Genesis 37:22

And Reuben said This and the next two verses are from E. Reuben, the eldest, interposes to save his brother's life; cf. Genesis 42:37.

Shed no blood Reuben's warning is that there should be no bloodshed, as if murder without bloodshed would be a less evil. His proposal is that Joseph should be thrown into a cistern or tank, which they knew of hard by, and that he should be left there to perish, Reuben intending himself to deliver him. Reuben is not brave enough to oppose his brothers; but hopes to outwit them. He appeals to the horror of bloodshed. Blood cries out against the murderer: see note on Genesis 4:11.