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Genesis 37:23 - Brothers betray with striped coat

Genesis 37:23 - בראשית 37:23

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר־בָּא יוֹסֵף אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּפְשִׁיטוּ אֶת־יוֹסֵף אֶת־כֻּתָּנְתּוֹ אֶת־כְּתֹנֶת הַפַּסִּים אֲשֶׁר עָלָיו׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when Yosef was come to his brethren, that they stripped Yosef of his coat, the long sleeved coat that was on him.

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher-ba Yosef el-echav vayafshitu et-Yosef et-kutanto et-ketonet hapasim asher alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֕י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר־בָּ֥א יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל־אֶחָ֑יו וַיַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ אֶת־יוֹסֵף֙ אֶת־כֻּתׇּנְתּ֔וֹ אֶת־כְּתֹ֥נֶת הַפַּסִּ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָלָֽיו׃
וַיְהִ֕י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר־בָּ֥א יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל־אֶחָ֑יו וַיַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ אֶת־יוֹסֵף֙ אֶת־כֻּתׇּנְתּ֔וֹ אֶת־כְּתֹ֥נֶת הַפַּסִּ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָלָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of the Stripping of the Coat

Rashi (Bereshit 37:23) explains that the brothers stripped Yosef of his ketonet passim (ornamented tunic) as an act of degradation and humiliation. This was not merely about removing his clothing, but a symbolic rejection of Yaakov's special favor toward Yosef, represented by this garment. The stripping foreshadowed Yosef's descent from his elevated status as the beloved son to his subsequent suffering in Egypt.

Midrashic Insights on the Coat

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:9) elaborates that the ketonet passim was a garment of distinction, similar to those worn by nobility. By removing it, the brothers sought to negate Yosef's perceived arrogance and dreams of leadership. The Midrash also connects this act to the future—just as Yosef was stripped of his coat, so too would the Egyptians later strip the Jewish people of their possessions before enslaving them.

Rambam's Perspective on Brotherly Conflict

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:6) discusses the dangers of jealousy and strife, which are central themes in this episode. The brothers' act of stripping Yosef reflects the destructive consequences of unchecked hatred. Rambam emphasizes that disputes among family members are particularly grievous, as they undermine the unity of Klal Yisrael.

Symbolism of the Ketonet Passim

Traditional commentators note that the ketonet passim was more than a physical garment:

  • Ibn Ezra suggests it was a symbol of authority, marking Yosef as Yaakov's chosen successor.
  • Sforno adds that its removal signified the brothers' attempt to erase Yosef's unique role in the family.
  • Kli Yakar highlights the irony—the very coat that represented Yosef's elevation became the catalyst for his downfall.

Halachic Implications of the Act

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) discusses the severity of publicly shaming someone, comparing it to murder. The brothers' act of stripping Yosef in broad daylight (as implied by the narrative) was a grave violation of halacha, demonstrating how far their anger had led them astray from ethical conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of clothing and dignity, illustrating how Joseph's brothers stripped him of his special coat.
📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the actions of Joseph's brothers and their consequences, highlighting the severity of their betrayal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef's brothers strip him of his special coat?
A: Yosef's brothers stripped him of his 'ketonet passim' (ornamented tunic) because it symbolized their father Yaakov's special love for Yosef, which made them jealous. Rashi explains that this coat was a sign of authority and distinction, which further fueled their resentment (Rashi on Genesis 37:3).
Q: What was the significance of Yosef's special coat?
A: The 'ketonet passim' (ornamented tunic) was a unique garment given by Yaakov to Yosef, representing his special status among the brothers. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:8) suggests it may have been similar to the fine garments worn by nobility, indicating Yaakov saw Yosef as destined for leadership.
Q: How does this verse relate to sibling rivalry in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches about the dangers of favoritism and jealousy between siblings. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) warns against showing preferential treatment to one child over others, as this can lead to strife, as seen with Yosef and his brothers.
Q: Why is the stripping of Yosef's coat mentioned specifically?
A: The Torah emphasizes this detail to show how the brothers sought to completely remove Yosef's special status. Ramban explains that by stripping the coat - the visible sign of their father's favor - they symbolically rejected Yosef's dreams of leadership (Ramban on Genesis 37:23).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's brothers removing his coat?
A: This teaches that acting on jealousy can lead people to extreme actions. The brothers' act of stripping Yosef was the first step in their plan to eliminate him. Jewish ethics emphasize controlling negative emotions like jealousy before they lead to harmful deeds (based on teachings in Pirkei Avot 4:21).