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Genesis 37:32 - Deceit with Joseph's coat?

Genesis 37:32 - בראשית 37:32

Hebrew Text

וַיְשַׁלְּחוּ אֶת־כְּתֹנֶת הַפַּסִּים וַיָּבִיאוּ אֶל־אֲבִיהֶם וַיֹּאמְרוּ זֹאת מָצָאנוּ הַכֶּר־נָא הַכְּתֹנֶת בִּנְךָ הִוא אִם־לֹא׃

English Translation

and they sent the coat with long sleeves, and they brought it to their father; and said, This we have found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.

Transliteration

Vayishalchu et-ketonet hapasim vayavi'u el-avihem vayomru zot matzanu haker-na haketonet bincha hi im-lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֞וּ אֶת־כְּתֹ֣נֶת הַפַּסִּ֗ים וַיָּבִ֙יאוּ֙ אֶל־אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ זֹ֣את מָצָ֑אנוּ הַכֶּר־נָ֗א הַכְּתֹ֧נֶת בִּנְךָ֛ הִ֖וא אִם־לֹֽא׃
וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֞וּ אֶת־כְּתֹ֣נֶת הַפַּסִּ֗ים וַיָּבִ֙יאוּ֙ אֶל־אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ זֹ֣את מָצָ֑אנוּ הַכֶּר־נָ֗א הַכְּתֹ֧נֶת בִּנְךָ֛ הִ֖וא אִם־לֹֽא׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Coat of Many Colors

The verse describes how Yosef's brothers presented Yaakov with the ketonet passim (coat of many colors) after they had sold Yosef into slavery. Rashi (Bereshit 37:32) explains that the brothers dipped the coat in goat's blood to make it appear as though Yosef had been killed by a wild animal. The ketonet passim was a special garment that symbolized Yaakov's unique love for Yosef, as noted in Bereshit 37:3.

The Brothers' Deceptive Words

The brothers say, "Haker na" ("Recognize, please"), which Rashi interprets as a cruel taunt. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:19) elaborates that their phrasing was deliberately ambiguous, allowing them to avoid outright lying while still misleading Yaakov. The Ramban (Bereshit 37:32) adds that their words were carefully chosen to inflict maximum emotional pain, as they forced Yaakov to confront the possibility of his beloved son's death.

Symbolism of the Coat

  • Leadership: The ketonet passim may have symbolized Yosef's future role as a leader, as suggested by the Malbim (Bereshit 37:3). The garment's uniqueness reflected his destined greatness.
  • Divine Providence: The Sforno (Bereshit 37:3) notes that the coat's return, stained with blood, was part of Hashem's plan to set in motion the events that would lead to the Jewish people's descent to Egypt.
  • Moral Lesson: The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) derives from this episode that one should not show favoritism among children, as it can lead to jealousy and strife.

Yaakov's Reaction and the Larger Narrative

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 8) explains that Yaakov's intense grief was a measure-for-measure consequence for his own earlier deception of Yitzchak (when he took the blessings). The Or HaChaim (Bereshit 37:34) adds that Yaakov's refusal to be comforted (Bereshit 37:35) stemmed from a prophetic sense that Yosef was still alive, despite the apparent evidence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the story of Joseph and his brothers, particularly focusing on the deception involved in presenting Joseph's coat to Jacob.
📖 Sanhedrin 102a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the consequences of jealousy and hatred among brothers, using the story of Joseph as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 'coat with long sleeves' in Genesis 37:32?
A: The 'coat with long sleeves' (כְּתֹנֶת הַפַּסִּים) was a special garment that Jacob gave to his son Joseph, symbolizing favoritism. According to Rashi, it was a fine woolen tunic that reached the wrists and ankles, indicating royalty or leadership. This caused jealousy among Joseph's brothers, leading to the events of his sale into slavery.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers show the coat to their father Jacob?
A: Joseph's brothers dipped the coat in goat's blood and presented it to Jacob to deceive him into thinking Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). This was part of their plan to cover up their act of selling Joseph into slavery, as explained in the Midrash and Talmud (Bereishit Rabbah 84:19).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's reaction to seeing Joseph's coat?
A: Jacob's intense grief (Genesis 37:34-35) teaches the consequences of showing favoritism among children, as highlighted by Jewish commentators. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) warns against preferential treatment, as it can lead to strife and tragedy within a family.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Joseph?
A: This verse marks the turning point in Joseph's life—his descent into Egypt, which ultimately leads to the Jewish people's enslavement and redemption. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) explains that these events were part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Abraham (Genesis 15:13).
Q: Why is the coat described as having 'long sleeves' (pasim)?
A: The term 'pasim' (פַּסִּים) is interpreted in various ways. Rashi explains it refers to the fine material and craftsmanship. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) suggests it was embroidered, while other commentators say it was striped or multicolored. Regardless, it was a visible sign of Jacob's special love for Joseph.