Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. New Living Translation “Why should we shed any blood? Let’s just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he’ll die without our laying a hand on him.” Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. English Standard Version And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father. Berean Standard Bible “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. Berean Literal Bible Reuben said to them, “Do not shed blood; cast him into this pit, which is in the wilderness. And do not stretch out a hand against him,”—that he might deliver him out of their hand to return him to his father. King James Bible And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. New King James Version And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. New American Standard Bible Then Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—so that later he might rescue him out of their hands, to return him to his father. NASB 1995 Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him"— that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father. NASB 1977 Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father. Legacy Standard Bible Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not put forth your hands against him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands to return him to his father. Amplified Bible Reuben said to them, “Do not shed his blood, but [instead] throw him [alive] into the pit that is here in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him [to kill him]”—[he said this so] that he could rescue him from them and return him [safely] to his father. Berean Annotated Bible “Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him. Reuben (behold a son) said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father. Christian Standard Bible Reuben also said to them, “Don’t shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him”—intending to rescue him from them and return him to his father. Holman Christian Standard Bible Reuben also said to them, “Don’t shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him"—intending to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father. American Standard Version And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood; cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him: that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. Contemporary English Version "Don't murder him or even harm him. Just throw him into a well out here in the desert." Reuben planned to rescue Joseph later and take him back to his father. English Revised Version And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood; cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him: that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Let's not have any bloodshed. Put him into that cistern that's out in the desert, but don't hurt him." Reuben wanted to rescue Joseph from them and bring him back to his father. Good News Translation "Just throw him into this well in the wilderness, but don't hurt him." He said this, planning to save him from them and send him back to his father. International Standard Version Reuben told them. "And no blood shedding, either. Instead, let's toss him into this cistern that's way out here in the wilderness. But don't lay a hand on him." (Reuben intended to free Joseph and return him to his father.) NET Bible Reuben continued, "Don't shed blood! Throw him into this cistern that is here in the wilderness, but don't lay a hand on him." (Reuben said this so he could rescue Joseph from them and take him back to his father.) New Heart English Bible Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him"—that he might deliver him out of their hands, to restore him to his father. Webster's Bible Translation And Reuben said to them, Shed no blood; cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might deliver him from their hands, to bring him back to his father. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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. World English Bible Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Reuben says to them, “Shed no blood; cast him into this pit which [is] in the wilderness, and do not put forth a hand on him,” in order to deliver him out of their hand, to bring him back to his father. Berean Literal Bible Reuben said to them, “Do not shed blood; cast him into this pit, which is in the wilderness. And do not stretch out a hand against him,”—that he might deliver him out of their hand to return him to his father. Young's Literal Translation and Reuben saith unto them, 'Shed no blood; cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and put not forth a hand upon him,' -- in order to deliver him out of their hand, to bring him back unto his father. Smith's Literal Translation And Reuben will say to them, Ye shall not pour out blood; cast him into this pit which is in the desert, and ye shall not stretch forth the hand upon him; in order to take him away out of their hands to bring him back to his father. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDo not take away his life, nor shed his blood: but cast him into this pit, that is in the wilderness, and keep your hands harmless: now he said this, being desirous to deliver him out of their hands and to restore him to his father. Catholic Public Domain Version “Do not take away his life, nor shed blood. But throw him into this cistern, which is in the wilderness, and so keep your hands harmless.” But he said this, wanting to rescue him from their hands, so as to return him to his father. New American Bible Then Reuben said, “Do not shed blood! Throw him into this cistern in the wilderness; but do not lay a hand on him.” His purpose was to save him from their hands and restore him to his father. New Revised Standard Version Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Reuben said to them, Shed no blood; throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not harm him; that he might deliver him from their hands, and bring him back to his father. