What Plans Did the Brothers Make Against Joseph?
The story of Joseph in Genesis is one of the most dramatic examples of jealousy, family conflict, and God’s providence. Central to this narrative is the moment when Joseph’s brothers, driven by anger and envy, conspired against him. Their plans against Joseph reveal both the depth of their resentment and the unfolding of a larger divine purpose.
1. The Root of Their Plot: Jealousy and Resentment
Before examining the specific plans, it is important to understand the emotional and relational background:
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Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, symbolized by the coat of many colors.
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Joseph shared dreams in which his brothers bowed to him, intensifying their anger.
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Scripture says they “hated him and could not speak to him peaceably” (Genesis 37:4).
This toxic combination of favoritism and perceived arrogance fueled their desire to get rid of him.
2. The First Plan: To Kill Joseph
When Joseph approached them near Dothan, the brothers saw an opportunity. Their initial and most extreme plan was murder.
A. The Proposal
The brothers said:
“Here comes the dreamer! Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits.”
(Genesis 37:19–20)
This plan had two steps:
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Kill Joseph outright—likely by stabbing or violence.
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Hide the evidence by throwing his body into a pit.
B. Motivation
Their reasoning was clear:
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Killing him would end his dreams of ruling over them.
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It would remove the source of their jealousy and bitterness.
3. Reuben’s Intervention: A Plan to Save Joseph
Reuben, the eldest brother, did not agree with killing Joseph. His leadership and conscience prompted a different plan.
A. Reuben’s Proposal
Reuben suggested:
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Do not kill him.
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Throw him alive into a dry pit instead.
He intended to return later, rescue Joseph secretly, and take him back to Jacob.
(Genesis 37:21–22)
B. His Real Motive
Reuben hoped to regain favor with his father after previously losing his father’s trust. Saving Joseph was a way to redeem himself.
4. The Second Violent Plan: To Abandon Joseph in a Pit
The brothers accepted Reuben’s suggestion (not knowing his real intention).
So the next plan was:
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Strip Joseph of his coat—a symbolic act to remove the source of favoritism.
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Throw him into the empty cistern to die slowly from hunger or exposure.
They believed this would ensure Joseph’s death without direct bloodshed.
5. Judah’s Alternative Plan: Sell Joseph Into Slavery
While Joseph was in the pit, something unexpected happened: a caravan of Ishmaelite/Midianite traders approached.
Judah then proposed a new plan:
“What profit is it if we kill our brother? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites.”
(Genesis 37:26–27)
Reasons Behind Judah’s Plan
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It avoided the guilt of shedding blood.
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It allowed them to profit financially.
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It ensured Joseph was gone permanently.
The brothers agreed. Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver.
6. The Final Plan: Deceiving Their Father Jacob
After disposing of Joseph, the brothers still needed to hide the truth. They devised one more plan:
A. Killing a Goat
They slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph’s coat in its blood.
B. Presenting the Coat
They brought the coat to Jacob and said:
“We found this; examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.”
(Genesis 37:32)
C. Letting Jacob Reach the Wrong Conclusion
They never claimed Joseph was dead. Instead, they let Jacob convince himself that:
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A wild animal killed Joseph.
This deception caused Jacob profound grief for many years.
Conclusion: A Series of Sinful Plans Guided by Jealousy
Joseph’s brothers made multiple escalating plans against him:
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Kill him outright.
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Throw him into a pit to die.
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(Reuben’s secret plan to rescue him.)
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Sell him into slavery.
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Deceive their father about his disappearance.
Each plan reflected the emotional turmoil within the family—jealousy, rivalry, fear, and guilt. Yet, despite their harmful intentions, these events ultimately became part of God’s larger plan to raise Joseph to power in Egypt and preserve the family during famine.
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