Genesis 37:23 - When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him;
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What does "Genesis 37:23" mean?
This verse, Genesis 37:23, is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. It describes a significant act of violence and betrayal:
"When Joseph came to his brothers...": This sets the scene. Joseph, likely expecting a brotherly reception, approaches his siblings who are tending their father's flocks.
"...they stripped Joseph of his coat...": This is the core of the verse. The brothers forcibly remove Joseph's distinctive garment. Stripping him naked or down to basic clothing is a sign of humiliation and powerlessness.
"...the coat of many colors that was on him;": This detail is crucial. The "coat of many colors" (or "coat with long sleeves," depending on the translation) was a special gift from their father, Jacob. It was a symbol of Jacob's favor and preferential treatment towards Joseph, which fueled the brothers' envy and resentment. Stripping him of this coat is therefore:
A symbolic rejection: They are rejecting Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's elevated status.
An act of degradation: They are humiliating Joseph and reducing him to a common status.
A pre-emptive strike: They may see the coat as a symbol of Joseph's future dominance (related to his dreams) and aim to nullify it.
In summary, this verse represents the culmination of the brothers' jealousy and hatred towards Joseph. It's an act of violence that strips him of his status, his father's love, and foreshadows the future hardships he will endure. It is the start of the terrible events that lead to him being sold into slavery in Egypt.
Genesis 37:23 - When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him;
What does "Genesis 37:23" mean?
This verse, Genesis 37:23, is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. It describes a significant act of violence and betrayal:
"When Joseph came to his brothers...": This sets the scene. Joseph, likely expecting a brotherly reception, approaches his siblings who are tending their father's flocks.
"...they stripped Joseph of his coat...": This is the core of the verse. The brothers forcibly remove Joseph's distinctive garment. Stripping him naked or down to basic clothing is a sign of humiliation and powerlessness.
"...the coat of many colors that was on him;": This detail is crucial. The "coat of many colors" (or "coat with long sleeves," depending on the translation) was a special gift from their father, Jacob. It was a symbol of Jacob's favor and preferential treatment towards Joseph, which fueled the brothers' envy and resentment. Stripping him of this coat is therefore:
A symbolic rejection: They are rejecting Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's elevated status.
An act of degradation: They are humiliating Joseph and reducing him to a common status.
A pre-emptive strike: They may see the coat as a symbol of Joseph's future dominance (related to his dreams) and aim to nullify it.
In summary, this verse represents the culmination of the brothers' jealousy and hatred towards Joseph. It's an act of violence that strips him of his status, his father's love, and foreshadows the future hardships he will endure. It is the start of the terrible events that lead to him being sold into slavery in Egypt.