King James Version

What Does Genesis 37:31 Mean?

Genesis 37:31 in the King James Version says “And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;”

Genesis 37:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.

30

And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?

31

And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;

32

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.

33

And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.

Read Genesis 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּקְח֖וּ1 of 11

“And they took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 11
H853

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

הַכֻּתֹּ֖נֶת3 of 11

“coat”

H3801

a shirt

יוֹסֵ֑ף4 of 11

“Joseph's”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַֽיִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙5 of 11

“and killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

שְׂעִ֣יר6 of 11

“a kid”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

עִזִּ֔ים7 of 11

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

וַיִּטְבְּל֥וּ8 of 11

“and dipped”

H2881

to dip, to immerse

אֶת9 of 11
H853

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

הַכֻּתֹּ֖נֶת10 of 11

“coat”

H3801

a shirt

בַּדָּֽם׃11 of 11

“in the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 37:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 37:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:23Proverbs 28:13Genesis 37:3

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