CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/01_Gen_37_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Dreams" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/37-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/37-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/37-2.htm" title="Genesis 37:2">◄</a> Genesis 37:3 <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm" title="Genesis 37:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/37.htm">New International Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. <a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. <a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. <a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. <a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a multicolored tunic. <a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. <a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. <a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a [distinctive] multicolored tunic. <a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a robe of many colors for him. <a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 colors. <a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jacob loved Joseph more than he did any of his other sons, because Joseph was born when Jacob was very old. Jacob had even given Joseph a fancy coat <a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons because Joseph had been born in Israel's old age. So he made Joseph a special robe with long sleeves. <a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he had been born to him when he was old. He made a long robe with full sleeves for him. <a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his brothers, since he was born to him in his old age, so he had made a richly-embroidered tunic for him. <a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. <a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons because he was a son born to him late in life, and he made a special tunic for him. <a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he had been born to him in his old age. And he made a long ornamented robe for him. <a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 colors. <a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Israel has loved Joseph more than any of his sons, for he [is] a son of his old age, and has made for him a long coat; <a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Israel hath loved Joseph more than any of his sons, for he is a son of his old age, and hath made for him a long coat; <a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Israel loved Joseph above all his sons, for to him he was the son of old age: and he made for him a tunic (reaching to the soles of the feet).<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph above all his sons, because he had him in his old age: and he made him a coat of divers colours. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph above all his sons, because he had conceived him in his old age. And he made him a tunic, woven of many colors. <a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a> Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long ornamented tunic. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a rich robe with long sleeves. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Israel had loved Yoseph more than all his sons because he was a son of old age to him, and he made for him a coat of long sleeves.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jacob loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was to him the son of old age; and he made for him a coat of many colours. <a href="/parallel/genesis/37-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9331" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph's Dreams</a> …2This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them. 3<a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: wə·yiś·rā·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Now Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ā·haḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">loved</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">more than</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">his other sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">had been born</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2208.htm" title="2208: zə·qu·nîm (N-mp) -- Old age. Properly, passive participle of zaqen; old age:-old age.">in his old age;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·‘ā·śāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">so he made</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3801.htm" title="3801: kə·ṯō·neṯ (N-fsc) -- A tunic. Or kuttoneth; from an unused root meaning to cover; a shirt.">a robe</a> <a href="/hebrew/6446.htm" title="6446: pas·sîm (N-mp) -- Flat (of the hand or foot). From pacac; properly, the palm or sole; by implication a long and sleeved tunic.">of many colors.</a> 4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a> And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” <a href="/luke/3-22.htm">Luke 3:22</a> and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a> For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a> He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a> But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. <a href="/1_john/4-9.htm">1 John 4:9</a> This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. <a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Ephesians 1:6</a> to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, <a href="/john/5-20.htm">John 5:20</a> The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. <a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a> “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” <a href="/deuteronomy/21-15.htm">Deuteronomy 21:15-17</a> If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 colors.loved.<a href="/john/3-35.htm">John 3:35</a> The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.<a href="/john/13-22.htm">John 13:22,23</a> Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake… son.<a href="/genesis/44-20.htm">Genesis 44:20-30</a> 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… a coat.<a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Genesis 37:23,32</a> 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; … <a href="/judges/5-30.htm">Judges 5:30</a> Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?