Genesis 37:31

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

And they took {H3947} Joseph's {H3130} coat {H3801}, and killed {H7819} a kid {H8163} of the goats {H5795}, and dipped {H2881} the coat {H3801} in the blood {H1818};

They took Yosef's robe, killed a male goat and dipped the robe in the blood.

Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood.

And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the coat in the blood;

Commentary

Context of Genesis 37:31

Genesis 37:31 describes a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. This verse immediately follows the brothers' cruel act of selling Joseph to Ishmaelite traders (Genesis 37:28). The brothers, fueled by intense jealousy over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, devised a malicious plan to cover up their crime. Their target audience for this deception was their father, Jacob, who had bestowed upon Joseph the infamous coat of many colours (or "a richly ornamented robe," KJV marginal note), a symbol of his special status and inheritance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Deception and Betrayal: This verse highlights the brothers' calculated and cold-hearted deception. By dipping Joseph's distinctive coat in blood, they created false evidence to convince Jacob that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. This act of betrayal underscores the deep-seated malice they harbored.
  • The Destructive Power of Jealousy: The entire episode, culminating in this deception, is a stark illustration of how envy and jealousy can corrupt individuals and lead to heinous acts. The brothers' hatred for Joseph blinded them to the moral implications of their actions.
  • Consequences of Sin: The immediate consequence of this deception was profound grief for Jacob (Genesis 37:35), who believed his son was dead. The long-term consequences would unfold over decades, affecting the entire family and setting the stage for Joseph's dramatic rise in Egypt.
  • Foreshadowing of Joseph's Suffering: While a deceitful act, the imagery of Joseph's coat dipped in blood symbolically foreshadows the trials and suffering Joseph would endure in slavery and imprisonment, ultimately leading to his exaltation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "kid of the goats" refers to a young goat, an animal commonly used in ancient Israel for sacrifice and food. The choice of a goat's blood was likely for its realistic appearance, mimicking the blood of a larger animal that might attack a person. The "coat" itself, often translated as a "coat of many colours" (Hebrew: kethoneth passim), indicates a garment of special design or length, signifying high status or favor. The brothers' use of this specific garment was crucial to making their fabricated story believable to Jacob.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 37:31 serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of sin, particularly the sins of jealousy and deception. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for hidden resentments and to consider the long-term consequences of dishonest actions. While the brothers intended evil, this dark moment in the family's history was ultimately woven into God's sovereign plan for good, preparing Joseph to save his family and a nation from famine. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's overarching providence, even when faced with human wickedness and suffering.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 37:23 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • Genesis 37:3 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Proverbs 28:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.