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Genesis 37:26 - Profit from brother's blood?

Genesis 37:26 - בראשית 37:26

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוּדָה אֶל־אֶחָיו מַה־בֶּצַע כִּי נַהֲרֹג אֶת־אָחִינוּ וְכִסִּינוּ אֶת־דָּמוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yehuda said to his brothers, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?

Transliteration

Vayomer Yehuda el-echav ma-betzah ki naharog et-achinu vechisinu et-damo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוּדָ֖ה אֶל־אֶחָ֑יו מַה־בֶּ֗צַע כִּ֤י נַהֲרֹג֙ אֶת־אָחִ֔ינוּ וְכִסִּ֖ינוּ אֶת־דָּמֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוּדָ֖ה אֶל־אֶחָ֑יו מַה־בֶּ֗צַע כִּ֤י נַהֲרֹג֙ אֶת־אָחִ֔ינוּ וְכִסִּ֖ינוּ אֶת־דָּמֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yehuda's Argument Against Killing Yosef

The verse (Bereshit 37:26) records Yehuda's plea to his brothers not to kill Yosef. Rashi explains that Yehuda was concerned with the practical consequences of their actions, asking "what profit" (מַה־בֶּצַע) they would gain from murdering their brother. According to Rashi, Yehuda was not primarily motivated by moral considerations at this point, but rather by the lack of benefit in such an act.

The Meaning of "Covering His Blood"

The phrase "וְכִסִּינוּ אֶת־דָּמוֹ" ("and conceal his blood") is interpreted in several ways by the commentators:

  • Rashi: Explains it literally - they would need to hide Yosef's blood after killing him, which would serve no purpose.
  • Ramban: Suggests a deeper meaning - that covering his blood refers to hiding the crime from their father Yaakov, which would bring them no benefit.
  • Sforno: Views this as a moral argument - that murder cannot truly be concealed from Hashem, even if hidden from human eyes.

Yehuda's Leadership Role

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:16) notes that this incident marks the beginning of Yehuda's emergence as a leader among the brothers. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) explains that Yehuda was rewarded for saving Yosef's life by having kingship descend from him, as it states (Bereshit 49:10) "The scepter shall not depart from Yehuda."

Theological Implications

The Malbim emphasizes that Yehuda's argument contains an implicit theological message - that violent actions against family members are ultimately counterproductive. He notes that the term בֶּצַע (profit) often refers to ill-gotten gains (as in Yeshayahu 56:11), suggesting that no true benefit can come from such wrongdoing.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of justice and the consequences of shedding innocent blood.
📖 Bava Metzia 85b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the ethical behavior of Yehuda and his brothers, emphasizing the moral lesson against harming others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yehuda mean by 'What profit is it if we slay our brother' in Genesis 37:26?
A: Yehuda is questioning the moral and practical consequences of killing their brother Yosef. Rashi explains that Yehuda was pointing out that there would be no tangible benefit (בֶּצַע) from committing such a sin, and it would only bring guilt upon them. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:16) adds that Yehuda was the first to speak up because he had a sense of responsibility, foreshadowing his future leadership role.
Q: Why did Yehuda suggest selling Yosef instead of killing him?
A: According to Ramban (Nachmanides), Yehuda proposed selling Yosef as a compromise to prevent his brothers from committing murder. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) teaches that avoiding bloodshed is a fundamental principle in Judaism. Yehuda recognized that selling Yosef would remove him as a perceived threat while avoiding the severe sin of fratricide.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's words in this verse?
A: Yehuda's intervention teaches the importance of speaking up against wrongdoing, even when it's difficult. The Sages (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayeshev 8) highlight that Yehuda's leadership began here—he took responsibility to redirect his brothers from a grave sin. This underscores the Jewish value of מוסר (moral correction) and the duty to prevent harm.
Q: How does the phrase 'conceal his blood' relate to Jewish law?
A: The Torah (Genesis 9:6) prohibits murder and considers bloodshed a defilement of the earth. Rashi notes that 'concealing his blood' implies hiding the crime, which would compound their guilt. Jewish law (Sanhedrin 37a) emphasizes the sanctity of life and the gravity of shedding innocent blood, making Yehuda’s argument a halachic (legal) and ethical warning.
Q: Why is this moment significant in Yehuda's personal growth?
A: This episode marks a turning point for Yehuda, who later becomes the ancestor of the Davidic dynasty. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 85:4) connects his moral awakening here to his future repentance after the incident with Tamar. Yehuda’s ability to rethink his actions and take responsibility (as seen in this verse) lays the foundation for his role as a leader in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people).