Genesis 37:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:24 chronicles the pivotal moment of Joseph's abandonment by his brothers, detailing their cruel act of casting him into a dry pit. This immediate confinement, marked by the absence of water, powerfully underscores both the depth of fraternal betrayal and the subtle yet profound operation of divine preservation, setting the stage for Joseph's arduous journey of suffering, testing, and eventual elevation within God's overarching redemptive plan for his family and the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of the initial confrontation between Joseph and his brothers, immediately following their stripping him of his distinctive tunic in [Genesis 37:23](/genesis/37-23 "Joseph's brothers strip him of his coat"). It marks the fulfillment of their murderous intent, tempered only by Reuben's intervention in [Genesis 37:21-22](/genesis/37-21-22 "Reuben intervenes to save Joseph"). The act of casting Joseph into the pit is a direct precursor to his sale into slavery, as detailed in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph is sold to the Ishmaelites"), which then propels the narrative forward into his experiences in Egypt. The pit itself serves as a symbolic liminal space, a transition point from favored son to abandoned victim, foreshadowing his later descent into prison and subsequent rise to power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the arid regions of the ancient Near East, pits (Hebrew: *bôwr*) were commonly dug as cisterns to collect and store precious rainwater, or sometimes as dry wells. These were typically deep, often bottle-shaped excavations, making escape difficult without assistance. The act of casting someone into such a pit, especially a dry one, was a form of severe punishment or abandonment, intended to leave the victim to die of exposure or starvation, or to be retrieved later. This practice highlights the harsh realities of survival and justice (or injustice) in the period. The brothers' actions reflect a deep-seated cultural animosity often seen in sibling rivalries, exacerbated by Jacob's blatant favoritism, which was culturally understood but often led to significant family strife.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates the **destructive power of sin**, particularly envy and hatred, demonstrating how these emotions can lead to profound acts of betrayal and familial brokenness, as seen in the brothers' animosity towards Joseph, fueled by his dreams and Jacob's favoritism (cf. [Genesis 37:4-8](/genesis/37-4-8 "The brothers' hatred of Joseph")). Simultaneously, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty and providence**, as the pit's emptiness, seemingly a minor detail, proves crucial for Joseph's survival, indicating God's unseen hand at work even amidst human malice (cf. [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's redemptive purpose in Joseph's suffering")). Furthermore, it initiates the theme of **suffering as preparation for purpose**, where Joseph's descent into the pit marks the beginning of a transformative journey through adversity that ultimately prepares him for his role as a deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to take" in a wide variety of applications, encompassing actions like seizing, receiving, or carrying away. In this context, it emphasizes the brothers' deliberate and forceful seizure of Joseph, stripping him of his agency and possessions before the violent act of casting him into the pit. It highlights their collective, decisive action against him.
* **cast (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This verb means "to throw out, down, or away," whether literally or figuratively. Here, it denotes a violent, decisive act of rejection and abandonment. The brothers did not gently place Joseph; they hurled him into the pit, signifying their desire to be rid of him completely and their utter contempt for him. This action is a physical manifestation of their emotional and spiritual rejection.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** Derived from a root implying "to bore," this noun refers to a "pit hole," specifically one used as a cistern or a prison. It is distinct from a natural cave. The use of *bôwr* here emphasizes a man-made, confined, and often desolate space, typically deep and difficult to escape. It functions as both a grave-like enclosure and a temporary prison, underscoring Joseph's immediate vulnerability and the brothers' intent to isolate him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took him, and cast him into a pit":** This opening clause describes the brothers' immediate and violent execution of their plan. The plural "they" emphasizes the collective nature of the betrayal, highlighting that Joseph was overwhelmed by the combined force of his ten older brothers. The actions "took" and "cast" convey the brutality and decisiveness of their act, stripping Joseph of his dignity and agency as he is forcibly thrown into a subterranean chamber, a place of confinement and despair.
* **"and the pit [was] empty":** This seemingly simple descriptive phrase carries immense theological weight. The explicit declaration that the pit was "empty" means it was devoid of its primary function (holding water) and, crucially, devoid of water that would have drowned Joseph. This detail immediately signals a crucial element of divine providence, indicating that even in a moment of extreme human malice, circumstances were being subtly orchestrated for Joseph's preservation.
* **"[there was] no water in it":** This reiteration of the pit's emptiness serves to emphasize and confirm the life-saving condition. It removes any ambiguity about Joseph's immediate peril. Had there been water, Joseph's life would have been immediately imperiled by drowning, potentially ending the narrative prematurely. The absence of water highlights God's unseen hand at work, ensuring Joseph's survival despite his brothers' cruel intentions, setting the stage for God's larger redemptive purposes to unfold through Joseph's life.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Genesis 37:24](/genesis/37-24 "Joseph is cast into the pit") employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the brothers' attempt to thwart Joseph's dreams of superiority by casting him down, an act that paradoxically sets in motion the very events that will lead to their eventual bowing before him. The pit itself functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing Joseph's descent into suffering, betrayal, and a metaphorical death, a precursor to his later experiences in prison and slavery. It also symbolizes the depths of human depravity driven by envy. Furthermore, the detail "the pit was empty, there was no water in it" serves as a crucial instance of **Foreshadowing** and **Divine Providence**, subtly hinting at God's protective hand over Joseph. This seemingly minor detail is vital for the continuation of the narrative, suggesting that Joseph's survival is not accidental but part of a larger, divinely guided plan, which will be revealed through his subsequent trials and ultimate elevation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:24 is a foundational text for understanding the intricate interplay between human sin and divine sovereignty. The brothers' act of casting Joseph into the pit is a stark demonstration of unchecked human depravity, fueled by envy and hatred, leading to familial betrayal and attempted murder. Yet, precisely within this act of profound evil, God's providential care is unmistakably at work. The pit's emptiness, a detail explicitly highlighted, is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, ensuring Joseph's survival against all human odds. This narrative powerfully illustrates that even the most malicious human intentions cannot ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan, but rather, God can redeem and repurpose human evil for His ultimate good, transforming suffering into a pathway for blessing and salvation.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's redemptive purpose in Joseph's suffering") - "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalm/105-17-19 "God sends Joseph ahead of them") - "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him."
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All things work together for good") - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joseph being cast into the pit in [Genesis 37:24](/genesis/37-24 "Joseph's abandonment in the pit") offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound betrayal, abandonment, or seemingly hopeless circumstances, God remains sovereign and actively involved in our lives. Just as He providentially ensured the pit was empty for Joseph, He can orchestrate circumstances for our protection and ultimate good, often working through the very trials that seem to threaten our existence or derail our purpose. This passage also provides a stark warning against the corrosive power of envy, bitterness, and unchecked anger, urging us to confront these destructive emotions before they lead to actions that harm ourselves and others. Furthermore, Joseph's suffering in the pit marks the beginning of a long period of trials that ultimately shaped his character and prepared him for his divine calling. This illustrates that our most difficult experiences, when surrendered to God, are often integral to His divine plan, serving as a crucible for character formation, humility, and the development of the wisdom necessary for His service. We are called to trust in God's unseen hand, even when our circumstances feel like a desolate pit, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when you feel betrayed or abandoned by those closest to you?**
* **In what "empty pits" or desolate circumstances in your life have you experienced God's subtle, yet powerful, preservation?**
* **What destructive emotions, like envy or bitterness, might you need to confront and surrender to God before they lead to harmful actions?**
* **How might your current difficulties or sufferings be preparing you for a future purpose God has for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the detail "the pit [was] empty, [there was] no water in it" so significant?**

