King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:21 Mean?

Genesis 37:21 in the King James Version says “And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 37:21 · KJV

Salvation

Context

19

And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. dreamer: Heb. master of dreams

20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

21

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

22

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.

23

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; colours: or, pieces

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How should this truth about Sold into Slavery shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע1 of 8

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

רְאוּבֵ֔ן2 of 8

“And Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

וַיַּצִּלֵ֖הוּ3 of 8

“it and he delivered”

H5337

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

מִיָּדָ֑ם4 of 8

“him out of their hands”

H3027

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

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר5 of 8

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א6 of 8
H3808

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

נַכֶּ֖נּוּ7 of 8

“Let us not kill”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

נָֽפֶשׁ׃8 of 8
H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 37:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 37:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 42:22Joshua 10:28Genesis 9:5Genesis 35:22Matthew 10:28

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 37 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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