Genesis 42:22 - Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen? Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.”
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What does "Genesis 42:22" mean?
This verse from Genesis 42:22 refers to a moment of guilt and recognition by Reuben, one of Jacob's sons, regarding their treatment of their brother Joseph years earlier. Let's break it down:
"Reuben answered them, saying...": This sets the scene; Reuben is speaking to his brothers.
“Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?": Reuben is reminding his brothers of his past plea. He had argued against killing Joseph when they were planning to harm him. He suggested throwing Joseph into a pit instead, likely intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). He's highlighting that he tried to prevent them from hurting Joseph.
"Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.”: This is the crucial part. The phrase "his blood is required" is a strong statement that indicates they are now being held accountable (by God, or fate, or the Egyptians) for what happened to Joseph. It suggests a retribution is coming. "Blood" here doesn't necessarily mean they physically shed Joseph's blood, but that they were responsible for his disappearance and presumed death. The phrase is used in the Bible to denote responsibility for someone's death or harm.
In essence, Reuben is saying:
"I warned you not to harm Joseph, but you didn't listen to me. Now, we are suffering the consequences of our actions. We are going to pay for what we did to him."
The Context and Significance:
This verse is spoken during a time when the brothers are in Egypt seeking food during a famine. They are being accused of being spies by Joseph (whom they don't recognize). This accusation brings back the guilt of what they did to Joseph years before.
The verse shows a growing awareness of their wrongdoing and the burden of their past actions. It highlights the theme of sin and consequences in the Genesis narrative.
It also demonstrates a contrast to their earlier callousness. Initially, they were willing to kill Joseph. Now, they are expressing remorse and fear that they will be punished for their actions.
It adds to the dramatic irony of the story. The reader knows that Joseph is alive and in power, but the brothers are unaware, leading to their growing anxiety and guilt.
In short, Genesis 42:22 expresses the brothers' guilt and fear that their past sin against Joseph is now coming back to haunt them. It underscores themes of sin, consequences, and the burden of a guilty conscience.
Genesis 42:22 - Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen? Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.”
What does "Genesis 42:22" mean?
This verse from Genesis 42:22 refers to a moment of guilt and recognition by Reuben, one of Jacob's sons, regarding their treatment of their brother Joseph years earlier. Let's break it down:
"Reuben answered them, saying...": This sets the scene; Reuben is speaking to his brothers.
“Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?": Reuben is reminding his brothers of his past plea. He had argued against killing Joseph when they were planning to harm him. He suggested throwing Joseph into a pit instead, likely intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). He's highlighting that he tried to prevent them from hurting Joseph.
"Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.”: This is the crucial part. The phrase "his blood is required" is a strong statement that indicates they are now being held accountable (by God, or fate, or the Egyptians) for what happened to Joseph. It suggests a retribution is coming. "Blood" here doesn't necessarily mean they physically shed Joseph's blood, but that they were responsible for his disappearance and presumed death. The phrase is used in the Bible to denote responsibility for someone's death or harm.
In essence, Reuben is saying:
"I warned you not to harm Joseph, but you didn't listen to me. Now, we are suffering the consequences of our actions. We are going to pay for what we did to him."
The Context and Significance:
This verse is spoken during a time when the brothers are in Egypt seeking food during a famine. They are being accused of being spies by Joseph (whom they don't recognize). This accusation brings back the guilt of what they did to Joseph years before.
The verse shows a growing awareness of their wrongdoing and the burden of their past actions. It highlights the theme of sin and consequences in the Genesis narrative.
It also demonstrates a contrast to their earlier callousness. Initially, they were willing to kill Joseph. Now, they are expressing remorse and fear that they will be punished for their actions.
It adds to the dramatic irony of the story. The reader knows that Joseph is alive and in power, but the brothers are unaware, leading to their growing anxiety and guilt.
In short, Genesis 42:22 expresses the brothers' guilt and fear that their past sin against Joseph is now coming back to haunt them. It underscores themes of sin, consequences, and the burden of a guilty conscience.