Answer: This detail is profoundly significant because it highlights God's precise and providential care for Joseph. Had there been water in the pit, Joseph would almost certainly have drowned, bringing an immediate and premature end to his life and, consequently, to God's unfolding plan for him and his family. The explicit mention of the pit being "empty" and having "no water" underscores that even in a moment of extreme human cruelty and abandonment, God was subtly and miraculously at work, preserving Joseph's life for a greater purpose. It signifies that Joseph's survival was not accidental but divinely orchestrated, a testament to God's ability to protect His chosen instruments even in the most perilous situations.

**What does the Hebrew word "bôwr" (בּוֹר) imply about the nature of the pit?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *bôwr* (בּוֹר) typically refers to a cistern or a dry well, which were common man-made excavations in the ancient Near East, dug to collect rainwater during the wet season. Unlike a natural cave, a *bôwr* was often deep, narrow at the top, and wider at the bottom, making escape without assistance virtually impossible. In this context, it emphasizes that the "pit" was a place of intentional confinement and despair, a desolate prison. While it was a place of great distress, the crucial detail that it was dry (as opposed to being full of water) becomes a key element of divine intervention, ensuring Joseph's survival and allowing the narrative of God's redemptive plan to continue through him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unjust suffering, betrayal by his own brothers, and his subsequent descent into the pit and later slavery, profoundly prefigure the life and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected and betrayed by His own people, even by one of His closest disciples ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "Jesus predicts His betrayal")). He suffered unjustly, was "cast down" into the depths of death through crucifixion, and laid in a tomb, a metaphorical pit. Yet, just as Joseph was providentially preserved in the pit and ultimately elevated to a position of power to save his family and countless others from famine, Christ was raised from the dead, triumphing over death, and exalted to the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "God highly exalts Christ")), becoming the ultimate source of spiritual salvation and sustenance for all humanity. Joseph's journey from pit to palace, from suffering to sovereignty, mirrors Christ's path from the cross to the crown, fulfilling God's eternal plan for redemption through suffering, demonstrating that God can use the deepest acts of human evil to accomplish His greatest good ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Peter's sermon on the cross and resurrection")).

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

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

¶ 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.