Genesis 37:22

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֣ם׀

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְאוּבֵן֮

H7205

And Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

אַל

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִּשְׁפְּכוּ

H8210

unto them Shed

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דָם֒

H1818

no blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַשְׁלִ֣יכוּ

H7993

but cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הַבּ֤וֹר

H953

him into this pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

#11

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר

H4057

that is in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#14

מִיָּדָ֔ם

H3027

him out of their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#15

אַל

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

תִּשְׁלְחוּ

H7971

and lay

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#17

ב֑וֹ

#18

לְמַ֗עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#19

הַצִּ֤יל

H5337

upon him that he might rid

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#20

אֹתוֹ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

מִיָּדָ֔ם

H3027

him out of their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#22

לַֽהֲשִׁיב֖וֹ

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#23

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

אָבִֽיו׃

him to his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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