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.

GENESIS 37:3KJV
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Genesis 37:3 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:3 mean?

Genesis 37:3 says that Israel (Jacob) loved his son Joseph more than any of his other children, because Joseph was born to him in his old age, and Jacob showed this special affection by making Joseph a distinctive coat of many colors. This verse highlights the unique favor Joseph received from his father, setting the stage for later family conflict.

In this part of Genesis, the focus is on Jacob’s family, specifically his relationship with Joseph. Jacob, also called Israel, openly favors Joseph, which is unusual in a family with many sons. The special coat is a visible sign of this preference, and it marks Joseph out as different from his brothers, which will become important in the story that follows.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:3

  • "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el): This is the name given to Jacob after wrestling with God, and it is used here to emphasize his role as the father of the twelve tribes.
  • "Loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav): This word means a deep, personal love or affection, showing that Jacob’s feelings for Joseph were especially strong.
  • "Coat" (כְּתֹנֶת, ketonet): This term refers to a tunic or robe, often reaching the wrists and ankles, which was not typical everyday wear for shepherds. It suggests a garment of importance or distinction.
  • "Colours" (פַּסִּים, passim): This word is often understood as “many colors” or “long sleeves.” The exact meaning is debated, but it clearly points to a garment that set Joseph apart from his brothers.

Why Genesis 37:3 matters

  • Genesis 37:3 explains the root of the jealousy and tension between Joseph and his brothers, which is a key theme in the following chapters.
  • The verse shows how visible favoritism in a family can lead to deep divisions and consequences, which is a recurring issue in the stories of the patriarchs.
  • The special coat is not just a gift but a symbol of Joseph’s unique status, which helps readers understand why his brothers react so strongly in the events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“age” Hebrew H2208 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • Genesis 44:20 And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

“colours” Hebrew H6446 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 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 37:32 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.
  • 2 Samuel 13:18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

“coat” Hebrew H3801 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Exodus 29:5 And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
  • 2 Samuel 13:18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.