²⁰ But you must bring your youngest brother to me,^(A) so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

²¹ They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother.^(B) We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress^(C) has come on us.”

²² Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy?^(D) But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting^(E) for his blood.”^(F)