Genesis 37:21
Genesis 37:21 in Multiple Translations
When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said.
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.
But Reuben, hearing these words, got him out of their hands, saying, Let us not take his life.
When Reuben heard all this, he tried to save Joseph from them.
But when Reuben heard that, he deliuered him out of their handes, and saide, Let vs not kill him.
And Reuben heareth, and delivereth him out of their hand, and saith, 'Let us not smite the life;'
Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, “Let’s not take his life.”
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him from their hands: and said, Let us not kill him.
And Ruben hearing this, endeavoured to deliver him out of their hands, and said:
Reuben heard what they were saying, so he tried to persuade them not to kill [MTY] Joseph. He said, “No, we should not kill him.
But Joseph’s oldest brother Reuben, he heard his brothers say those things, and he wanted to save Joseph. So Reuben said, “No. We can’t kill him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 37:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/הוּ
מִ/יָּדָ֑/ם
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
לֹ֥א
נַכֶּ֖/נּוּ
נָֽפֶשׁ
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/הוּ
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מִ/יָּדָ֑/ם
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נַכֶּ֖/נּוּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-1cp | Suff
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:21
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
רְאוּבֵ֔ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
וַ/יַּצִּלֵ֖/הוּ
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/יָּדָ֑/ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נַכֶּ֖/נּוּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-1cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
- Sermons on Genesis 37:21
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
19“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another.
20“Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”
21When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said.
22“Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:22 | And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” |
| 2 | Genesis 35:22 | While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: |
| 3 | Joshua 10:28 | On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword, along with its king. He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. |
| 4 | Matthew 10:28 | Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. |
| 5 | Genesis 9:5 | And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: |
Genesis 37:21 Summary
[In Genesis 37:21, we see Reuben trying to save his brother Joseph from being hurt by their other brothers. This shows that Reuben had some good in his heart and didn't want to see Joseph harmed. We can learn from Reuben's example by trying to help those who are being treated unfairly, just like we see in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. By showing kindness and compassion, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those around us, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 5:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Reuben try to rescue Joseph from his brothers?
Reuben tried to rescue Joseph because he did not want to see his brother harmed, as seen in Genesis 37:21, and instead suggested throwing him into a pit, as mentioned in Genesis 37:22, to save his life.
What motivated Reuben's decision to intervene?
Reuben's motivation to intervene was likely a mix of mercy and a desire to protect his brother, similar to the compassion shown by the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33, and to return him to their father, as stated in Genesis 37:22.
How does Reuben's action reflect his character?
Reuben's action in Genesis 37:21 shows that he is a complex character with a mix of good and bad qualities, similar to the complexities seen in the character of Peter in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 16:22 and Matthew 26:75.
What can we learn from Reuben's attempt to rescue Joseph?
We can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it's difficult, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-25, and the value of showing compassion and mercy to others, as taught in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 5:7.
Reflection Questions
- What would have happened if Reuben had not intervened, and how would this have affected the story of Joseph?
- How can we apply Reuben's example of showing mercy to our own relationships and interactions with others?
- In what ways can we, like Reuben, try to rescue or help those who are being harmed or treated unfairly?
- What does Reuben's action reveal about the importance of family relationships and loyalty, as emphasized in Genesis 37:22 and other biblical passages?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:21
And Reuben heard [it],.... Overheard what they said, not being in the consultation; perhaps knowing his temper and disposition to be more mild and gentle, and being the elder brother, might fear he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:21
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. When they saw him afar off.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
He delivered him, as to the violent and certain despatch of his life which was intended. Or the act is here put for the purpose and endeavour of doing it, in which sense Balak is said to fight against Israel, , and Abraham to offer up Isaac, . So here, he delivered him, i.e. used his utmost power to deliver him, that so he might recover his father’ s favour lost by his incestuous action.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
Genesis 37:21 And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.Ver. 21. And he delivered him out of their hands.] Josephus relates his arguments, whereby he prevailed with them: as (1.) That God would surely see them; (2.) Their father would extremely grieve at it; (3.) That Joseph was but a child, and their brother; (4.) That they would bring upon themselves the guilt of innocent blood, &c. It was happy they hearkened to him. God would have it so: and he will ever have one Reuben or another, to deliver his. It is not in vain for some one to stand for God and his people against many adverreties. When the Pharisees had destined our Saviour to death, Nicodemus, though he had none in the council to second him, spoke in his behalf, and for that time frustrated their bloody intention. See the like, Jeremiah 26:24.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
Verse 21. Reuben heard it] Though Reuben appears to have been a transgressor of no ordinary magnitude, if we take Genesis 35:22 according to the letter, yet his bosom was not the habitation of cruelly. He determined, if possible, to save his brother from death, and deliver him safely to his father, with whose fondness for him he was sufficiently acquainted. Josephus, in his usual way, puts a long flourishing speech in the mouth of Reuben on the occasion, spoken in order to dissuade his brethren from their barbarous purpose; but as it is totally unfounded, it is worthy of no regard.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:21
21. Reuben] Reuben’s name is probably here substituted by the Compiler (R) for that of Judah. Reuben speaks in Genesis 37:22; and it is unlikely that two consecutive clauses would begin with Reuben speaking. Probably this verse comes from J, and is carried on in Genesis 37:26-27, with Judah’s attempt to rescue Joseph.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:21
21. Reuben — He whom we might expect to be most offended by the princely garment (Genesis 37:3, note) is the readiest to show him favour.
Sermons on Genesis 37:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 34 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the focus is on Jacob and his family, particularly the children of Leah. The speaker highlights the fact that Jacob's family is always full of excitement and events |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
|
Christ in Genesis: Jacob's Pillars by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and the four pillars that make up the testimony of Jesus entrusted to the church. The first pillar is awakening, where indi |
|
12 Real Christian Morals by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its consequences. He shares a personal experience of dealing with similar situations and emphasizes the imp |
|
What Is Real Christianity? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher passionately delivers the gospel of Jesus Christ, urging the listeners to repent and turn to God. He emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, using ex |
|
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. |
|
Against the Flow by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story |