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 · King James Version
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.
Genesis 37:32 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
They took the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, “We have found this. Examine it, now, whether it is your son’s coat or not.”
Douay-Rheims
Sending some to carry it to their father, and to say: This we have found: see whether it be thy son's coat, or not.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So they sent that particoloured coat, and they brought it vnto their father, and saide, This haue we founde: see nowe, whether it be thy sonnes coate, or no.