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Rubyl said to them, “You shall not shed blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness and do not stretch a hand against him”, so that he would save him from their hands and return him to his father. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Reuben said unto them: 'Shed no blood; cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him'--that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Ruben said to them, Shed not blood; cast him into one of these pits in the wilderness, but do not lay your hands upon him; that he might rescue him out of their hands, and restore him to his father. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph Sold by His Brothers…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 “Do not shed his blood. Deuteronomy 19:10 Thus innocent blood will not be shed in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed. Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, Jeremiah 38:6 So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. Zechariah 9:11 As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Psalm 40:2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. but do not lay a hand on him.” Genesis 22:12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands Psalm 82:4 Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. Jeremiah 15:21 I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. / If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? and return him to his father. Genesis 42:37 Then Reuben said to his father, “You may kill my two sons if I fail to bring him back to you. Put him in my care, and I will return him.” Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 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!” Treasury of Scripture And Reuben said to them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand on him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. Reuben said. Genesis 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. Shed. Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. lay. Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Exodus 24:11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. Deuteronomy 13:9 But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. Jump to Previous Blood Cast Cistern Death Deliver Desert Forth Further Hand Hands Holes Lay Pit Placed Purpose Rescue Restore Reuben Rid Safe Shed Throw Violent WildernessJump to Next Blood Cast Cistern Death Deliver Desert Forth Further Hand Hands Holes Lay Pit Placed Purpose Rescue Restore Reuben Rid Safe Shed Throw Violent WildernessGenesis 37 1. Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.5. His dreams and the interpretation. 12. Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him. 21. At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit; 25. and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; 29. while Ruben grieves at not finding him. 31. His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately. 36. Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar. Do not shed his blood. Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, intervenes to prevent his brothers from killing Joseph. This phrase reflects the biblical principle of the sanctity of life, as seen in Genesis 9:6, where God establishes the value of human life. Reuben's suggestion aligns with the moral law against murder, which is later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13). 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenThe eldest son of Jacob, who intervenes to prevent his brothers from killing Joseph. His intention is to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father, Jacob. 2. Joseph The favored son of Jacob, who is envied by his brothers due to his dreams and his father's favoritism. He is the target of his brothers' plot. 3. The Brothers The sons of Jacob, who are envious and hostile towards Joseph. They conspire to harm him but are persuaded by Reuben to throw him into a pit instead of killing him. 4. The Pit A cistern or dry well in the wilderness where Joseph is thrown. It symbolizes a place of abandonment and despair. 5. The Wilderness The desolate area where the brothers plot against Joseph, representing isolation and danger. Teaching Points The Role of ConscienceReuben's intervention shows the importance of listening to one's conscience and taking a stand against wrongdoing, even when it is unpopular. God's Sovereignty in Adversity Joseph's account reminds us that God can use difficult circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt. The Power of Intentions Reuben's intention to save Joseph highlights the significance of our motives and how they can influence our actions and decisions. Family Dynamics and Responsibility Reuben's actions reflect the complexities of family relationships and the responsibility of the eldest sibling to protect and guide. The Consequences of Envy The brothers' envy leads to destructive actions, teaching us to guard our hearts against jealousy and its potential to harm others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 37:22?2. How does Reuben's suggestion in Genesis 37:22 demonstrate his leadership qualities? 3. What does Genesis 37:22 reveal about Reuben's intentions toward Joseph's well-being? 4. How can Reuben's actions in Genesis 37:22 inspire us to protect others today? 5. Compare Reuben's plan in Genesis 37:22 with other biblical examples of peacemaking. 6. How does Genesis 37:22 encourage us to intervene in situations of potential harm? 7. Why did Reuben suggest not killing Joseph in Genesis 37:22? 8. How does Genesis 37:22 reflect Reuben's character and leadership? 9. What theological significance does Reuben's intervention hold in Genesis 37:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37? 11. Who was Reuben in the Bible? 12. (Genesis 37:25-28) How plausible is it that Midianites and Ishmaelites are used interchangeably here without creating confusion about who purchased Joseph? 