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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 37:29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_37_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:29 - Joseph Sold by His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/37-29.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/37-29.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 29</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm" title="Genesis 37:28">◄</a> Genesis 37:29 <a href="/genesis/37-30.htm" title="Genesis 37:30">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/37.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Some time later, Reuben returned to get Joseph out of the cistern. When he discovered that Joseph was missing, he tore his clothes in grief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph <i>was</i> not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph <i>was</i> not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Reuben [unaware of what had happened] returned to the pit, and [to his great alarm found that] Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his clothes [in deep sorrow].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the well and did not find Joseph there, he tore his clothes in sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Reuben came back to the cistern and saw that Joseph was no longer there, he tore his clothes in grief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Reuben came back to the well and found that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes in sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, when Reuben returned to the cistern, Joseph wasn't there! In mounting panic, he tore his clothes, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Later Reuben returned to the cistern to find that Joseph was not in it! He tore his clothes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph wasn?t in the cistern; and he tore his clothes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Reuben returned to the pit; and behold, Joseph was not in the pit: and he rent his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Reuben returns to the pit, and behold, Joseph is not in the pit, and he tears his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Reuben returneth unto the pit, and lo, Joseph is not in the pit, and he rendeth his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Reuben turned back to the pit; and behold, Joseph not in the pit: and he rent his garments.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Ruben, returning to the pit, found not the boy: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Reuben, returning to the cistern, did not find the boy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Reuben went back to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not in it, he tore his garments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And then Reuben returned to the pit, and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Rubyl returned to the pit, and behold, Yoseph was not in it, and he ripped his clothes.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Ruben returned to the pit, and sees not Joseph in the pit; and he rent his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/37-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9560" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph Sold by His Brothers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">28</span>So 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. <span class="reftext">29</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">When Reuben</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: hab·bō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">the pit</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">that Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">was not there,</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: bab·bō·wr (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: way·yiq·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">he tore</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: bə·ḡā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">his clothes,</a> </span><span class="reftext">30</span>returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21-22</a></span><br />Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / 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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-13.htm">Genesis 44:13</a></span><br />Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-3.htm">Genesis 45:3</a></span><br />Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Genesis 50:15-17</a></span><br />When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-5</a></span><br />When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17-18</a></span><br />He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Zechariah 12:10</a></span><br />Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a></span><br />When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1-2</a></span><br />I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. / I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17</a></span><br />For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-9.htm">Revelation 18:9-11</a></span><br />Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. / In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” / And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20-21</a></span><br />Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, / saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Reuben returned to the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.</p><p class="hdg">he rent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a></b></br> And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/34-13.htm">Genesis 34:13</a></b></br> And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6</a></b></br> And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, <i>which were</i> of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-24.htm">Cistern</a> <a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-1.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/genesis/30-15.htm">Wasn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/11-36.htm">Cistern</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Hole</a> <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/genesis/37-30.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/genesis/42-22.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Signs</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Wasn't</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/37.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/37.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Reuben returned to the pit</b><br>Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, had initially suggested throwing Joseph into the pit to rescue him later, intending to return him to their father. This reflects Reuben's attempt to assert his leadership and responsibility as the firstborn, despite his previous failings, such as his indiscretion with Bilhah (<a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a>). The pit, likely a cistern, was a common feature in the arid regions of Canaan, used to collect rainwater. This setting underscores the desolation and danger Joseph faced, symbolizing the depths of betrayal by his brothers.<p><b>and saw that Joseph was not there,</b><br>Reuben's discovery that Joseph was missing indicates a significant turning point in the narrative. His absence from the pit foreshadows the unfolding of God's providential plan, despite human intentions. This moment connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt, which was part of God's plan to preserve the Israelites during famine (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>). The absence also highlights the brothers' deceit and the beginning of their guilt and fear, which will later be confronted when they meet Joseph in Egypt.<p><b>he tore his clothes,</b><br>Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief, distress, or repentance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites. This act signifies Reuben's deep anguish and despair over the loss of Joseph, whom he had hoped to save. It also reflects the cultural practices of mourning, seen elsewhere in the Bible, such as when Jacob mourns Joseph (<a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a>) and when Job laments his suffering (<a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a>). Reuben's reaction foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and redemption themes that run throughout Joseph's story, as well as the broader narrative of Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben</a></b><br>The eldest son of Jacob and Leah, Reuben is portrayed as a conflicted character who initially intends to rescue Joseph from his brothers' plot. His tearing of clothes signifies deep distress and mourning.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The favored son of Jacob, Joseph is the victim of his brothers' jealousy. His absence from the pit marks a pivotal moment in the account, leading to his eventual journey to Egypt.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pit.htm">The Pit</a></b><br>A cistern or dry well where Joseph's brothers initially threw him. It symbolizes betrayal and the depths of despair, contrasting with Joseph's later rise to power.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_brothers.htm">The Brothers</a></b><br>The other sons of Jacob, who conspire against Joseph out of jealousy. Their actions set the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Jacob is the father of Reuben and Joseph, whose favoritism towards Joseph fuels the brothers' envy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Reuben's distress is a direct result of the brothers' sinful actions. Sin often leads to unintended consequences and deep regret.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_leadership.htm">The Importance of Leadership</a></b><br>As the eldest, Reuben had a responsibility to lead his brothers wisely. His failure to do so serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/expressions_of_grief.htm">Expressions of Grief</a></b><br>Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of mourning. Understanding cultural expressions of grief can deepen our empathy and compassion for others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a></b><br>Despite the brothers' betrayal, God's plan for Joseph's life unfolds perfectly. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_reuben_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Reuben in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_rip_clothes_in_the_bible.htm">Why did people rip their clothes in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_brought_joseph_to_egypt.htm">Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_sell_joseph_into_slavery.htm">Why did Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) <span class= "bld">Reuben</span> <span class= "bld">returned.</span>--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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 29, 30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Reuben</span> (in whose absence apparently the scheme of sale had been concocted and carried through) <span class="cmt_word">returned to the pit</span> (obviously with a view to deliver Joseph); <span class="cmt_word">and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes</span> - a token of his mingled grief and horror at the discovery (cf. ver. 34; 44:13; <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">2 Samuel 13:31</a>; <a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">2 Kings 18:37</a>; <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child</span> (or young man, as in <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Genesis 4:23</a>, where <span class="hebrew">יֶלֶד</span> in the one hemistich is equivalent to <span class="hebrew">אִישׁ</span> in the other) is not; <span class="cmt_word">and I, whither shall I go</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> however shall I account for his disappearance? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Reuben</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאוּבֵן֙</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤שָׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the pit</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבּ֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit, cistern, well</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that Joseph</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was not there,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵין־</span> <span class="translit">(’ên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he tore</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his clothes,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּגָדָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḡā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:29 Reuben returned to the pit (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:30" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>