Genesis 37:29

KJV

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph [was] not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Reuben {H7205} returned {H7725} unto the pit {H953}; and, behold, Joseph {H3130} was not in the pit {H953}; and he rent {H7167} his clothes {H899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Re'uven returned to the cistern, and, upon seeing that Yosef wasn't in it, tore his clothes in mourning.

Berean Standard Bible

When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,

American Standard Version

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:29 captures the shocking moment of Reuben's return to the dry pit, only to discover Joseph's absence, an event that immediately triggers his culturally significant act of tearing his clothes in a profound display of grief and dismay. This pivotal scene not only underscores Reuben's personal anguish and the failure of his protective intentions but also dramatically advances the narrative of Joseph's betrayal, setting in motion the complex chain of events that will ultimately lead him to Egypt and shape the destiny of Jacob's family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of Joseph's early life, immediately following the climax of his brothers' malicious plot. Earlier, Reuben, as the eldest, had attempted to mitigate their murderous intent by persuading them to cast Joseph into a dry pit, secretly intending to rescue him later and return him to their father, Jacob ([Genesis 37:21-22](/genesis/37-21-22 "Reuben's plan to save Joseph")). However, while Reuben was absent, perhaps tending to the flocks or otherwise engaged, the remaining brothers seized the opportunity to sell Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites, effectively removing him from their lives and thwarting Reuben's rescue plan ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")). Thus, Reuben's return to the pit and his discovery of Joseph's disappearance serves as a critical turning point, not only revealing the extent of his brothers' treachery but also precipitating his profound despair and setting the stage for the elaborate deception they would perpetrate upon their grieving father.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the act of tearing one's clothes was a deeply ingrained and highly visible cultural expression of extreme emotional distress, signifying profound grief, horror, despair, or indignation. It was not merely a symbolic gesture but a public declaration of one's inner turmoil, often accompanied by wailing or throwing dust on one's head. For Reuben, as the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, the cultural expectation of responsibility for his younger siblings would have been immense. His position as firstborn carried significant duties, including the protection and well-being of the family. The 'pit' (Hebrew: *bôwr*) was typically a dry cistern or a dungeon, often used for storage or as a temporary prison, and its emptiness would have immediately signaled a grave and unexpected turn of events, compounding Reuben's distress and sense of failure.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the destructive power of **familial betrayal and envy**, illustrating how deep-seated animosity among siblings can lead to horrific acts, as seen in the brothers' conspiracy against Joseph, which began with their initial jealousy ([Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "Joseph's brothers hate him")) and culminated in his sale into slavery. Secondly, the verse subtly points to the theme of **divine sovereignty** operating amidst human sin and failure. While Reuben's good intentions were thwarted and his brothers acted maliciously, Joseph's removal from the pit and subsequent journey to Egypt were paradoxically orchestrated by God for a greater purpose, as Joseph himself would later articulate ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's good purpose")). Finally, it highlights the theme of **grief and loss**, not only through Reuben's immediate reaction but also foreshadowing the profound sorrow Jacob would experience for years, believing his beloved son to be dead ([Genesis 37:34-35](/genesis/37-34-35 "Jacob's mourning for Joseph")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This verb signifies "to turn back" or "to return," often with the implication of going back to a previous state or place. In this context, it highlights Reuben's deliberate action of returning to the pit, fulfilling his earlier intention to rescue Joseph. His return is fraught with expectation, which is then dramatically shattered.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** This term refers to a "pit hole," specifically one used as a cistern or a dungeon. It denotes a deep, often dry, excavation. The choice of this word emphasizes the desolate and confined nature of Joseph's initial imprisonment and the stark reality of its emptiness upon Reuben's discovery.
* **rent (Hebrew, _qâraʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rend" or "to tear," literally or figuratively. This powerful verb describes the physical act of tearing one's clothes, a common and highly visible expression of profound grief, horror, or extreme emotional distress in ancient Near Eastern culture. It signifies an overwhelming, uncontrollable outburst of sorrow.
* **clothes (Hebrew, _beged'_):** This noun refers to "a covering" or "clothing" in general. When combined with "rent," it points to the specific garments that are torn, emphasizing the public and personal nature of Reuben's lament. The act of tearing one's clothes was a deeply symbolic gesture, signifying a rupture in one's life or a profound sense of loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Reuben returned unto the pit":** This clause establishes the setting and the agent of the action. Reuben's return is purposeful, driven by his earlier, secret intent to rescue Joseph. His absence from the initial sale suggests he was unaware of his brothers' escalated treachery, making his discovery all the more shocking.
* **"and, behold, Joseph [was] not in the pit":** The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) emphasizes the sudden, shocking realization. This is the pivotal moment of discovery, where Reuben's hopes are dashed, and the full extent of his brothers' actions (though he doesn't yet know the details) begins to dawn on him. The absence of Joseph signifies the failure of his plan and the dire implications for the family.
* **"and he rent his clothes":** This immediate and visceral reaction is a powerful, culturally significant act of profound grief, horror, and despair. It signifies Reuben's overwhelming sorrow, his sense of responsibility, and the realization of the catastrophic turn of events. It is a public display of his inner turmoil and the depth of his anguish over Joseph's fate and the failure of his protective efforts.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 37:29 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the dramatic impact of Reuben's discovery. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is already privy to the fact that Joseph has been sold into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold to the Ishmaelites")), while Reuben remains ignorant of this escalated treachery. This knowledge heightens the tension and underscores the tragic futility of his rescue attempt, making his shock and despair all the more poignant. The act of "renting his clothes" is a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just personal grief but a rupture in the family unit and a profound sense of irreparable loss and failure. This physical manifestation of sorrow is a visual cue for the depth of his anguish. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the prolonged and intense grief that Jacob, the father, will soon experience upon believing Joseph to be dead ([Genesis 37:34-35](/genesis/37-34-35 "Jacob's mourning for Joseph")). The narrative also masterfully uses **Pathos**, evoking strong feelings of pity and sorrow for Reuben, who, despite his past moral failings, genuinely intended to save his brother and is now confronted with a devastating reality beyond his control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Reuben's profound despair in [Genesis 37:29](/genesis/37-29 "Reuben's discovery of Joseph's absence") serves as a powerful theological commentary on **human responsibility and the consequences of sin**. His anguish underscores the deep pain and regret that accompany moral failure and betrayal, particularly within the sacred bonds of family. The brothers' actions demonstrate the destructive power of envy, malice, and deception, initiating a long period of suffering for Jacob and his household. Yet, even amidst such egregious human sin and Reuben's thwarted good intentions, the narrative subtly points to the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty**. This seemingly tragic event, born of human wickedness, was paradoxically a crucial step in God's larger redemptive plan, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate events and bring about His purposes even through the darkest human actions. It also highlights the biblical understanding of **grief and lament**, portraying a raw and culturally appropriate expression of overwhelming sorrow in response to a catastrophic event.

