Definition: And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, [and] captain of the guard.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 37:36. It’s a really important part of understanding how Jacob’s life gets complicated and leads to some serious consequences. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jacob was sold into slavery by his brother, Esau, to the Midianites. Let’s unpack that: “Genesis 37:36” : This is a specific passage from the Book of Genesis. “And the Midianites…” : The Midianites are a group of people living in a region south of Egypt. They were known for being somewhat isolated and secretive. “…sold him into Egypt…” : This means they bought Jacob, who was still young and relatively inexperienced, to work for Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. “unto Potiphar…” : This is a fancy word for “officer.” It’s someone in charge of a large group or organization. “…an officer of Pharaoh's…” : This clarifies who Potiphar was – he was a high-ranking official in Egypt. “[and] captain of the guard” : This is the most crucial part! Potiphar hired Jacob to be his bodyguard and guard for him. So, what’s happening? Jacob was essentially enslaved. He was forced to work for this Midianite group, and they treated him poorly. It sets up a major conflict that will unfold later in the Bible – a conflict that ultimately leads to Jacob's downfall. Why is this significant? This verse is a foundational story in the Old Testament because it highlights: Betrayal: Jacob’s brother, Esau, shows his manipulative side by selling him into slavery. The beginning of a difficult journey: It marks the start of a long and challenging period for Jacob, leading to many trials and tribulations. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, or would you like to know how this verse connects to other parts of the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story – why is this happening in the first place? What the Midianites might have been doing?