Genesis 37:21

KJV

And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Reuben {H7205} heard {H8085} it, and he delivered {H5337} him out of their hands {H3027}; and said {H559}, Let us not kill {H5221}{H5315} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Re'uven heard this, he saved him from being destroyed by them. He said, "We shouldn't take his life.

Berean Standard Bible

When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said.

American Standard Version

And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:21 marks a pivotal turn in the unfolding drama of Joseph and his brothers, highlighting Reuben's crucial intervention that prevented outright fratricide. Amidst the brothers' profound jealousy and murderous intent, Reuben stepped in to rescue Joseph from immediate death, subtly redirecting the course of events and setting the stage for God's sovereign and redemptive plan to unfold, ultimately preserving the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Joseph, immediately following the climax of his brothers' intense hatred. Driven by deep-seated envy over [Jacob's evident favoritism](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Undisguised Favoritism for Joseph") and Joseph's provocative dreams ([Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's First Dream of Dominance"), [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's Second Dream of Exaltation")), the brothers had initially conspired to murder him, declaring, "Come now therefore, and let us slay him" ([Genesis 37:19-20](/genesis/37-19-20 "The Brothers' Murderous Plot")). Their sinister plan was to dispose of Joseph and fabricate a story for their father, Jacob. It is precisely at this dark moment, on the precipice of a heinous act, that Reuben, the eldest son, intervenes, introducing a flicker of conscience and a strategic counter-proposal amidst their destructive intentions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, the eldest son, like Reuben, held significant responsibility and authority, often acting as a mediator or protector within the family unit. Fratricide, while tragically present in early biblical narratives (e.g., [Cain and Abel](/genesis/4-8 "Cain Murders Abel")), was an abhorrent crime that would bring immense shame and divine judgment upon a family. Reuben's position as firstborn would have burdened him with the responsibility for the family's honor and the well-being of his siblings, even those he might resent. Furthermore, the nomadic lifestyle of Jacob's family meant that such a crime could be easily concealed in the wilderness, yet the moral implications remained severe, impacting the family's standing and their relationship with God. Reuben's intervention, therefore, can be seen as an attempt to uphold a semblance of moral order and prevent a sin of immense gravity within the family.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God can orchestrate His purposes even through human sin and imperfect actions. Reuben's flawed intervention, though not fully preventing Joseph's suffering, was a crucial link in God's plan to bring Joseph to Egypt, ultimately preserving the family of Israel from famine ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Life")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Destructive Power of Envy and Sibling Rivalry**, a recurring motif in Genesis, from Cain and Abel to Jacob and Esau. The brothers' hatred for Joseph, fueled by jealousy, reveals the corrupting nature of sin. Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Conscience and Moral Responsibility**, as Reuben, despite his own moral failings (as seen in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Reuben's Transgression with Bilhah")), still possesses enough moral compass to recoil from outright murder, underscoring the innate human awareness of right and wrong.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This term (H3027) refers to the "hand," often signifying power, authority, or means. In this context, "out of their hands" implies being rescued from their grasp, control, or the destructive power they intended to wield. It emphasizes Reuben's act of extracting Joseph from the immediate physical threat posed by his brothers' murderous intentions. The phrase vividly portrays the brothers' readiness to inflict harm and Reuben's decisive action to counteract that power.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** The verb (H5337) means "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to preserve." It denotes an active, forceful removal from danger or from the possession of another. Reuben's action was not passive; he actively "snatched" Joseph from the clutches of his brothers' murderous plot. While his deliverance was not absolute (Joseph was still sold), this word highlights the immediate and critical rescue from death that Reuben accomplished.
* **Kill (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (H5221) means "to strike," often with the implication of inflicting a fatal blow, leading to "slaughter" or "slaying." Coupled with the implied object "him" (referring to Joseph's _nephesh_ or life/soul, H5315), it underscores the ultimate and irreversible act of murder that Reuben sought to prevent. His plea, "Let us not kill him," directly addresses the most heinous aspect of their conspiracy, aiming to avert the shedding of his brother's blood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Reuben heard [it]":** This clause signifies Reuben's awareness of his brothers' murderous plot, indicating that he was either present for the conspiracy or overheard their intentions. As the eldest, his hearing carried significant weight, implying a responsibility to respond. His immediate reaction suggests a moral awakening or a strategic calculation upon learning of their extreme plan.
* **"and he delivered him out of their hands":** This is the core action of the verse. Reuben actively intervened, not merely by speaking, but by initiating a process of rescue. The phrase "out of their hands" emphasizes Joseph's immediate peril and Reuben's success in removing him from the direct threat of physical violence or death at the hands of his brothers. This act of "delivering" sets him apart from the others' malevolent intent.
* **"and said":** This simple phrase introduces Reuben's verbal intervention, indicating that his deliverance was not silent but accompanied by an explicit command or plea. It transitions from his physical action of separating Joseph from the immediate threat to his verbal persuasion of his brothers.
* **"Let us not kill him":** This is Reuben's direct and urgent appeal, revealing his primary objective: to prevent fratricide. While he did not advocate for Joseph's complete freedom or safety, his immediate concern was to avert the ultimate sin of murder. This statement serves as a crucial turning point, mitigating the brothers' initial, more extreme intent and setting the stage for a less severe, yet still cruel, alternative.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 37:21 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. **Characterization** is evident in Reuben's portrayal. As the eldest, his intervention reveals a complex, morally ambiguous character. While he prevents murder, his actions are not fully righteous, as he later allows Joseph to be sold into slavery, perhaps hoping to retrieve him later ([Genesis 37:22](/genesis/37-22 "Reuben's Plan to Save Joseph")). This highlights his flawed but still conscience-driven nature. The narrative also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the brothers believe they are eliminating Joseph and thwarting his dreams, yet Reuben's intervention, though imperfect, is a crucial step in God's sovereign plan to exalt Joseph and save their family. The reader is aware of God's larger purposes, while the characters remain largely oblivious to the ultimate outcome of their actions. Furthermore, the scene presents a **Turning Point** in the narrative, shifting the trajectory from certain death to a prolonged period of suffering and eventual exaltation for Joseph, demonstrating how a single act of intervention can profoundly alter destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:21 profoundly illustrates the intricate interplay between human agency and divine providence. While the brothers' actions are driven by sinful envy and hatred, Reuben's intervention, though imperfect and motivated by a mix of conscience and perhaps self-preservation, becomes a crucial link in God's overarching plan. This moment demonstrates God's ability to redeem even the darkest human intentions and turn them towards His redemptive purposes. The prevention of fratricide, while leading to Joseph's enslavement, ultimately sets the stage for his rise to power in Egypt, his preservation of his family during famine, and the eventual fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This narrative powerfully underscores that God remains sovereign, weaving together human choices—both good and evil—to accomplish His ultimate will, transforming what was intended for evil into good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Life")).

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Life")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:21 offers several pertinent lessons for believers today. Reuben's act, however flawed, reminds us of the importance of speaking up against injustice and evil, even when it is unpopular or difficult. His intervention, though not a complete rescue, prevented the ultimate sin of murder and significantly altered the trajectory of Joseph's life, and by extension, the future of Israel. This underscores the potential power of one dissenting voice to mitigate destructive paths and stand against the tide of collective wrongdoing. We are called to be courageous, to act on our conscience, and to be agents of restraint and mercy in a world often consumed by malice. Ultimately, this narrative powerfully illustrates that God remains sovereign and in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate plan for His people, even through moments of great sin, betrayal, and imperfect human responses. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you witnessed or been part of a situation where a single voice of dissent prevented a greater wrong?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to speak up against injustice, even if your intervention is imperfect or incomplete?**
* **How does Reuben's flawed act of compassion encourage you to act, even when you feel ill-equipped or unable to achieve a perfect outcome?**

### FAQ

**Why did Reuben intervene to save Joseph's life?**

Answer: Reuben, as the eldest son, likely felt a profound sense of responsibility and a flicker of conscience. His primary motivation, as revealed in [Genesis 37:22](/genesis/37-22 "Reuben's Plan to Save Joseph"), was to prevent the heinous act of fratricide within the family. He intended to later return Joseph to their father, Jacob, thereby avoiding the ultimate sin of murder and potentially preserving his own standing and the family's honor.

**Was Reuben's intervention a truly righteous act?**

Answer: Reuben's act was complex and ultimately incomplete. While he successfully prevented the immediate murder of Joseph, he did not fully protect him from his brothers' cruelty, allowing him to be sold into slavery. Therefore, it was not a perfectly righteous act, but it was a crucial step that mitigated a greater evil and demonstrated a conscience, serving as a vital link in God's providential plan. His later regret in [Genesis 42:22](/genesis/42-22 "Reuben's Later Regret") shows his awareness of his partial failure.

**How does this event demonstrate God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This event powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty by showing how He can use even the wicked intentions of humans (the brothers' hatred and betrayal) and imperfect human actions (Reuben's flawed intervention) to accomplish His divine purposes. Joseph's journey to Egypt, initiated by this betrayal, was ultimately God's means to preserve the nascent nation of Israel during a severe famine and fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating His ability to turn evil for good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Reuben's imperfect intervention, which saved Joseph from immediate death but not from suffering and betrayal, powerfully foreshadows the greater divine plan of salvation orchestrated through Jesus Christ. Joseph, though innocent, suffered immensely at the hands of his own brethren, was sold for a price (twenty shekels of silver, [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold to the Ishmaelites")), and descended into a foreign land, yet was ultimately exalted to a position of power to save his family and countless others from famine. This narrative parallels Christ, who, though utterly innocent, was betrayed by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Rejected by His Own")), sold for a price ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")), suffered death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")), and was resurrected and exalted to the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Jesus Exalted at God's Right Hand")). Just as Joseph’s suffering brought about the physical preservation of his family, Christ's suffering and sacrifice brought about the eternal salvation and spiritual preservation of all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated")), demonstrating God's ultimate ability to turn the darkest human evils—betrayal, hatred, and murder—into the greatest redemptive good for humanity ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "Christ Bore Our Sins")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Genesis 9:5

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Joshua 10:28

¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: