Genesis 37:29
Genesis 37:29 in Multiple Translations
When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
¶ And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
Now when Reuben came back to the hole, Joseph was not there; and giving signs of grief,
When Reuben came back later and looked into the pit, Joseph was gone. He tore his clothes in grief.
Afterwarde Reuben returned to the pit, and beholde, Ioseph was not in the pit: then he rent his clothes,
And Reuben returneth unto the pit, and lo, Joseph is not in the pit, and he rendeth his garments,
Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
And Reuben returned to the pit; and behold, Joseph was not in the pit: and he rent his clothes.
And Ruben, returning to the pit, found not the boy:
When Reuben returned to the pit/cistern, he saw that his younger brother was not there. He was so grieved that he tore his clothes.
Joseph’s brother Reuben was somewhere else, so he didn’t see his brothers sell Joseph to that Midian mob. He thought that Joseph was still in that hole in the ground. And Reuben wanted to save Joseph, so he went to that hole to get him out. But he saw that Joseph wasn’t in that hole any more, and he got really upset. He was so upset that he tore his clothes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:29
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 37:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
רְאוּבֵן֙
אֶל
הַ/בּ֔וֹר
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
אֵין
יוֹסֵ֖ף
בַּ/בּ֑וֹר
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
אֶת
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רְאוּבֵן֙
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/בּ֔וֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בַּ/בּ֑וֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:29
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
רְאוּבֵן֙
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/בּ֔וֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בַּ/בּ֑וֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
וַ/יִּקְרַ֖ע
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּגָדָֽי/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:29
- Sermons on Genesis 37:29
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed.
28So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
30returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” 31Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 1:20 | Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, |
| 2 | Genesis 37:34 | Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. |
| 3 | Genesis 44:13 | Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city. |
| 4 | Numbers 14:6 | Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes |
| 5 | 2 Kings 19:1 | On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. |
| 6 | Judges 11:35 | As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” |
| 7 | Genesis 34:13 | But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully. |
| 8 | Joel 2:13 | So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. |
| 9 | Acts 14:14 | But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, |
Genesis 37:29 Summary
[Genesis 37:29 tells us that when Reuben returned to the pit and found Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes in distress. This shows how much Reuben cared about Joseph and was worried about what might have happened to him. Reuben's actions remind us of the importance of taking responsibility and acting with compassion towards others, as seen in Proverbs 24:11-12. By reflecting on Reuben's story, we can learn valuable lessons about timely action, empathy, and the need to prioritize the well-being of those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Reuben tear his clothes when he found Joseph was not in the pit?
Reuben tore his clothes as a sign of distress and grief, indicating that he was deeply upset by Joseph's absence, as seen in Genesis 37:29. This action was a common expression of mourning in biblical times, also seen in Job 1:20 and Jeremiah 36:24.
What had Reuben planned to do with Joseph when he returned to the pit?
Although the Bible does not explicitly state Reuben's intentions, it can be inferred that he planned to rescue Joseph from the pit, as he had suggested not laying a hand on him in Genesis 37:27.
How did Reuben's actions compare to those of his brothers?
Unlike his brothers, who had sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, Reuben had wanted to spare Joseph's life, as seen in Genesis 37:27. However, his delay in returning to the pit ultimately led to Joseph being taken away.
What can we learn from Reuben's failure to act quickly to save Joseph?
Reuben's story teaches us the importance of timely action and responsibility, as seen in Proverbs 27:1 and James 4:17. If Reuben had acted sooner, the course of events might have been different, and Joseph's fate might have been altered.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have felt a sense of distress or grief, like Reuben, and how did I respond?
- How can I apply the lesson of Reuben's delay to my own life, and what actions can I take to fulfill my responsibilities and act with timely obedience?
- In what ways can I, like Reuben, work to protect and care for those around me, especially those who are vulnerable or Vessel of God?
- What can I learn from Reuben's emotional response to Joseph's absence, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:29
And Reuben returned unto the pit,.... It is very probable he had pretended to go somewhere on business, with an intention to take a circuit, and come to the pit and deliver his brother, and go home with him to his father.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:29
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. Reuben returned unto the pit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
Reuben returned unto the pit, that, according to his brethren’ s order, , he might take him thence and sell him. He rent his clothes, as the manner was upon doleful occurrences. See below, 2:12.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph [was] not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.Ver. 29. He rent his clothes.] In token of extreme passion. A custom in use also among some heathens.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
(29) Reuben returned.—Evidently he was not present when Joseph was sold to the Midianites. This has been made into a difficulty, but really it confirms the truth of the narrative. For the difficulty arises solely from the supposition that Joseph’s brethren immediately after casting him into the pit “sat down to eat bread,” an act well described as most cold-blooded. But they were not actually guilty of it; for what the narrative says is that they were having their evening meal when the caravan came in sight. Reuben, between the casting of Joseph into the pit and the evening meal, had apparently gone a long round to fetch in the more distant cattle, and probably had remained away as long as possible, in order to feel sure that his brethren would on his return be at their dinner. He hoped thus to be able to go alone to the cistern, and rescue Joseph, and send him away home before the rest could interfere. Thus rightly understood, it is a proof of the trustworthiness of the history.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:29
Verse 29. Reuben returned unto the pit] It appears he was absent when the caravan passed by, to whom the other brethren had sold Joseph.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:29
29. And Reuben] Reuben returning to “the pit” finds it empty. The Midianites had carried off the lad. Reuben’s distress reveals his purpose to his brethren. Clearly this is a different picture from that of the sale of Joseph to the Ishmaelites.
Sermons on Genesis 37:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Worship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship, highlighting the significance of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It explores the concept of worship from the beginning |
|
Job - Part 1 by John Piper | John Piper explores the profound trial of Job as he grapples with the heart-wrenching possibility of sacrificing his children for the sake of God's greater purpose. Job's deep love |
|
Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part2 by Josef Tson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being falsely accused and interrogated. After six months, the charges were dropped, and the man who had interrogated hi |
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Follow After Righteousness - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness, patience, meekness, and God-likeness, drawing inspiration from the story of Job who remained faithful and did not |
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Meekness by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to des |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 6 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the theme of the captivity of the righteous, drawing lessons from the story of Job. He discusses how God touches three major areas in Job's life: health, |
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The Arrows of the Almighty by Lehman Strauss | Lehman Strauss preaches on the sovereignty of God as demonstrated through the trials of Job. Job's unwavering faith and trust in God despite immense suffering showcase the assuranc |