Genesis 37:21-22 - Exposition

And Reuben (the eldest son, and therefore probably regarding himself as in some degree responsible for Joseph's safety) heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him —literally, Let us not destroy his life ( nephesh ). And Reuben said (further) unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness ( i.e. into a dry pit that was near), and lay no hand upon him; that (the adverb indicates the purpose Reuben had in view) he might rid him (translated above deliver him) out of their hands, to deliver him (or, more correctly, to return him) to his father again.