Genesis 37:23

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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;

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:23 marks a pivotal and tragic moment in the life of Joseph, detailing the cruel act of his brothers forcibly removing his distinctive tunic, the "coat of many colours." This act was a deliberate and symbolic divestment of his favored status, dignity, and the paternal affection it represented, initiating a profound period of suffering and betrayal that would ultimately set in motion God's sovereign plan for Joseph's life and the future preservation of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within the Joseph narrative, which spans [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") through [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Genesis 50 - Joseph's Forgiveness and Death"). Immediately preceding this event, Joseph's brothers harbored intense hatred for him due to Jacob's overt favoritism, symbolized by the special coat, and Joseph's prophetic dreams that implied his future dominion over them ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5-11 "Joseph's Dreams")). The narrative builds tension as Joseph, at his father's command, goes to check on his brothers in Dothan. Their initial plot was to kill him, but Reuben intervened, suggesting he be thrown into a pit instead ([Genesis 37:18-22](/genesis/37-18-22 "The Brothers Plot Against Joseph")). The stripping of the coat, therefore, is the immediate prelude to his sale into slavery, signifying the brothers' intent to utterly humiliate and dispossess him of his identity and favored position before his descent into servitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, garments often conveyed significant social status, identity, and familial standing. A special tunic, particularly one of unique design or length, could signify a father's special affection, a designated heir, or even a priestly or royal role. Jacob's gift of the *kethoneth passim* to Joseph was an open display of his partiality, stemming from Joseph being the son of his beloved Rachel and the child of his old age ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Love for Joseph")). This favoritism, while common in patriarchal societies, often led to intense sibling rivalry and conflict, as seen throughout the book of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis"). The brothers' act of stripping Joseph was not merely practical but deeply symbolic, a public act of degradation meant to strip him of his father's blessing and any perceived authority or future prominence.
* **Key Themes:** The Joseph narrative is rich with theological and narrative themes, and [Genesis 37:23](/genesis/37-23 "Joseph Stripped of His Coat") powerfully contributes to several. **Favoritism and its consequences** are starkly displayed, as Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph directly fuels the brothers' envy and animosity. This leads to the theme of **sibling rivalry and betrayal**, a recurring motif in Genesis, from Cain and Abel to Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau. Crucially, the verse introduces the theme of **suffering and humiliation as a prelude to divine elevation**, a pattern that will define Joseph's journey. Despite the brothers' wicked intentions, the overarching theme of **God's sovereignty and providential hand** is subtly introduced, as this act of betrayal, though evil, ultimately serves as a catalyst for God's greater plan to preserve the family of Israel and bring them to Egypt, as Joseph himself later acknowledges in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From the root meaning "let him add," or "adding." Joseph's name itself is prophetic, as God would indeed "add" to him, not only in terms of family (Ephraim and Manasseh) but also in wisdom, power, and the ability to preserve his family. Here, the name highlights the individual around whom this pivotal moment revolves, a favored son whose very existence and potential for increase spark intense jealousy.
* **stript (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to spread out" or "to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)." The use of this verb emphasizes the forceful, violent, and humiliating nature of the brothers' action. It was not a gentle removal but a deliberate act of divesting Joseph, not just of his clothing, but of his dignity, status, and identity in their eyes. This verb conveys the aggression and premeditated cruelty involved in their assault.
* **coat of many colours (Hebrew, _kᵉthôneth paçşim'_):** The KJV translates these two Hebrew words as "coat of many colours."
* **_kᵉthôneth'_ (H3801):** A "shirt" or "tunic," a basic garment.
* **_paçşim'_ (H6446):** From a root meaning "palm (of the hand) or sole (of the foot)," implying length. By implication, it refers to a "long and sleeved tunic" or one "of many breadths," which could be interpreted as "of many colours" or simply a very ornate, full-length garment that distinguished the wearer. This garment was a symbol of Jacob's special favor, possibly indicating Joseph's designation as an heir or a person of leisure, contrasting sharply with the working attire of his shepherd brothers. Its removal was an attempt to strip him of this unique status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, highlighting Joseph's innocent approach to his brothers, unaware of the malevolent plot brewing against him. It underscores the vulnerability of Joseph and the premeditated nature of the brothers' actions, as they had already conspired against him before his arrival.
* **"that they stript Joseph out of his coat,"**: This is the core action of the verse, describing the violent and humiliating act. The brothers' stripping of Joseph is a physical manifestation of their desire to strip him of his favored status, his dreams, and ultimately, his very identity as Jacob's beloved son. It signifies a deliberate act of degradation and a rejection of the paternal blessing that the coat represented.
* **"[his] coat of [many] colours that [was] on him;"**: This final phrase identifies the specific garment and reiterates its significance. The "coat of many colours" (or long, sleeved tunic) was the tangible symbol of Jacob's partiality and Joseph's elevated position. Its removal was not merely practical but deeply symbolic, an attempt to nullify Jacob's favoritism and reduce Joseph to the level of his despised siblings, preparing him for the ultimate degradation of slavery.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Genesis 37:23](/genesis/37-23 "Joseph Stripped of His Coat") employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with Joseph's "coat of many colours" serving as a potent symbol of his father's love, his favored status, and his perceived future authority. Its forcible removal symbolizes the brothers' rejection of Jacob's favoritism and their attempt to strip Joseph of his identity and destiny. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play; the brothers intend to destroy Joseph's dreams by stripping him and selling him into slavery, yet this very act becomes the catalyst for the fulfillment of those dreams, as God uses their wickedness for His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the scene is imbued with **Pathos**, evoking pity for Joseph's vulnerability and the cruelty he endures at the hands of his own family, highlighting the tragic consequences of unchecked envy and familial discord. This event also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Joseph's future suffering and humiliation before his ultimate exaltation, a pattern that echoes throughout biblical narratives of God's chosen servants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The stripping of Joseph's coat stands as a profound theological moment, illustrating the destructive power of human sin, particularly jealousy and betrayal, while simultaneously hinting at God's overarching sovereignty. This act of humiliation, born of deep-seated envy, reveals the brokenness within the family of promise, yet it is precisely through such human failings that God's redemptive plan begins to unfold. The event underscores that even the most heinous acts of human evil can be woven into the tapestry of divine providence, serving as a necessary, albeit painful, step towards a greater good.

