Then Reuben said …: Reuben as the oldest son attempts to assure his father that he will be responsible for getting Benjamin safely back to him. This verse consists of two parts. The first part is an “if” clause and a consequence: “If I do not bring … you may kill my two sons.” The second part is a request and a promise: “Put him [Benjamin] in my hands … I will bring him back to you.”

In some languages this verse will require considerable adjusting in translation. For example, we may need to say “Put Benjamin in my hands and I promise to return him to you. If I do not bring him back, you may kill my two sons.” Some translations put into words at the beginning of the verse the meaning that Reuben does not state directly: “I will take care of Benjamin.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .