Genesis 37:31
Genesis 37:31 in Multiple Translations
Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood.
And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the coat in the blood;
Then they took Joseph's coat, and put on it some of the blood from a young goat which they had put to death,
They slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph's robe in the blood.
And they tooke Iosephs coate, and killed a kidde of the goates, and dipped the coate in the blood.
And they take the coat of Joseph, and slaughter a kid of the goats, and dip the coat in the blood,
They took Joseph’s tunic, and killed a male goat, and dipped the tunic in the blood.
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood:
And they took his coat, and dipped it in the blood of a kid, which they had killed:
Joseph’s brothers did not dare to tell their father what they had done. So, they decided to invent a story about what had happened. They got Joseph’s robe. Then they killed a goat and dipped the robe in the goat’s blood.
Joseph’s brothers wanted their father to think that an animal killed Joseph. So they killed a goat, and they got some of that goat’s blood, and they put the blood on that special coat that belonged to Joseph.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:31
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 37:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
אֶת
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
יוֹסֵ֑ף
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙
שְׂעִ֣יר
עִזִּ֔ים
וַ/יִּטְבְּל֥וּ
אֶת
הַ/כֻּתֹּ֖נֶת
בַּ/דָּֽם
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
tunic
N-fs
יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙
shâchaṭ
H7819
to slaughter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׂעִ֣יר
sâʻîyr
H8163
hairy
N-ms
עִזִּ֔ים
ʻêz
H5795
goat
N-fp
וַ/יִּטְבְּל֥וּ
ṭâbal
H2881
to dip
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/כֻּתֹּ֖נֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
tunic
Art | N-fs
בַּ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:31
וַ/יִּקְח֖וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
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.
יוֹסֵ֑ף
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.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙
shâchaṭ
H7819
"to slaughter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
שְׂעִ֣יר
sâʻîyr
H8163
"hairy"
N-ms
This word can refer to a wild goat or a satyr, a mythical creature. In the Bible, it may also describe a demon-possessed animal, like the ones in Matthew 8:30-32.
Definition: adj hairy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr. See also: Genesis 27:11; Numbers 7:52; Isaiah 13:21.
עִזִּ֔ים
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
N-fp
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
וַ/יִּטְבְּל֥וּ
ṭâbal
H2881
"to dip"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to dip or immerse something in a liquid, like water or oil. It is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as dipping food or plunging into water.
Definition: 1) to dip, dip into, plunge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dip in or into 1a2) to dip oneself 1b) (Niphal) to be dipped
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: dip, plunge. See also: Genesis 37:31; Numbers 19:18; Job 9:31.
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.
הַ/כֻּתֹּ֖נֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
"tunic"
Art | 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.
בַּ/דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:31
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:31
- Sermons on Genesis 37:31
Context — Jacob Mourns Joseph
29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
30returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?”
31Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood.
32They 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.” 33His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:23 | So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing— |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 3 | 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. |
Genesis 37:31 Summary
[In Genesis 37:31, Joseph's brothers took his special robe, killed a goat, and dipped the robe in its blood to make it look like Joseph had been hurt by an animal. This was a dishonest and hurtful thing to do, and it shows how jealousy and resentment can lead us to do bad things. We can learn from their mistakes by choosing to be honest and kind, even when we feel jealous or left out, as seen in Matthew 7:12. By trusting in God's sovereignty, like Joseph did, we can find peace and guidance in difficult situations, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph's brothers slaughter a young goat to dip his robe in its blood?
Joseph's brothers slaughtered a young goat to make it seem like Joseph had been attacked by a wild animal, as seen in Genesis 37:31-33, in order to deceive their father Jacob into thinking Joseph was dead, much like the deception seen in Genesis 27:15-16 where Jacob deceived his father Isaac.
What was the significance of Joseph's robe in this verse?
Joseph's robe, specifically the robe of many colors given to him by his father, as mentioned in Genesis 37:3, held great sentimental value and was a symbol of Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, making it the perfect item to use in the deception, as seen in Genesis 37:31-32.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph's life?
This verse marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, as it leads to his enslavement in Egypt, which ultimately sets the stage for his rise to power and his ability to save his family, as seen in Genesis 41:37-57 and Genesis 45:1-15, demonstrating God's sovereignty and plan for Joseph's life, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from the actions of Joseph's brothers in this verse?
The actions of Joseph's brothers serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy, deceit, and manipulation, as seen in Genesis 37:31 and Proverbs 14:30, and remind us of the importance of honesty, integrity, and treating others with kindness and respect, as taught in Matthew 7:12 and Ephesians 4:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have allowed jealousy or resentment to control my actions, and how can I learn from Joseph's brothers' mistakes?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem difficult or unfair, like Joseph's situation?
- What are some symbols or reminders in my life that hold sentimental value, and how can I use them to glorify God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate honesty, integrity, and kindness to those around me, especially in difficult or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:31
And they took Joseph's coat,.... After they had told Reuben what they had done with him, who being willing to make the best of things as it was, joined with them in the following scheme: by this it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:31
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; They took Joseph's coat.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:31
Genesis 37:31 And they took Joseph’ s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;Ver. 31. And dipped the coat in the blood.] That Jacob might think his son Joseph was dead; and so make no further inquiry after him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:31
(31) A kid of the goats.—Heb., a full grown he-goat. Maimonides thinks that the reason why he-goats were so often used as sin-offerings under the Levitical law was to remind the Israelites of this great sin committed by their patriarchs.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:31
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).
Sermons on Genesis 37:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:29-33 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had deceived his own father in the past, and now he is deceived by his own sons who make him bel |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |
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(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 |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 37-38 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph's brothers, filled with resentment towards his dreams of greatness, conspire to kill him. However, |
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(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 |
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(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 |
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(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 |