The Meaning of Genesis 37:29 Explained

Genesis 37:29

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

YLT: And Reuben returneth unto the pit, and lo, Joseph is not in the pit, and he rendeth his garments,

Darby: And Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his garments,

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Genesis 37:29 Mean?

Context Summary

Genesis 37:25-36 - Joseph Sold Into Egypt
It was not chance, but providence, that brought these Midianites to the pit at that hour. They had, of course, fixed their time of departure from their native land, the speed at which their camels were to travel, and the amount of time which they would spend at the fairs and markets en route, quite irrespectively of all other considerations but their own profit and convenience; yet quite unconsciously they were moving according to a divine timetable. Everything in life is directed, superintended and controlled by a divine forethought. Let us live in constant recognition of this! You may be in a pit of dark misery, but God knows that you are there, and times the moments. Only continue to trust and do not be afraid! Blessed are they that believe, to them there shall be a performance. Months ago a caravan started, which will arrive at the precise hour when intervention will best serve you. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 37

1  Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers
5  His dreams and the interpretation
12  Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him
21  At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;
25  and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites;
29  while Ruben grieves at not finding him
31  His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately
36  Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar

What do the individual words in Genesis 37:29 mean?

Then returned Reuben to the pit and indeed not Joseph [was] in the pit and he tore - his clothes
וַיָּ֤שָׁב רְאוּבֵן֙ אֶל־ הַבּ֔וֹר וְהִנֵּ֥ה אֵין־ יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבּ֑וֹר וַיִּקְרַ֖ע אֶת־ בְּגָדָֽיו

וַיָּ֤שָׁב  Then  returned 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: שׁוּב  
Sense: to return, turn back.
רְאוּבֵן֙  Reuben 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: רְאוּבֵן  
Sense: the eldest son of Jacob by Leah.
הַבּ֔וֹר  the  pit 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: בֹּור 
Sense: pit, well, cistern.
וְהִנֵּ֥ה  and  indeed 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Interjection
Root: הִנֵּה  
Sense: behold, lo, see, if.
יוֹסֵ֖ף  Joseph  [was] 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יׄוסֵף  
Sense: the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel.
בַּבּ֑וֹר  in  the  pit 
Parse: Preposition-b, Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: בֹּור 
Sense: pit, well, cistern.
וַיִּקְרַ֖ע  and  he  tore 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: קָרַע  
Sense: to tear, tear in pieces.
אֶת־  - 
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות 
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.
בְּגָדָֽיו  his  clothes 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural construct, third person masculine singular
Root: בֶּגֶד 
Sense: treachery, deceit.