Genesis 37:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

Now Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָהַ֤ב

H157

loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹסֵף֙

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֶן

H1121

because he was the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֶן

H1121

because he was the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

זְקֻנִ֥ים

H2208

of his old age

old age

#10

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#11

ל֑וֹ

#12

וְעָ֥שָׂה

H6213

and he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

ל֖וֹ

#14

כְּתֹ֥נֶת

H3801

him a coat

a shirt

#15

פַּסִּֽים׃

H6446

of many colours

a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one; from the original sense of the root, i.e., of many breadths)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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