And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?

GENESIS 37:30KJV
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Genesis 37:30 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:30 mean?

Genesis 37:30 shows Reuben returning to his brothers in distress, saying, “The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” He is deeply troubled because Joseph is missing, and he fears what will happen to him now that Joseph is gone.

Reuben, the oldest brother, had hoped to rescue Joseph from the pit, but when he returns, Joseph is no longer there. Speaking to his brothers, Reuben expresses both shock and fear about his own responsibility and future. The verse highlights the tension among the brothers after they sold Joseph and Reuben’s sense of personal crisis.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:30

  • “Returned” (שׁוּב, shuv): This word often means to go back or turn around. Here, it shows Reuben coming back to his brothers after discovering Joseph is missing, emphasizing his active involvement and concern.
  • “Brethren” (אַח, ach): This term means brothers or close relatives. The use of this word underlines the family relationship and the betrayal that has taken place.
  • “Child” (יֶלֶד, yeled): This word means a young boy or child. Reuben’s use of “the child” for Joseph highlights Joseph’s youth and vulnerability.
  • “Whither” (אָנָה, anah): This word means “where” or “to what place.” Reuben’s question, “whither shall I go?” shows his anxiety about facing their father Jacob and his uncertainty about what to do next.

Why Genesis 37:30 matters

  • This verse makes clear Reuben’s intentions were different from his brothers; he did not want Joseph harmed and is now panicked by the consequences.
  • The wording shows the depth of family conflict and guilt, especially through Reuben’s fear of returning to their father without Joseph.
  • Genesis 37:30 sets up the emotional aftermath of Joseph’s disappearance and foreshadows the grief and deception that will follow in the family.

Where else these words appear

“whither” Hebrew H575 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:14 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.
  • 1 Kings 2:42 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Did I not make thee to swear by the LORD, and protested unto thee, saying, Know for a certain, on the day thou goest out, and walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that I have heard is good.
  • 2 Kings 6:6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

“child” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.