness. In Hebrew, "looked up" (נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם, nasa enayim) can imply lifting one's eyes to see something significant. This moment of looking up is pivotal, as it leads to the decision that alters Joseph's fate. It serves as a reminder of divine providence, where God’s plans unfold even through human actions.

a caravan of Ishmaelites
The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar, are significant in the biblical narrative. Their presence here connects the account of Joseph to the broader Abrahamic family saga. Historically, Ishmaelites were known as traders, which aligns with the biblical portrayal. This encounter underscores the interconnectedness of God's people and the unfolding of His promises through various lineages.

coming from Gilead
Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, was known for its balm, a valuable commodity. The mention of Gilead situates the account geographically and economically, highlighting the trade routes of the ancient Near East. This detail enriches the narrative, showing how Joseph's account is set against a backdrop of commerce and travel, which God uses to fulfill His purposes.

Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh
The goods carried by the caravan—spices, balm, and myrrh—were luxury items, often associated with trade and wealth. In Hebrew culture, these items were used for anointing and embalming, symbolizing healing and preservation. This foreshadows Joseph's future role in Egypt, where he will bring healing and preservation to his family during famine.

on their way down to Egypt
Egypt, a land of refuge and later of bondage for the Israelites, plays a crucial role in biblical history. The phrase "on their way down" (יָרַד, yarad) not only describes the physical journey but also symbolizes a descent into trials that lead to eventual redemption. Joseph's journey to Egypt is a precursor to the Israelites' sojourn and eventual exodus, illustrating God's sovereignty in using circumstances for His greater plan.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(25) A company of Ishmeelites.--Dothan was situated on the great caravan line by which the products of India and Western Asia were brought to Egypt. As the eastern side of Canaan is covered by the great Arabian desert, the caravans had to travel in a north-westernly direction until, having forded the Euphrates, they could strike across from Tadmor to Gilead. The route thence led them over the Jordan at Beisan, and so southward to Egypt. For "Ishmeelites," we have "Midianites," Heb., Medyanim, in Genesis 37:28, and Medanites, Heb., Medanim, in Genesis 37:36; but the Targum and the Syriac, instead of Ishmeelites, read Arabs. Midian was a son of Abraham by Keturah, and Ishmael was his son by Hagar. But probably these merchants were descended from neither by blood, but belonged to some branch of the Canaanites, who were the great traders of ancient times, and which Ishmael and Midian had compelled to submit to their sway. (But see Note on Genesis 25:2.) The Jewish interpreters are reduced to great straits in reconciling these names, and even assert that Joseph was sold three times. Really Ishmeelites, Midianites, and Medanites are all one and the same, if we regard them as bearing the names only politically.

It is remarkable that the Egyptians never took part in the carrying trade. Even the navigation of the Red Sea they left to the Ph?nicians, Israelites, and Syrians, though Psammetichus, Pharaoh-Necho, and Apries tried to induce the Egyptians to take to maritime pursuits. Their products were corn, stuffs of byssus and other materials, and carpets; but the exportation of these goods they left to foreign traders.

Spicery, and balm, and myrrh.--The first was probably gum tragacanth, though some think that it was storax, the gum of the styrax tree (see Genesis 30:37). "Balm," thatúis, balsam, was probably the resin of the balsamodendron Gileadense, a tree which grows abundantly in Gilead, and of which the gum was greatly in use for healing wounds. "Myrrh" was certainly ladanum, the gum of the cistus rose (cistus creticus). As all these were products of Palestine valued in Egypt, Jacob included them in his present to the governor there (Genesis 43:11). . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And as they sat down
וַיֵּשְׁבוּ֮ (way·yê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

to eat
לֶֽאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

a meal,
לֶחֶם֒ (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

they looked up
וַיִּשְׂא֤וּ (way·yiś·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

and saw
וְהִנֵּה֙ (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

a caravan
אֹרְחַ֣ת (’ō·rə·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 736: A traveling company, caravan

of Ishmaelites
יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים (yiš·mə·‘ê·lîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3459: Ishmaelites -- descendant of Ishmael

coming
בָּאָ֖ה (bā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

from Gilead.
מִגִּלְעָ֑ד (mig·gil·‘āḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

Their camels
וּגְמַלֵּיהֶ֣ם (ū·ḡə·mal·lê·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1581: A camel

were carrying
נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים (nō·śə·’îm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

spices,
נְכֹאת֙ (nə·ḵōṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5219: (a spice) perhaps tragacanth gum

balm,
וּצְרִ֣י (ū·ṣə·rî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6875: Distillation, balsam

and myrrh
וָלֹ֔ט (wā·lōṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3910: A gum, ladanum

on their way
הוֹלְכִ֖ים (hō·wl·ḵîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

down
לְהוֹרִ֥יד (lə·hō·w·rîḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃ (miṣ·rā·yə·māh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

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OT Law: Genesis 37:25 They sat down to eat bread (Gen. Ge Gn)