Menu

Genesis 37:23

Genesis 37:23 in Multiple Translations

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing—

¶ 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;

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him;

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they took off his long coat which he had on;

So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off his robe—the colorful long-sleeved robe he was wearing—

Now when Ioseph was come vnto his brethren, they stript Ioseph out of his coate, his particoloured coate that was vpon him.

And it cometh to pass, when Joseph hath come unto his brethren, that they strip Joseph of his coat, the long coat which [is] upon him,

When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him;

And it came to pass when Joseph had come to his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him.

And as soon as he came to his brethren, they forthwith stript him of his outside coat, that was of divers colours:

So when Joseph arrived where his older brothers were, they seized him and ripped off his pretty robe with long sleeves.

Then Joseph got to his brothers. He was wearing that special coat that his father gave him. So Joseph’s brothers pulled that special coat off him.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:23

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 37:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יְהִ֕י כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר בָּ֥א יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל אֶחָ֑י/ו וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ אֶת יוֹסֵף֙ אֶת כֻּתָּנְתּ֔/וֹ אֶת כְּתֹ֥נֶת הַ/פַּסִּ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָלָֽי/ו
וַֽ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֖ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֶחָ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ pâshaṭ H6584 to strip Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יוֹסֵף֙ Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כֻּתָּנְתּ֔/וֹ kᵉthôneth H3801 tunic N-fs | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כְּתֹ֥נֶת kᵉthôneth H3801 tunic N-fs
הַ/פַּסִּ֖ים paç H6446 long-sleeved Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:23

וַֽ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יוֹסֵ֖ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶחָ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ pâshaṭ H6584 "to strip" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to strip or remove something, like taking off clothes or plundering a place. It is used in Exodus 22:26 to describe taking a pledge from someone. The word implies a sense of removal or deprivation.
Definition: 1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off, put off 1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash 1b) (Piel) to strip 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to strip of 1c2) to strip off 1c3) to flay 1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off, put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread selves (abroad), strip (off, self). See also: Genesis 37:23; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 32:11.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יוֹסֵף֙ Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כֻּתָּנְתּ֔/וֹ kᵉthôneth H3801 "tunic" N-fs | Suff
A tunic was a long, shirt-like garment, often made of linen, worn by people like Joseph in Genesis 37:3.
Definition: 1) tunic, under-garment 1a) a long shirt-like garment usually of linen
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: coat, garment, robe. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כְּתֹ֥נֶת kᵉthôneth H3801 "tunic" N-fs
A tunic was a long, shirt-like garment, often made of linen, worn by people like Joseph in Genesis 37:3.
Definition: 1) tunic, under-garment 1a) a long shirt-like garment usually of linen
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: coat, garment, robe. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21.
הַ/פַּסִּ֖ים paç H6446 "long-sleeved" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word describes a long, wide tunic that reaches down to the palms and soles, often translated as diverse colors. It first appears in Exodus 28:33 to describe the garment of the high priest. The root meaning is something that is spread out wide.
Definition: 1) flat (of the hand or foot), palm, sole 1a) of the tunic reaching to palms and soles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (divers) colours. See also: Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:32; 2 Samuel 13:19.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

Study Notes — Genesis 37:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.
2 Matthew 27:28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
3 Genesis 42:21 Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”
4 Genesis 37:31–33 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”
5 Psalms 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

Genesis 37:23 Summary

[In this verse, we see Joseph's brothers stripping him of his special robe, which was a gift from their father, because they were jealous of the favoritism he showed Joseph (Genesis 37:3-4). This event shows how jealousy and resentment can lead to hurtful and harmful actions towards others, as seen in the brothers' treatment of Joseph. Despite the difficulties and challenges that Joseph faced, he continued to trust in God and ultimately rose to a position of power and influence in Egypt (Genesis 41:41).]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joseph's brothers strip him of his robe?

Joseph's brothers stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors, because it symbolized their father's favoritism towards Joseph, which fueled their jealousy (Genesis 37:3-4).

What is the significance of the robe of many colors?

The robe of many colors represented Jacob's love and favoritism towards Joseph, making him a target of his brothers' resentment and anger, as seen in Genesis 37:23.

How does this event relate to the overall story of Joseph?

This event sets the stage for Joseph's journey to Egypt, where he would eventually rise to a position of power and influence, as seen in Genesis 41:41, and ultimately fulfill God's plan to preserve his family during a time of famine (Genesis 45:5).

What can we learn from the actions of Joseph's brothers?

The actions of Joseph's brothers serve as a warning against the dangers of jealousy and resentment, as seen in Proverbs 14:30, and highlight the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as taught in Matthew 7:12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be harboring jealousy or resentment towards others, and how can I work to overcome these feelings?
  2. How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even in the midst of difficult or trying circumstances?
  3. What are some ways that I can show kindness and compassion to those around me, particularly those who may be struggling or facing challenges?
  4. How can I, like Reuben, stand up for what is right and work to protect and care for those who are vulnerable or in need?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:23

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren,.... To the very place where they were, and had, in a kind and obliging manner, asked of their welfare, and related their father's concern

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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; They stripped ... coat of ... colours.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:23

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;Ver. 23. They stripe Joseph out of his coat.] For, (1) It an eyesore to them; (2.) There with they would colour their cruelty. And this while they were doing, Joseph used many entreaties for himself, but they would not hear him. Reuben also pleaded hard for the child, but all to no purpose. Their tender mercies were cruelties.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:23

Verse 23. They stripped Joseph out of his coat] This probably was done that, if ever found, he might not be discerned to be a person of distinction, and consequently, no inquiry made concerning him.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:23

2b–36 (JE). Joseph sold into Egypt 2b (J). and he was a lad with, &c.] The English here gives an awkward rendering. The meaning is, “he was keeping sheep, being still a lad, with his brethren, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah,” i.e. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. Joseph’s home at this time seems to have been at Hebron (cf. Genesis 35:27). The life of Joseph, the elder son of the favourite wife, spent in the field with the sons of the concubines, was not likely to be happy. the evil report] What this was, does not appear; cf. 1 Samuel 2:23. But Joseph’s action brought upon him the odium of tale-bearing. On the words for “evil report” cf. Numbers 13:32; Numbers 14:36-37 (P).

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:23

23. Stripped Joseph — He wore the garment which gave so much offence, (Genesis 37:3,) and this, first of all, they tore savagely away from him.

Sermons on Genesis 37:23

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, at the age of 17, was the youngest among his brothers and was tasked with feeding the
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37:20-26 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. The speaker highlights the actions of Reuben, who shows maturity and compassio
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t
William MacDonald Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-02 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of whether children in the audience are truly listening. He engages with a young boy named David and asks him about the title of
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 486 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Edith, who built a small mud brick dispensary in the Belgian Congo with a gift of 10 pounds from two blind ladies. Over the course
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 28 by Don Courville In this sermon by Jack VanIppy, the focus is on the concept of time and how it should be managed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of redeeming time and not allowing it to be

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate