Genesis 37:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

and declared: ‘There is no young one, but I, where shall I go?’ What can we, specifically I, the eldest among you, say (to the Father) in our defense? He believed that Joseph had met his end.

He seems to express this sentiment: How can I come back to my Father, or how would He welcome us in His presence if we do not have His cherished Son with us? And what will we respond when the Father inquires about the Son?

There is no lad in the waterway! Where should I turn? How can I endure our father’s sorrow for him? Reuben was troubled for Joseph.

‘There is no young man in the moat! What shall I do now?’ In response, the sound of gold coins echoed. There were twenty of them: the nine brothers who attended the sale demonstrated that they had not forgotten their missing tenth. Genesis

Where shall I turn? Reuben mourned for Joseph more deeply than his brothers, being the oldest and thus responsible for their well-being. However, his sorrow is not entirely sincere regret; it is largely driven by a fear of his father’s anger. This is why he does not approach Jacob with a heartfelt confession but resorts instead to dishonesty.