Brothers Plot to Sell Joseph into Slavery

Joseph's brothers hatch a plan to get rid of him after their father shows him favoritism

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In this Bible passage from the Book of Genesis, the brothers of Joseph, the favored son of their father Jacob, become jealous of Joseph and plot to get rid of him. They strip him of his long tunic, throw him into a cistern, and ultimately sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt, where he will be enslaved.

Why it matters

This story is a classic tale of sibling rivalry and the dangers of favoritism within a family. It highlights the destructive power of envy and the lengths people will go to in order to eliminate a perceived threat or rival. The passage also foreshadows Joseph's later rise to power in Egypt and the pivotal role he will play in the lives of his family.

The details

Joseph's brothers, angry that their father Jacob loved Joseph the most, decide to get rid of him. They strip him of his special tunic, throw him into a dry cistern, and then debate whether to kill him or sell him into slavery. Ultimately, they sell him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver, who then take Joseph to Egypt.

  • The brothers had gone to tend their father's flocks in Shechem.
  • Joseph's father Jacob sent him to check on his brothers.
  • When Joseph arrived, his brothers plotted to kill him.
  • Reuben tried to convince the brothers not to kill Joseph, suggesting they throw him into a cistern instead.
  • The brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite caravan heading to Egypt.

The players

Joseph

The favored son of Jacob, who is hated by his brothers due to their father's favoritism.

Jacob

Joseph's father, who shows clear favoritism towards Joseph, angering the other brothers.

Reuben

One of Joseph's brothers, who tries to convince the others not to kill Joseph and instead throw him into a cistern.

Judah

One of Joseph's brothers, who suggests selling Joseph to the Ishmaelite caravan instead of killing him.

Ishmaelites

A caravan of traders heading to Egypt, who purchase Joseph from his brothers and take him into slavery.

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What they’re saying

“Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what comes of his dreams.”

— Joseph's Brothers (usccb.org)

“We must not take his life. Instead of shedding blood," he continued, "just throw him into that cistern there in the desert; but do not kill him outright.”

— Reuben, One of Joseph's Brothers (usccb.org)

“What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.”

— Judah, One of Joseph's Brothers (usccb.org)

What’s next

The passage does not provide any clear next steps, as it focuses on the events surrounding Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. The story continues in later chapters of the Book of Genesis, where Joseph rises to power in Egypt and is eventually reunited with his family.

The takeaway

This biblical story highlights the destructive power of envy, favoritism, and sibling rivalry within a family. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of letting negative emotions like jealousy and resentment fester, and the importance of family members treating each other with love, respect, and fairness.