Genesis 37:34
Genesis 37:34 in Multiple Translations
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
And Jacob rent his garments, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Then Jacob, giving signs of grief, put on haircloth, and went on weeping for his son day after day.
Jacob tore his clothes in grief and dressed in sackcloth. He mourned the death of his son for a long time.
And Iaakob rent his clothes, and put sackecloth about his loynes, and sorowed for his sonne a long season.
And Jacob rendeth his raiment, and putteth sackcloth on his loins, and becometh a mourner for his son many days,
Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
And tearing his garments, he put on sackcloth, mourning for his son a long time.
Jacob was so grieved that he tore his clothes. He put on ◄sackcloth/clothes that people wear when they are mourning for someone who has died►. He mourned/cried for his son for many days.
So Jacob was really sad, because he thought that Joseph was dead. He was so sad that he tore his clothes. Then he put on some clothes made out of a rough cloth, called sack-cloth, and he cried. You see, in that culture, people sometimes tore their clothes and wore sack-cloth to show that they were sad. Jacob cried like that for lots of days.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:34
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 37:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרַ֤ע
יַעֲקֹב֙
שִׂמְלֹתָ֔י/ו
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
שַׂ֖ק
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל
עַל
בְּנ֖/וֹ
יָמִ֥ים
רַבִּֽים
וַ/יִּקְרַ֤ע
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
שִׂמְלֹתָ֔י/ו
simlâh
H8071
mantle
N-fp | Suff
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׂ֖ק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
N-ms
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
môthen
H4975
loin
Prep | N-md | Suff
וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל
ʼâbal
H56
to mourn
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:34
וַ/יִּקְרַ֤ע
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
שִׂמְלֹתָ֔י/ו
simlâh
H8071
"mantle"
N-fp | Suff
A mantle or dress, like a cloak, is what 'simlah' refers to in the Bible, often translated as 'apparel' or 'garment'.
Definition: wrapper, mantle, covering garment, garments, clothes, raiment, a cloth
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare H8008 (שַׂלְמָה). See also: Genesis 9:23; Deuteronomy 21:13; Proverbs 30:4.
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
שַׂ֖ק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו
môthen
H4975
"loin"
Prep | N-md | Suff
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל
ʼâbal
H56
"to mourn"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:34
- Sermons on Genesis 37:34
Context — Jacob Mourns Joseph
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!”
34Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
35All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. 36Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:29 | When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:31 | Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:11 | I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:11 | Shudder, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency. Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 19:1 | On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. |
| 6 | Job 1:20 | Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, |
| 7 | Matthew 11:21 | “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 8 | Jonah 3:5–8 | And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 36:24 | Yet in hearing all these words, the king and his servants did not become frightened or tear their garments. |
| 10 | Esther 4:1–3 | When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. |
Genesis 37:34 Summary
In Genesis 37:34, we see Jacob's heart-wrenching response to the supposed death of his son Joseph. He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth, which was a sign of deep mourning and grief. This shows us how much Jacob loved his son and how painful it is to lose someone we love, as seen in Psalm 119:136. Just like Jacob, we can trust that God is working everything out for our good, even in the midst of sorrow and suffering, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob tear his clothes and put on sackcloth?
Jacob tore his clothes and put on sackcloth as a sign of mourning and grief, which was a common practice in biblical times, as seen in Job 1:20 and 2 Samuel 3:31. This act showed the depth of his sorrow and loss.
How long did Jacob mourn for his son?
According to Genesis 37:34, Jacob mourned for his son many days, showing the intense and prolonged nature of his grief, similar to how David mourned for his son in 2 Samuel 18:33.
What can we learn from Jacob's response to his son's supposed death?
We can learn that Jacob's response shows the deep love and attachment he had for his son Joseph, and it also highlights the pain and suffering that can come from losing a loved one, as seen in Psalm 119:136 and John 11:35.
How does Jacob's grief relate to the bigger story of the Bible?
Jacob's grief is a small part of the larger story of God's plan to redeem his people, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20, where God ultimately brings good out of evil and sorrow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show empathy and compassion to those who are grieving, just like Jacob was in this verse?
- How can I trust God's plan when I am faced with difficult and sorrowful circumstances, like Jacob was when he thought Joseph had died?
- What are some things that I am holding onto too tightly, like Jacob held onto his son Joseph, and how can I learn to let go and trust God?
- How can I use my experiences of sorrow and grief to minister to others and point them to the hope of the gospel, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:34
And Jacob rent his clothes,.... As expressive of his grief and mourning for the death of his son, as he supposed: and put sackcloth upon his loins; put off his usual apparel, and put on a coarse
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:34
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
Sackcloth, i.e. a coarse and mournful habit. This is the first example of that kind, but afterwards was in common use upon these occasions. See 21:27, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
Genesis 37:34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.Ver. 34. Mourned for his son many days.] Puerilitas est periculorum pelagus. Few live to be old, for one evil beast or another that devours them: as for one apple that hangs till it falls, many are cudgelled down or gathered off the tree. We should learn to bury children and friends, while yet alive; by acting their death to ourselves aforehand.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 37:34
(34) Many days.—Jacob mourned for Joseph not merely during the usual period, but so long as to move even the hearts of those who had wronged him. For not only his daughters, but “all his sons rose up to comfort him.” Probably he had several daughters by Leah and the two handmaidens, Dinah alone having been mentioned by name, because two of her brothers forfeited the birthright by the cruelty with which they avenged her wrong. We learn how long and intense Jacob’s sorrow was from Genesis 45:26-28. His daughters are mentioned also in Genesis 46:7.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:34
34. rent his garments, &c.] Jacob mourned with the mourning rites of the Israelites. The rent clothes, the sackcloth, and the ashes, denote the exact opposite of festal array, new garments, soft raiment, and ointment. For “sackcloth” in mourning, see 1 Kings 21:27; 2 Kings 6:30.
Sermons on Genesis 37:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Worship by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship, highlighting the significance of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It explores the concept of worship from the beginning |
|
Job - Part 1 by John Piper | John Piper explores the profound trial of Job as he grapples with the heart-wrenching possibility of sacrificing his children for the sake of God's greater purpose. Job's deep love |
|
Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part2 by Josef Tson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being falsely accused and interrogated. After six months, the charges were dropped, and the man who had interrogated hi |
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Follow After Righteousness - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness, patience, meekness, and God-likeness, drawing inspiration from the story of Job who remained faithful and did not |
|
Meekness by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and how he was called by God despite feeling inadequate. Moses pleaded for the people of Israel even when God wanted to des |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 6 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the theme of the captivity of the righteous, drawing lessons from the story of Job. He discusses how God touches three major areas in Job's life: health, |
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The Arrows of the Almighty by Lehman Strauss | Lehman Strauss preaches on the sovereignty of God as demonstrated through the trials of Job. Job's unwavering faith and trust in God despite immense suffering showcase the assuranc |