۞ Verily in the story of Joseph and his brothers there are many signs for those who inquire (about the truth). 7 They said: 'Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than ourselves, even though we are many. Truly, our father is obviously wrong. 8 Therefore, let us put Joseph to death or cast him away to some [far-off] land, so that our father's attention should turn only to us, and you can thereafter become a righteous people." 9 One of them said: 'No, do not kill Joseph, if you do anything, cast him into a dark pit, a traveler will pick him up' 10 They said, "O our father, why do you not entrust us with Joseph while indeed, we are to him sincere counselors? 11 Send him with us tomorrow to frolic and play. We will look after him' 12 [Jacob] answered: "Behold, it grieves me indeed [to think] that you might take him with you, for I dread lest the wolf devour him at a moment when you are heedless of him!" 13 They said, "If a wolf should eat him while we are a [strong] clan, indeed, we would then be losers." 14 So when they took him away, and resolved to place him in the bottom of the well, We revealed unto him: surely thou wilt declare unto them this their affair, while they shall perceive not. 15 And at nightfall they came to their father, weeping, 16 They said: 'We went racing and left Joseph with our things. The wolf devoured him, but you will not believe us, though we speak the truth' 17 And they came with false blood on his shirt. He said: Nay, but your minds have beguiled you into something. (My course is) comely patience. And Allah it is Whose help is to be sought in that (predicament) which ye describe. 18 Thereafter travelers came, and sent their waterman. And when he had let down his pail, (he cried:) 'Rejoice, a boy' Then they concealed him among their merchandise, but Allah knew what they did. 19 In selling him they asked for a very small price and even then no one wanted to buy him. 20