And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
- King James Version

But Reuben heard {this} and rescued him out of their hands and said, "Let us not take his life."
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.
- American Standard Version (1901)

But Reuben, hearing these words, got him out of their hands, saying, Let us not take his life.
- Basic English Bible

And Reuben heard [it], and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.
- Darby Bible

And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him from their hands: and said, Let us not kill him.
- Webster's Bible

Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, "Let's not take his life."
- World English Bible

And Reuben heareth, and delivereth him out of their hand, and saith, `Let us not smite the life;'
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand; and said: 'Let us not take his life.'
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 37:21

37:21 And Reuben heard it - God can raise up friends for his people, even among their enemies. Reuben of all the brothers had most reason to be jealous of Joseph, for he was the first - born, and so entitled to those distinguishing favours which Jacob was conferring on Joseph, yet he proves his best friend. Reuben's temper seems to have been soft and effeminate, which had betrayed him to the sin of uncleanness, while the temper of the two next brothers, Simeon and Levi, was fierce, which betrayed them to the sin of murder, a sin which Reuben startled at the thought of. He made a proposal which they thought would effectually destroy Joseph, and yet which he designed should answer his intention of rescuing Joseph out of their hands, probably hoping thereby to recover his father's favour which he had lately lost; but God over - ruled all to serve his own purpose of making Joseph an instrument to save much people alive. Joseph was here a type of Christ. Though he was the beloved Son of his Father, and hated by a wicked world; yet the Father sent him out of his bosom to visit us; he came from heaven to earth to seek and save us; yet then malicious plots were laid against him; he came to his own, and his own not only received him not, but consulted, This is the heir, come let us kill him. This he submitted to, in pursuance of his design to save us.