In Genesis 37:20, the brothers plot to say a beast devoured Joseph; Reuben's cry 'the boy is gone' in v30 echoes their planned lie—ironic fulfillment.

In Genesis 42:13, the brothers mention that one of their brothers 'is no more', directly echoing Reuben's earlier lament 'the boy is no more'.

In Genesis 42:32, the brothers again say their younger brother 'is no more', repeating the exact phrase Reuben used when Joseph was missing.

In Genesis 42:22, Reuben recalls his failed attempt to save Joseph, directly connecting this later scene back to the crisis in the pit.