* [Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job's response to loss and tearing his clothes")
* [2 Samuel 1:11-12](/2_samuel/1-11-12 "David's mourning for Saul and Jonathan")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's good purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Reuben's visceral reaction in [Genesis 37:29](/genesis/37-29 "Reuben's anguish over Joseph") offers a poignant and multifaceted lesson for believers today. His profound distress reminds us that even our most well-intentioned efforts can be undermined by the sin or malice of others, leading to deep disappointment and regret. It underscores the heavy burden of responsibility, especially within family and community, and the profound pain that accompanies betrayal and moral failure. For us, this narrative powerfully reinforces the truth that God's sovereign plan often unfolds through complex human interactions, including moments of sin, suffering, and apparent defeat. We are called to trust that even in the face of overwhelming despair and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God is actively at work, guiding events toward His ultimate purposes. This passage challenges us to consider our own responses to disappointment and betrayal, and to cultivate a faith that recognizes God's hand even when circumstances appear chaotic or tragic, believing that He can indeed bring good out of the most challenging situations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your good intentions are thwarted by the actions of others?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human sin and suffering?**
* **What does Reuben's grief teach us about the appropriate expression of sorrow and despair?**
* **How can we cultivate trust in God's plan even when circumstances seem to unravel or go against our desires?**

### FAQ
**Why did Reuben tear his clothes?**

Answer: Reuben tore his clothes as a culturally recognized and profound expression of extreme grief, shock, and despair. In the ancient Near East, this act was a public and deeply symbolic manifestation of overwhelming sorrow, horror, or indignation. For Reuben, it signified his profound dismay over the failure of his secret plan to rescue Joseph ([Genesis 37:21-22](/genesis/37-21-22 "Reuben's plan to save Joseph")) and the dire consequences of his brothers' actions, particularly as the eldest son bearing a heavy burden of responsibility for his family.

**Did Reuben know Joseph would be sold into slavery?**

Answer: No, the biblical text strongly indicates Reuben was unaware of his brothers' decision to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites. His initial intention was to return to the pit later and rescue Joseph, restoring him to their father, Jacob ([Genesis 37:21-22](/genesis/37-21-22 "Reuben's plan to save Joseph")). His intense distress upon finding the pit empty confirms his ignorance of the sale and his non-complicity in that specific act, though he was present for the earlier conspiracy to harm Joseph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic narrative of Joseph, epitomized by Reuben's anguish over his apparent loss in [Genesis 37:29](/genesis/37-29 "Reuben's discovery of Joseph's absence"), profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, seemingly abandoned to death, and then elevated to a position of power through divine providence to save his family and countless others from famine, so too was Jesus rejected and betrayed by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him")), suffering an unjust death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death")). Yet, through His suffering and death, God raised Him up, making Him the ultimate Savior and Lord ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ")). Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace, from rejection to reconciliation, illustrates God's sovereign plan to bring salvation through the innocent suffering of the righteous. In Christ, we see the complete fulfillment of this pattern: His 'descent' into death was not an end but the means by which God accomplished humanity's greatest rescue, offering spiritual and eternal sustenance to all who believe, demonstrating how God uses the innocent suffering of the righteous to accomplish His salvific purposes for humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us")).

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 37:34

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Job 1:20

¶ Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

Genesis 44:13

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Genesis 34:13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

Joel 2:13

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

2 Kings 19:1

¶ And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard [it], that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.