13. Psalm 40:2 - How can we reconcile the 'pit of destruction' metaphor with a literal historical event or location, given the lack of evidence for David's confinement in such a pit? 14. What are examples of miracles in the Bible? What Does Genesis 37:22 Mean Do not shed his bloodReuben’s first words set a firm boundary: no murder. • This echoes the sacred value of life established after the Flood (Genesis 9:6) and later codified in the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13). • Despite family jealousy, Reuben recognizes that taking Joseph’s life would be sin against both God and their father (cf. Genesis 42:22, where Reuben later reminds his brothers of this moment). • By speaking up, Reuben demonstrates that even in a hostile environment a single voice for righteousness can restrain evil (Proverbs 24:11–12; James 4:17). Throw him into this pit in the wilderness Reuben proposes a non-lethal alternative. • The dry cistern serves as a temporary holding place, buying time without violating God’s prohibition against murder. • Choosing the wilderness reduces the chance of passers-by intervening, giving Reuben a window to act later (Psalm 37:7). • His plan illustrates godly wisdom that seeks to de-escalate violence while preserving life (Proverbs 15:1; Romans 12:18). but do not lay a hand on him He tightens the restriction: no further harm. • Reuben understands that anger can escalate; he pre-empts additional violence (Ephesians 4:26–27). • Joseph must remain physically intact so he can be restored to his father, honoring the family line through which God’s covenant promises flow (Genesis 28:13–15). • This phrase underlines personal accountability—Reuben holds the brothers directly responsible if any injury occurs (Genesis 37:29–30). Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father Here Moses, the narrator, reveals Reuben’s motive. • Reuben’s intent is rescue, not mere delay; he plans to reverse the injustice (Proverbs 24:11). • Returning Joseph to Jacob preserves the favored son and protects Jacob from heartbreaking loss—foreshadowing God’s larger preservation of the nation through Joseph (Genesis 45:5–7). • Though the brothers meant evil, God begins weaving a redemptive thread even at this early stage (Romans 8:28). summary Genesis 37:22 shows Reuben standing in the gap: valuing life, restraining sin, and positioning himself to deliver Joseph. His actions remind us that God often works through imperfect people who nevertheless choose righteousness, setting in motion a plan that will ultimately safeguard His covenant purposes. (22) Into this pit that is in the wilderness.--Reuben apparently pointed to some cistern in the desolate region which girds the little valley of Dothan around. We learn from Genesis 42:21 that Joseph begged hard for mercy, and to be spared so painful a death, but that his brothers would not hear.Though never represented in the Scriptures as a type of Christ, yet the whole of the Old Testament is so full of events and histories, which reappear in the Gospel narrative, that the Fathers have never hesitated in regarding Joseph, the innocent delivered to death, but raised thence to glory, as especially typifying to us our Lord. Pascal (Pensees, 2:9. 2) sums up the points of resemblance--in his father's love for him, his being sent to see after the peace of his brethren, their conspiring against him, his being sold for twenty pieces of silver, his rising from his humiliation to be the lord and saviour of those who had wronged him; and with them the saviour also of the world. As too, he was in prison with two malefactors, so was our Lord crucified between two thieves and as one of these was saved and one left to his condemnation, so Joseph gave deliverance to the chief butler, but to the chief baker punishment. It would be easy to point out other resemblances, but, leaving these, it is important also to notice that Joseph's history is likewise a vindication of God's providential dealings with men. He is innocent, and pure in life, but wronged again and again; yet every wrong was but a step in the pathway of his exaltation. And like the histories of all great lives, Joseph's adventures do not begin and end in himself. Upon him depended a great future. Noble minds care little for personal suffering, if from their pain springs amelioration for the world. Now Joseph's descent into Egypt was: not only for the good and preservation of the people there, but was also an essential condition for the formation of the Jewish Church. In Egypt alone could Israel have multiplied into a nation fit to be the depositaries of God's law, and to grow into a church of prophets. Hebrew “Do not shedתִּשְׁפְּכוּ־ (tiš·pə·ḵū-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out [his] blood. דָם֒ (ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed Throw הַשְׁלִ֣יכוּ (haš·lî·ḵū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7993: To throw out, down, away him into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that pit הַבּ֤וֹר (hab·bō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 953: A pit, cistern, well in the wilderness, בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech but do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not lay תִּשְׁלְחוּ־ (tiš·lə·ḥū-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out a hand וְיָ֖ד (wə·yāḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3027: A hand on him.” ב֑וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew Reuben רְאוּבֵן֮ (rə·’ū·ḇên) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc said this וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say so that לְמַ֗עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent he could rescue הַצִּ֤יל (haṣ·ṣîl) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver [Joseph] אֹתוֹ֙ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case from their hands מִיָּדָ֔ם (mî·yā·ḏām) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3027: A hand and return לַהֲשִׁיב֖וֹ (la·hă·šî·ḇōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again him to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to his father. אָבִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father Links Genesis 37:22 NIVGenesis 37:22 NLT Genesis 37:22 ESV Genesis 37:22 NASB Genesis 37:22 KJV Genesis 37:22 BibleApps.com Genesis 37:22 Biblia Paralela Genesis 37:22 Chinese Bible Genesis 37:22 French Bible Genesis 37:22 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 37:22 Reuben said to them Shed no blood (Gen. 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