<a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">2 Samuel 13:18</a> 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.colours.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/35-29.htm">Age</a> <a href="/genesis/36-18.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/36-31.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/6-14.htm">Coat</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Colors</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Colours</a> <a href="/genesis/26-13.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/genesis/36-31.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/34-3.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-16.htm">Ornamented</a> <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Richly</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">Sleeves</a> <a href="/john/19-23.htm">Tunic</a> <a href="/genesis/37-32.htm">Varicolored</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">Vest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/44-20.htm">Age</a> <a href="/genesis/41-50.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Coat</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Colors</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Colours</a> <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/genesis/37-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Ornamented</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Richly</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Sleeves</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Tunic</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Varicolored</a> <a href="/genesis/37-23.htm">Vest</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div>1. <a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a> 29. <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/37.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/37.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons This phrase highlights the preferential love Jacob (Israel) had for Joseph, which is a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives. Jacob's favoritism echoes the preferential treatment he received from his mother Rebekah over his brother Esau. This favoritism sets the stage for familial discord, as seen in the jealousy and hatred it incites among Joseph's brothers. The theme of favoritism and its consequences is a significant motif in Genesis, illustrating the complexities of family dynamics and the unfolding of God's plan through flawed human relationships.because Joseph had been born to him in his old age Joseph was the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife, which added to his special status. The mention of Jacob's old age emphasizes the long-awaited fulfillment of his desire for a son from Rachel, further intensifying his affection for Joseph. This detail also underscores the miraculous nature of Joseph's birth, as it occurred when Jacob was advanced in years, reminiscent of other biblical figures like Isaac, who was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.so he made him a robe of many colors The robe, often translated as a "coat of many colors" or a "richly ornamented robe," symbolizes Joseph's favored status and possibly a position of authority within the family. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such garments were typically worn by nobility or those in positions of honor. The robe becomes a focal point of the brothers' jealousy and a catalyst for the events that follow, including Joseph's eventual sale into slavery. This garment can also be seen as a type of Christ, foreshadowing Jesus' own rejection by His brethren and His ultimate exaltation. The robe's significance is further highlighted in its connection to the broader narrative of Joseph's life, which parallels the story of redemption and divine providence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel (Jacob)</a> The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, formerly known as Jacob. He is the father of Joseph and his brothers. His favoritism towards Joseph sets the stage for familial conflict. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Joseph is favored by his father, which causes tension with his brothers. 3. <a href="/topical/r/robe_of_many_colors.htm">Robe of Many Colors</a> A special garment made by Jacob for Joseph, symbolizing his favoritism and possibly a sign of authority or distinction. 4. <a href="/topical/b/brothers_of_joseph.htm">Brothers of Joseph</a> The other sons of Jacob, who become envious and hostile towards Joseph due to their father's favoritism. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a> The region where Jacob and his family were living at the time, significant as a place of patriarchal heritage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_favoritism.htm">The Dangers of Favoritism</a> Favoritism can lead to division and resentment within families and communities. As believers, we are called to love impartially, reflecting God's love for all His children. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence.htm">The Role of Providence</a> Despite human failings, God's providence can work through difficult family dynamics to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power and the preservation of Israel. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_parental_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Parental Wisdom</a> Parents are encouraged to exercise wisdom and fairness in their relationships with their children, recognizing the potential impact of their actions on family harmony. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_robe.htm">Symbolism of the Robe</a> The robe of many colors can be seen as a symbol of God's unique calling and gifting for each individual. Believers are encouraged to embrace their God-given identity and purpose. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_envy_and_jealousy.htm">Responding to Envy and Jealousy</a> Joseph's account invites reflection on how to respond to envy and jealousy, both as the recipient and the one experiencing these emotions. Forgiveness and reconciliation are key themes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37</a> <a href="/q/how_can_joseph's_coat_exist_without_evidence.htm">(Genesis 37:3) How can this special coat legitimately exist without any historical or archaeological evidence of such unique garments from that time? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_'coat_of_many_colors'.htm">What is the "coat of many colors"?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_joseph_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Joseph?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_chosen_generation.htm">Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) He was the son of his old age.--Jacob was ninety-one when Joseph was born; but at Benjamin's birth he was eight or nine years older; and according to the common belief that Jacob was only twenty years in Padan-aram, the four sons of the handmaids must have been about Joseph's age, and Leah's last two sons even younger. But the epithet is intelligible if Jacob had waited twenty-seven years after his marriage with Rachel, before Joseph was born. There would then be a considerable interval between him and the other sons; and though Rachel had a second son some years afterwards, yet Joseph would continue to be the son long looked for, whose birth had given him so great happiness; whereas his joy at Benjamin's coming was bought at the terrible price of the mother's death.A coat of many colours.--Two explanations are given of this phrase; the first, that it was a long garment with sleeves or fringes; the other, that it was composed of patchwork of various colours. The latter is the more probable interpretation; for from the tomb at Beni-Hassan we learn that such dresses were worn in Palestine, as a train of captive Jebusites is represented upon it clad in rich robes, the patterns of which seem to have been produced by sewing together small pieces of different colours. So also in India beautiful dresses are made by sewing together strips of crimson, purple, and other colours. (Roberts' Oriental Illustrations, p. 43.) Some have thought that Jacob by this dress marked out Joseph as the future head of the family, in the place of Reuben, supposing it to indicate the priestly office borne by the firstborn; but this is doubtful, and it was Judah to whom Jacob gave the right of primogeniture.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Now (literally, and) Israel loved Joseph more than all his children (literally, sons), because he was the son of his old age - literally, a son of old age (was) he to him; not a son possessing the wisdom of advanced years (Onkelos), but a son born in his old age (Rosenmüller, Keil, Kalisch, et alii), which was literally true of Joseph, since he was born in his father's ninety-first year. Yet as Joseph was only a year or two younger than the children of Bilhah and Zilpah, and as Benjamin was still later born than he, the application of this epithet to Joseph has been explained on the ground that Benjamin was at this time little more than a child (Keil), and had not much come into notice (Murphy), or perhaps was not born when this portion of the narrative was originally written ('Speaker's Commentary); or that Joseph had obtained the name before Benjamin's birth, and that it had clung to him after that event (Inglis). Josephus ('Ant.,' 2:02, 1) gives another reason for Jacob's partiality which is not inconsistent with the statement in the text, viz., the beauty of his person and the virtue of his mind, διὰ τε τὴν τοῦ σώματος εὐγένειαν καὶ διά ψυχῆς ἀρετής. And he made him a coat of many colors - literally, a coat (kithoneth, from kathan, to cover; vide Genesis 3:21) of ends (Keil, Lange), i.e. a tunic reaching to the ancles, and with sleeves reaching to the wrists, and commonly worn by boys and girls of the upper ranks (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 7:08, 9; <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">2 Samuel 13:18</a>), or a coat of pieces (Kalisch, T. Lewis, Wordsworth); hence a variegated garment, χιτὼν ποικίλος (LXX.), tunica polymita (Vulgate), a coat of many colors (Murphy, 'Speaker's Commentary'). "Such garments are represented on some of the monuments of Egypt. At Beni-Hassan, for example, there is a magnificent excavation forming the tomb of Pihrai, a military officer of Osirtasen I., in which a train of foreign captives appears, who are supposed to be Jebusites, an inscription over one person in the group reading, "The Chief of the Land of the Jebusites. 'The whole of the captives are clad in parti-colored garments, and the tunic of this individual in particular may be called "a coat of many colors" (Thornlcy Smith, 'Joseph and his Times,' p. 12). It has been supposed that Jacob's object in conferring this distinction on Joseph was to mark him out as the heir to whom the forfeited birthright of Reuben (<a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a>) was to be transferred (Kurtz, Lange, Gerlach, Bush, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary,' etc.); but the historian only mentions it as a token of affection, such as was customary in those times for princes to bestow upon their subjects, and parents on their children (vide Thornley Smith, 'Joseph and his Times,' p. 11). Roberts says the same thing is still done among the Hindoos, crimson, purple, and other colors being often tastefully sewed together for beautiful or favored children (vide 'Oriental Illustrations,' p. 43). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now Israel וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (wə·yiś·rā·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc loved אָהַ֤ב (’ā·haḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> To have affection f Joseph יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites more than מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his other sons, בָּנָ֔יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Joseph ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are had been born to him בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son in his old age; זְקֻנִ֥ים (zə·qu·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2208.htm">Strong's 2208: </a> Old age so he made וְעָ֥שָׂה (wə·‘ā·śāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make him ל֖וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> a robe כְּתֹ֥נֶת (kə·ṯō·neṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3801.htm">Strong's 3801: </a> A shirt of many colors. פַּסִּֽים׃ (pas·sîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6446.htm">Strong's 6446: </a> Flat (of the hand or foot) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>