Genesis 37:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:31 mean?

Genesis 37:31 describes how Joseph’s brothers took his special coat, killed a young goat, and dipped the coat in the goat’s blood. This act was part of their plan to deceive their father into thinking that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers have just sold him into slavery and are now trying to cover up what they have done. The coat mentioned is the distinctive garment Jacob gave Joseph, which had marked him as the favored son. By staining it with blood, the brothers create false evidence to support their lie, setting up the emotional confrontation with their father in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:31

• "Coat" (כְּתֹנֶת, ketonet): This word refers to a long robe or tunic. In Joseph’s story, it is a symbol of his special status in the family, so its defilement is a powerful image.
• "Dipped" (טָבַל, taval): This word means to immerse or submerge. The brothers did not just sprinkle blood on the coat; they thoroughly soaked it, making the deception more convincing.
• "Blood" (דָּם, dam): The use of animal blood here is central to the brothers’ plan, as it visually mimics the aftermath of a violent animal attack, which they want their father to believe happened to Joseph.

Why Genesis 37:31 matters

• Genesis 37:31 shows the lengths Joseph’s brothers were willing to go to hide their wrongdoing, highlighting the seriousness of their betrayal.
• The verse sets up the emotional impact on Jacob, Joseph’s father, who will be devastated by the sight of the bloodied coat.
• This act of deception becomes a turning point in the story, leading to years of grief for Jacob and shaping the future of Joseph and his family.