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Genesis 37:24 states, “Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.” This passage describes the moment when Joseph’s brothers, driven by jealousy and resentment, cast him into a dry cistern before ultimately selling him into slavery. Understanding the historical and cultural significance of cisterns in the ancient Near East provides insight into the setting of this event, as well as the practical and symbolic implications of Joseph’s experience.

What Were Cisterns and How Were They Used in the Ancient Near East?

A cistern (bor, בּוֹר) in biblical times was an underground storage system designed to collect and retain rainwater. These structures were essential in regions where water was scarce, particularly in Canaan, where natural water sources were limited outside of river valleys. Cisterns were typically hewn out of rock, coated with plaster to prevent leakage, and positioned to catch runoff water during the rainy season.

Cisterns varied in size, ranging from small household reservoirs to large communal water storage systems. Some were bottle-shaped, narrowing at the top to prevent evaporation and contamination, while others were wider and could accommodate larger quantities of water. Their depth often made them dangerous if someone fell in, especially if the walls were too smooth or steep for climbing out.

The biblical text specifically notes that “the pit was empty; there was no water in it” (Genesis 37:24). This detail suggests that the cistern was an abandoned or dried-up reservoir, possibly due to seasonal drought or disuse. Had it contained water, Joseph could have drowned, highlighting how his brothers were more interested in getting rid of him without immediate bloodshed rather than outright killing him at that moment.

How Were Cisterns Used in the Bible?

Cisterns are mentioned multiple times throughout the Old Testament, primarily in three contexts: water storage, prisons or places of captivity, and symbols of spiritual conditions.

First, they were a primary means of ensuring water supply. In 2 Chronicles 26:10, King Uzziah is said to have constructed many cisterns for agricultural purposes, ensuring water availability for livestock. The importance of cisterns is also evident in Jeremiah 2:13, where JHVH uses the image of broken cisterns to describe Israel’s spiritual decline: “For my people have committed two evils: They have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” This contrast between cisterns and living water emphasizes the reliability of divine provision over human efforts.

Second, cisterns were used as makeshift prisons. In Jeremiah 38:6, the prophet Jeremiah was thrown into a muddy cistern by King Zedekiah’s officials in an attempt to silence him. Unlike Joseph’s situation, this cistern contained waterlogged mud, making escape even more difficult. The use of cisterns as temporary holding cells or places of execution highlights their deep, enclosed nature, which made them effective for containment.

Finally, cisterns served as symbols of despair and divine deliverance. Psalm 40:2 describes JHVH lifting the psalmist “from the desolate pit, out of the muddy clay.” This poetic imagery parallels Joseph’s experience—cast down, abandoned, and ultimately rescued. His removal from the cistern foreshadowed his later deliverance from prison in Egypt and his rise to power under divine providence.

Why Did Joseph’s Brothers Use a Cistern?

Joseph’s brothers intended to rid themselves of him, but their initial decision to throw him into a cistern rather than kill him outright suggests hesitation or an unwillingness to commit direct murder. The idea of killing Joseph was first proposed by some of the brothers (Genesis 37:20), but Reuben intervened, saying, “Let’s not take his life.” Instead, he suggested throwing Joseph into a pit, likely planning to rescue him later (Genesis 37:22).

The use of a dry cistern served a practical purpose—it was an isolated location where Joseph could not escape, and it removed the immediate need for bloodshed. However, their decision to leave him there demonstrated cruelty, as it would have led to a slow death by starvation or exposure if he had not been retrieved.

Reuben’s absence later in the account suggests that he may have intended to return secretly and free Joseph (Genesis 37:29), but by the time he arrived, his brothers had already sold Joseph to Midianite traders. The cistern thus became a temporary but pivotal stage in Joseph’s journey from favored son to slave in Egypt.

How Does This Event Foreshadow Joseph’s Future?

Joseph’s descent into the cistern is one of the first major turning points in his life. Although his situation seemed hopeless, it was the beginning of a greater divine plan. His experience in the cistern foreshadowed key themes that would later unfold in his life.

One clear parallel is Joseph’s later imprisonment in Egypt (Genesis 39:20). Just as he was unjustly cast into the cistern by his brothers, he was later wrongfully imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. In both cases, he was placed in an enclosed space, unable to free himself, but JHVH ultimately orchestrated his deliverance.

Additionally, his time in the cistern and subsequent sale into slavery prefigured his later elevation. The trajectory of Joseph’s life moves from rejection to exaltation, a pattern seen in other biblical figures such as David (who went from being a shepherd to a king) and even Jesus Christ (who was despised and rejected but ultimately exalted by JHVH). Joseph’s rise to prominence in Egypt as Pharaoh’s second-in-command (Genesis 41:41) was only possible because of the events set in motion by his brothers’ betrayal.

Genesis 50:20 records Joseph’s later reflection on these events, when he tells his brothers, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” This reveals that what appeared to be Joseph’s downfall—being cast into the cistern—was actually the beginning of JHVH’s sovereign plan to use him for a greater purpose.

What Theological Themes Are Reflected in This Passage?

The account of Joseph’s cistern experience highlights several important biblical themes.

One key theme is JHVH’s providence in human suffering. Although Joseph was betrayed and left for dead, JHVH’s plan was unfolding through these circumstances. This aligns with Romans 8:28, which states, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Another theme is the consequences of jealousy and sin. Joseph’s brothers acted out of envy, which led them to commit a grave injustice. Proverbs 27:4 warns, “Fury is cruel, and anger is a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?” Their sin led to guilt, which would later surface when they faced Joseph again in Egypt (Genesis 42:21-22).

Additionally, this passage underscores the importance of divine deliverance. The imagery of being cast down into a pit and later being lifted out serves as a broader biblical motif of redemption. Psalm 103:4 describes JHVH as the one “who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with faithful love and compassion.” Joseph’s literal rescue from the cistern mirrors his eventual spiritual and physical restoration.

Conclusion

The mention of the cistern in Genesis 37:24 is more than a minor detail—it is a significant symbol of betrayal, suffering, and divine providence. Cisterns played an essential role in ancient water storage, but they were also used as places of imprisonment and despair. Joseph’s brothers chose to cast him into a dry cistern as a means of getting rid of him without immediate bloodshed, but their actions set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to Joseph’s rise in Egypt.

This event highlights the destructive power of jealousy, the testing of those whom JHVH calls, and the reality that divine deliverance often comes through suffering. Joseph’s experience in the cistern foreshadowed his later trials and triumphs, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, JHVH’s hand is at work, guiding His plans toward fulfillment.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).