Genesis 37:24

And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit [was] empty, [there was] no water in it.

And they took {H3947} him, and cast {H7993} him into a pit {H953}: and the pit {H953} was empty {H7386}, there was no water {H4325} in it.

and took him and threw him into the cistern (the cistern was empty; without any water in it).

and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, with no water in it.

and they took him, and cast him into the pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

Commentary

Genesis 37:24 describes a pivotal moment in the life of young Joseph, as his jealous brothers carry out their cruel plan against him. This verse highlights the immediate danger Joseph faced and the specific conditions of his confinement, setting the stage for his remarkable journey.

Context

This verse follows the intense betrayal of Joseph by his ten older brothers. Having been sent by their father Jacob to check on them, Joseph's arrival in Dothan ignited their long-simmering hatred, particularly fueled by his prophetic dreams and Jacob's favoritism, symbolized by the coat of many colors. Their initial plot was to kill him and throw him into a pit, then lie to their father about a wild beast. However, Reuben, the eldest, intervened to save Joseph's life, suggesting they merely cast him into a pit instead of shedding his blood, with the intention of later rescuing him. This "pit" was likely a dry cistern, a common feature in the arid landscape for collecting rainwater, but now empty.

Key Themes

  • Betrayal and Jealousy: The brothers' actions are a stark illustration of the destructive power of envy and sibling rivalry. Their hatred was so deep that they contemplated murder, settling instead for abandonment in a desolate place.
  • Divine Preservation: The detail "the pit was empty, there was no water in it" is highly significant. Had there been water, Joseph might have drowned, ending the narrative prematurely. This specific detail hints at God's providential hand protecting Joseph, even amidst human malice, ensuring his survival for a greater purpose.
  • Beginning of Suffering: This moment marks the start of Joseph's long period of suffering, separation, and exile. It is a foundational event that shapes his character and prepares him for the future leadership role God had ordained.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word used for "pit" is bor (Χ‘ΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧ¨), which can refer to a cistern, well, or dungeon. The KJV's emphasis "and the pit [was] empty, [there was] no water in it" clarifies its dry, desolate state. This distinguishes it from a living well and emphasizes that while it was a place of confinement and despair, it was not immediately life-threatening through drowning, underscoring the subtle divine intervention.

Significance and Application

Genesis 37:24 teaches us several important lessons:

  • God's Presence in Adversity: Even when we face profound betrayal or are cast into seemingly hopeless situations, God is present and at work. Just as He ensured the pit was empty for Joseph, He can orchestrate circumstances for our protection and ultimate good.
  • The Destructive Nature of Envy: The story serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of jealousy and hatred within families and communities. It reminds us of the importance of addressing such negative emotions before they lead to destructive actions.
  • Preparation Through Suffering: Joseph's time in the pit, and subsequent trials, were part of God's plan to prepare him for leadership and to save his family and many others from famine. Our own difficult experiences, when surrendered to God, can be used for His purposes and our growth.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 38:6

    Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

  • Psalms 130:1

    ΒΆ A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

  • Psalms 130:2

    Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

  • Zechariah 9:11

    As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.

  • Psalms 88:8

    Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

  • Psalms 35:7

    For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

  • Psalms 40:2

    He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.
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