## in that we saw the distress of his soul ##

The word "soul" to refer to Joseph. Alternate translation: "because we saw that Joseph was in distress." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

## "Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but you would not listen? ##

Reuben uses a question for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I told you not to hurt the boy, but you would not listen!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## his blood is required of us ##

"blood" refers to Joseph's death. His brothers thought Joseph was dead. Alternate translation: "Now we are getting what we deserve for his death." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])