Genesis 42:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Reuben reminds his brothers that he had warned them not to harm Joseph, and now they are facing judgment.
The Context of Genesis 42:22
Reuben reminds the brothers of his earlier warning against the sin.
What Does Genesis 42:22 Mean?
Reuben breaks the silence of shared guilt with a reminder of his own intervention. He had urged them not to sin against Joseph, yet they refused to listen to him. Now he accuses them: 'his blood is required'—meaning Joseph's life and suffering are being demanded as payment from them.
Reuben's words reveal a dynamic within the group: he attempted to prevent the crime, but was outnumbered or ignored. His accusation is both a reminder of what was and a pronouncement of what is. The brothers are under judgment not just from external circumstances but from each other's conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 42:22
What does Genesis 42:22 mean?
Reuben reminds his brothers that he had warned them not to harm Joseph, and now they are facing judgment.
What is the context of Genesis 42:22?
Reuben reminds the brothers of his earlier warning against the sin.