Genesis 37:30
Genesis 37:30 in Multiple Translations
returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?”
And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
He went back to his brothers, and said, The child is gone; what am I to do?
He returned to his brothers. “The boy's gone!” he moaned. “What am I going to do now?”
And returned to his brethren, and said, The childe is not yonder, and I, whither shall I goe?
and he returneth unto his brethren, and saith, 'The lad is not, and I — whither am I going?'
He returned to his brothers, and said, “The child is no more; and I, where will I go?”
And he returned to his brethren, and said, The child is not: and I, whither shall I go?
And rending his garments he went to his brethren, and said: The boy doth not appear and whither shall I go?
He went back to his younger brothers and said, “The boy is not in the pit/cistern! What can I do now?” [RHQ]
Then he went back to his brothers, and he said to them, “Our young brother isn’t in that hole any more. I’m his oldest brother, but now there is nothing I can do to help him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:30
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 37:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
אֶל
אֶחָ֖י/ו
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
הַ/יֶּ֣לֶד
אֵינֶ֔/נּוּ
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
אָ֥נָה
אֲנִי
בָֽא
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/יֶּ֣לֶד
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
אֵינֶ֔/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אָ֥נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:30
וַ/יָּ֥שָׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/יֶּ֣לֶד
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
אֵינֶ֔/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָ֥נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
- Sermons on Genesis 37:30
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
28So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
30returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?”
31Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. 32They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:13 | But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 31:15 | This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
| 3 | Genesis 42:32 | We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’ |
| 4 | Genesis 37:20 | “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” |
| 5 | Genesis 42:35–36 | As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed. Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” |
Genesis 37:30 Summary
In Genesis 37:30, Reuben returns to the pit where his brothers had thrown Joseph, only to find him gone, leading to his cry of distress. This verse shows how Reuben's attempt to rescue Joseph failed, and he is left to deal with the consequences of his brothers' actions. Reuben's reaction teaches us about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, as seen in Proverbs 22:3, and being mindful of the consequences, similar to the lessons learned from Cain's actions in Genesis 4:9-10. By reflecting on Reuben's experience, we can learn valuable lessons about our own responses to challenging situations and the importance of seeking guidance from God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Reuben return to the pit where Joseph was being held?
Reuben returned to the pit to rescue Joseph, as seen in Genesis 37:22, but when he arrived, Joseph was already gone, leading to his distress in Genesis 37:30.
What was Reuben's role in the events leading up to Joseph being sold?
Reuben tried to save Joseph from his brothers' plot, suggesting they throw Joseph into a pit instead of killing him, as seen in Genesis 37:22, but he was not able to prevent Joseph from being sold.
How does Reuben's reaction in Genesis 37:30 compare to his brothers' reactions?
Reuben's reaction shows genuine concern and distress over Joseph's disappearance, unlike his brothers, who seemed more concerned with covering up their actions, as seen in Genesis 37:31-32.
What can we learn from Reuben's emotional response in this verse?
Reuben's emotional response teaches us about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and being mindful of the consequences, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:3 and Genesis 4:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What would you have done if you were in Reuben's position, and how would you have felt upon discovering Joseph was gone?
- How does Reuben's reaction reflect his character, and what can we learn from his example?
- In what ways can we apply Reuben's experience to our own lives, particularly in situations where we feel overwhelmed or distressed?
- What role does guilt and regret play in Reuben's response, and how can we respond to similar emotions in our own lives, as guided by Psalm 51:17 and 1 John 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:30
And he returned unto his brethren,.... From the pit, and whom he suspected had took him and killed him, as was their first design, not being with them when they proposed to sell him, and did: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:30
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. Reuben returned unto the pit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
He calls him the child comparatively to his brethren, though he was seventeen years old, . The child is not, i.e. is not in the land of the living, or is dead, as that phrase is commonly used, as ,36, compared with . I, whither shall I go, either to find the child, or to flee from our father? He is more solicitous than the rest, because he being the eldest brother, his father would require Joseph at his hand; and being so highly incensed against him for his former crime, would be the more apt to suspect him, and deal more severely with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
Genesis 37:30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child [is] not; and I, whither shall I go?Ver. 30. The child is not; and I, &c.] In an old manuscript, I met with these words thus pathetically rendered: - “ Heu quid agam! periit puer ille, puer puer ille.” Reuben was the oldest, and therefore thought he should be most blamed. Besides, he had not forgot how highly his father had been lately offended with him, for his detestable incest.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
Verse 30. The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?] The words in the original are very plaintive, הילד איננו ואני אנה אני בא haiyeled einennu, vaani anah, ani ba!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:30
30. The child is not] Cf. Genesis 42:13; Genesis 42:32; Genesis 42:36, Genesis 44:31; Jeremiah 31:15; Lamentations 5:7. The word “child,” yeled, is appropriate for a small boy: see Genesis 21:8; Genesis 21:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:30
30. Whither shall I go — “It is a cry of distracting anxiety, which sounds touchingly mournful and pathetic in the Hebrew, from the repetition and alliteration.
Sermons on Genesis 37:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 41-42 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his ability to see beyond the human transactions of the world and recognize God's sovereignty. He emphasizes the impo |
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The Birth of the Infant Lord by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding th |
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Internship Program Study Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing God work in the lives of believers. He explains that although perfection may not be achieved in a short period of t |
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(Matthew) True Worshipers by Pat Kenney | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for Christ and not being deceived by the temporary pleasures of the world. He quotes Matthew 10, where Jesus states |
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008 the Exceeding Value of Christ by David Servant | This sermon delves into the tragic event of King Herod's slaughter of innocent children in Bethlehem, exploring the questions of why God allowed such a horrific event to occur. It |
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God Guides the Faithful by David Servant | This sermon delves into the guidance of God, using the story of Joseph being led through dreams and obedience. It emphasizes the importance of following God's general commandments |
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Love and Hatred at the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of growing in the knowledge and understanding of Christ's love. He encourages the listeners to reflect on the sacrifice of Je |