Old Testament
Genesis 42:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Reuben said to his father, "You may put my own two sons to death if I fail to bring him back to you. Place him in my care, and I will return him to you safely."
Compare translations
And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
What Genesis 42:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Reuben is speaking to his father Jacob, expressing his deep commitment to bringing back his brother Benjamin, who is in Egypt. He offers a drastic guarantee, suggesting that if he fails, his own two sons should be killed. This statement highlights Reuben's desperation and determination to prove his reliability to Jacob. It also reflects the intense family dynamics and the weight of responsibility that Reuben feels. By placing such a severe condition on his promise, Reuben is trying to reassure Jacob of his intentions and the seriousness of the situation. This moment underscores the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to for family, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. Reuben's willingness to risk his own sons' lives shows the depth of his commitment, but it also raises questions about the value of such extreme promises and the pressures of familial expectations.
How to apply Genesis 42:37 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of commitment and responsibility in our relationships. We should be willing to support our loved ones and take risks for their well-being. However, we must also consider the implications of our promises and ensure they are realistic and healthy.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: His Brothers Bow Down (Genesis 42:1–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 42:37
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 42:37
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Reuben's offer to Jacob signify?
Reuben's offer to put his own sons to death if he fails to bring back Benjamin signifies his deep commitment and desperation to gain his father's trust. It highlights the intense family loyalty and the lengths he is willing to go to prove his reliability, reflecting the heavy burden of responsibility he feels for his family's well-being.
Why does Reuben make such a drastic promise?
Reuben makes such a drastic promise to reassure Jacob of his intentions and to emphasize the seriousness of the situation regarding Benjamin's safety. By offering such a severe consequence, he aims to alleviate Jacob's fears and demonstrate his determination to protect and return his brother.
What can we learn about family dynamics from this verse?
This verse illustrates complex family dynamics, particularly the pressures of loyalty and responsibility. Reuben's extreme promise reveals how familial expectations can lead individuals to make drastic commitments, raising questions about the balance between devotion and the potential consequences of such promises.
How does this verse relate to themes of sacrifice?
The verse relates to themes of sacrifice by showcasing Reuben's willingness to risk the lives of his own sons for the sake of his brother. This act of sacrifice underscores the lengths individuals may go to for family, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the heavy emotional stakes involved in familial relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.