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.
What does Genesis 37:22 mean?
How readily does Joseph wait his father's orders! Those children who are best beloved by their parents, should be the most ready to obey them.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Genesis 37:20-22 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 37:22
And Reuben said unto them, shed no blood,....
Key words
- Reuben
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And Reuben said unto them, shed no blood,.
- them
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And Reuben said unto them, shed no blood,.
- blood
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And Reuben said unto them, shed no blood,.
Context in Genesis 37
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Genesis 37 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the family line through Isaac and Jacob. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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A guided collection of passages on God’s love, neighbor-love, steadfast covenant love, and the shape of love in Christian life.
A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Glossary
- Reuben Person
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Behold a son!, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah ( Gen. 29:32 ). His sinful conduct, referred to in Gen. 35:22 , brought down upon him his dying father’s malediction (48:4).