* [Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "Joseph's Brothers Hated Him"): The brothers' hatred, fueled by Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's dreams, culminates in this violent act, demonstrating the destructive power of envy within family relationships.
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose"): Joseph's later declaration to his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good," provides the ultimate theological commentary on this event, affirming God's sovereign hand even in their wicked intentions.
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalm/105-17-19 "God Sent Joseph Ahead"): This psalm reflects on Joseph's suffering, including being sold as a slave and having his feet hurt with fetters, emphasizing that God "sent a man before them, even Joseph... whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joseph's stripping offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to confront the insidious nature of sin within our own hearts and relationships. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of favoritism, which can breed resentment and division, and the destructive power of envy, which can lead to acts of profound betrayal and cruelty. For those who have experienced betrayal or humiliation, Joseph's story provides a powerful testament to God's ability to work through suffering. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem unjust or unbearable, recognizing that our trials can be part of a larger divine design to refine our character, prepare us for His purposes, and ultimately bring about His glory. We are called to cultivate humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love, seeking to build up rather than tear down, and to remember that God's purposes are often fulfilled not in spite of, but through, our deepest pains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the favoritism shown to Joseph by Jacob resonate with or challenge dynamics within your own family or community?**
* **In what ways might unchecked envy or resentment, as seen in Joseph's brothers, manifest in your own life or relationships today?**
* **How can Joseph's experience of betrayal and humiliation strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty during times of personal suffering or injustice?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the long-term consequences of our actions, both good and bad, and God's ability to redeem them?**

### FAQ

**Why was Joseph's coat so significant?**

Answer: Joseph's coat, known as the *kethoneth passim*, was profoundly significant because it symbolized Jacob's overt favoritism towards him, distinguishing Joseph from his older brothers. While traditionally translated as "coat of many colours," scholarly interpretations often suggest it was a long, sleeved, and perhaps ornamented tunic, signifying a position of special privilege, leisure, or even an heir apparent, contrasting sharply with the practical working garments of his shepherd brothers. This visual distinction fueled the brothers' existing hatred and jealousy, making the coat a potent symbol of their animosity and Joseph's unique, yet precarious, status.

**Does this event suggest that Jacob was wrong to show favoritism?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly condemn Jacob's actions, the narrative clearly illustrates the devastating consequences of his favoritism. It directly fueled the intense jealousy and hatred among Joseph's brothers, leading to their heinous act of betrayal and Joseph's subsequent suffering. This serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the divisive effects of partiality within a family, demonstrating how even well-intentioned love can inadvertently create deep wounds and conflict, as seen in other biblical accounts of familial discord, such as the rivalry between [Isaac and Ishmael](/genesis/21-9-10 "Ishmael Mocks Isaac") or [Jacob and Esau](/genesis/27 "Jacob Deceives Isaac").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stripping of Joseph's coat in [Genesis 37:23](/genesis/37-23 "Joseph Stripped of His Coat") stands as a poignant foreshadowing of the suffering, humiliation, and betrayal that Jesus Christ would endure. Just as Joseph, the beloved son, was stripped of his garment by his own brothers and sold for a price, so too was Jesus, the Beloved Son of God, stripped of His clothes at His crucifixion ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments")), enduring public shame and betrayal by those He came to save. The brothers' act was an attempt to nullify Joseph's favored status and dreams, much like the religious leaders sought to discredit and destroy Jesus' claim to Messiahship. Yet, in both instances, what was intended for evil, God sovereignly used for good. Joseph's descent into suffering ultimately led to the salvation of his family and the nation of Israel from famine, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which brought about eternal salvation and provision for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). Joseph's journey from pit to palace, from humiliation to exaltation, powerfully prefigures Christ's path from the cross to the resurrection and His enthronement as King, demonstrating God's consistent plan to bring redemption through the suffering of His chosen one ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.