Genesis 37:32

Authorized King James Version

And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֞וּ

H7971

And they sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

הַכְּתֹ֧נֶת

H3801

coat

a shirt

הַפַּסִּ֗ים

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)

וַיָּבִ֙יאוּ֙

H935

and they brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם

it to their father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיֹּֽאמְר֖וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

זֹ֣את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#10

מָצָ֑אנוּ

H4672

This have we found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#11

הַכֶּר

H5234

know

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

#12

נָ֗א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#13

הַכְּתֹ֧נֶת

H3801

coat

a shirt

#14

בִּנְךָ֛

H1121

now whether it be thy son's

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

#15

הִ֖וא

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

#16

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#17

לֹֽא׃

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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