What does Genesis 37:32 mean?

"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no." - Genesis 37:32

"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no." - Genesis 37:32

Genesis 37:32 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no."

This verse is a significant moment in the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob. It marks the climax of the narrative, as it sets in motion the events that lead to Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt. The coat of many colors is a symbol of favoritism, and its presentation to Jacob by his other sons is a pivotal moment in the unraveling of the family dynamics.

The context of Genesis 37:32 begins with the jealousy and resentment Joseph's brothers feel towards him. His father Jacob, also known as Israel, openly favors Joseph, the firstborn son of his favored wife Rachel. To demonstrate his favor, Jacob gives Joseph a coat of many colors, which symbolizes his special status as the favored son. This act of favoritism exacerbates the brothers' jealousy and animosity towards Joseph, and they plot to get rid of him.

In the preceding verses, we see Joseph's brothers throw him into a pit and then, ultimately, sell him to Midianite traders who take him to Egypt. As they do so, they strip Joseph of his coat and dip it in the blood of a goat. They then bring this bloodied coat to their father, Jacob, deceiving him into believing that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal.

This act of deception is significant because it reflects the lengths to which the brothers are willing to go to rid themselves of Joseph. The presentation of the coat to Jacob serves as a turning point in the narrative, as it sparks Jacob's inconsolable grief and leads to Joseph's separation from his family.

The symbolism in Genesis 37:32 is profound. The coat of many colors represents Jacob's favoritism and the status it affords Joseph. It is a tangible symbol of a father's love and a visible sign of Joseph's special position within the family. The coat also signifies Joseph's innocence and purity, as well as his dreams and the divine favor he has received.

The bloodied coat, on the other hand, serves as a symbol of deception and betrayal. It reflects the brothers' jealousy and their willingness to deceive their father in order to rid themselves of Joseph. The blood on the coat also foreshadows the subsequent suffering and hardship that Joseph will endure in Egypt.

The overarching themes of Genesis 37:32 include family dynamics, favoritism, jealousy, deception, betrayal, and the sovereignty of God. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and the consequences of deceit. It also highlights the providential role of God in the lives of His chosen people, as the events set in motion by the brothers' actions ultimately lead to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

In conclusion, Genesis 37:32 is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. It highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and the consequences of favoritism within a family. The symbolism of the coat of many colors and its bloodied state serves to underscore the themes of deception, betrayal, and divine providence. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph and the fulfillment of his dreams.

Have questions about Genesis 37:32?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Genesis 37:32 Artwork

Genesis 37:32 - "And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no."

Genesis 37:32 - "And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no."

"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no." - Genesis 37:32

"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no." - Genesis 37:32

Luke 17:32-37

Luke 17:32-37

Numbers 32:37 - "And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,"

Numbers 32:37 - "And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,"

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

Psalms 37:32 - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."

genesis 37

genesis 37

Deuteronomy 32:37 - "And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,"

Deuteronomy 32:37 - "And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,"

Genesis 19-37

Genesis 19-37

Genesis 24-37

Genesis 24-37

Genesis 37:2

Genesis 37:2

Genesis 19-32

Genesis 19-32

Genesis 27:32

Genesis 27:32

Genesis 24-32

Genesis 24-32

Genesis 25-32

Genesis 25-32

Genesis 18-32

Genesis 18-32

Genesis 21-32

Genesis 21-32

"And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim," - Numbers 32:37

"And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim," - Numbers 32:37

"The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him." - Psalms 37:32

"The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him." - Psalms 37:32

Isaiah 37:32 - "For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."

Isaiah 37:32 - "For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."

Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

Genesis 37:19 - "And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."

Genesis 37:12 - "¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem."

Genesis 37:12 - "¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem."

Genesis 37:24 - "And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it."

Genesis 37:24 - "And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it."

Genesis 37:11 - "And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."

Genesis 37:11 - "And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."

Genesis 41:37 - "¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants."

Genesis 41:37 - "¶ And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants."

Genesis 36:37 - "And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead."

Genesis 36:37 - "And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead."

"And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted," - Deuteronomy 32:37

"And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted," - Deuteronomy 32:37

Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"

Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"

Genesis 37:1 - "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."

Genesis 37:1 - "And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan."

Genesis 37:36 - "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard."

Genesis 37:36 - "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard."

Genesis 49:32 - "The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth."

Genesis 49:32 - "The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth."