Genesis 37:23

¶ And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, [his] coat of [many] colours that [was] on him;

And it came to pass, when Joseph {H3130} was come {H935} unto his brethren {H251}, that they stript {H6584}{H853} Joseph {H3130} out of {H854} his coat {H3801}, his coat {H3801} of many colours {H6446} that was on him;

So it was that when Yosef arrived to be with his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the long-sleeved robe he was wearing,

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing—

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him;

Commentary

Context

Genesis 37:23 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph, son of Jacob (also known as Israel). Joseph was Jacob's favorite son, a fact openly demonstrated by the special garment his father had given him. This "coat of many colours" (or a long, sleeved tunic) was not merely clothing; it symbolized Jacob's overt favoritism and Joseph's elevated status among his brothers. The brothers, already simmering with hatred due to Joseph's dreams of their bowing before him, saw this coat as a constant reminder of their father's partiality. Their act of stripping him was a deliberate, cruel humiliation, aiming to divest him of his favored position and dignity before selling him into slavery.

Key Themes

This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes:

  • Destructive Jealousy: The brothers' intense envy of Joseph, fueled by Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, led them to commit a heinous act against their own kin.
  • Consequences of Favoritism: Jacob's open display of preference, while perhaps well-intentioned, created deep divisions and resentment within his family.
  • Betrayal and Humiliation: The stripping of the coat was an act of profound betrayal, designed to strip Joseph of his identity and publicly humiliate him, preparing him for his eventual sale into Egyptian slavery.

Linguistic Insight

The King James Version phrase "coat of many colours" translates the Hebrew kethoneth passim (כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים). While "many colours" is a traditional interpretation, a more widely accepted scholarly understanding suggests a "long coat with sleeves" or an "ornamented tunic." This type of garment was typically worn by royalty or those of high status, indicating Joseph's privileged position and Jacob's intention to elevate him, perhaps even as the primary heir. This distinction further inflamed his brothers' resentment and contributed to their decision to strip him.

Significance and Application

The stripping of Joseph's coat serves as a vivid symbol of the humiliation and suffering that often precede divine elevation. For Joseph, this act marked the beginning of a long journey of trials, imprisonment, and eventually, his rise to power in Egypt, where he would ultimately save his family from famine.

In application, this passage reminds us:

  • To guard against the destructive power of envy and resentment in our own lives and relationships, as they can lead to great harm.
  • To consider the impact of favoritism, intentional or unintentional, on family and community dynamics, striving for fairness and unity.
  • That even in moments of profound betrayal and injustice, God's sovereign hand is at work, often using difficult circumstances to bring about His greater purposes. Joseph's later words in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good," powerfully illustrate this truth.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 37:3

    Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he [was] the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of [many] colours.

  • Genesis 42:21

    ¶ And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

  • Genesis 37:31

    ¶ And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;

  • Genesis 37:33

    And he knew it, and said, [It is] my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.

  • Matthew 27:28

    And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

  • Psalms 22:18

    They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
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