King James Version
Genesis 37:29 in the King James Version says “And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.”
Genesis 37:29 · KJV
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. were: Heb. hearkened
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen ; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
KJV Study — Public Domain
“returned”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“and he rent”
H7167to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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.
Genesis 37:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 37:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge