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Book of Genesis - Chapter 37 - Verse 32

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.

Meaning

Genesis 37:32 in the Bible recounts the moment when Joseph's brothers deceive their father Jacob by sending him Joseph's coat of many colors, which they had soaked in goat's blood to make it appear as though Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. This act of deception was a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it set off a sequence of events that ultimately led to Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt. The coat of many colors was a symbol of Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, which had already caused tension between Joseph and his brothers. By presenting the coat to Jacob in this way, Joseph's brothers were not only deceiving their father but also committing a grave injustice against their own brother. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of jealousy, betrayal, and deceit, and sets the stage for the challenges and triumphs that Joseph would face in the chapters to come.

Theological Overview

One interesting theological interpretation of the verse "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." from Genesis 37:32 is the symbolism behind the coat of many colors itself. In the context of this passage, the coat was given to Joseph by his father Jacob as a sign of favoritism, which ultimately led to his brothers' jealousy and betrayal. The coat can be seen as a symbol of the broken relationships within the family, as well as the consequences of favoritism and pride. Moreover, the fact that the brothers used the coat to deceive their father raises questions about the importance of honesty and integrity in human relationships. Word studies on phrases such as "coat of many colors" can shed light on the historical and cultural significance of clothing and how it related to status and identity in ancient times. This verse prompts readers to reflect on themes of family dynamics, jealousy, betrayal, and honesty, inviting deeper contemplation on the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions.

American Standard Version

and they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found: know now whether it is thy son's coat or not.
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