Genesis 37:33
Genesis 37:33 in Multiple Translations
His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”
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.
And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat: an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.
And he saw that it was, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast has put him to death; without doubt Joseph has come to a cruel end.
His father recognized it right away and said, “This is my son's robe! Some wild animal must have eaten him. Poor Joseph has been ripped to pieces, no doubt about it!”
Then he knewe it and said, It is my sonnes coate: a wicked beast hath deuoured him: Ioseph is surely torne in pieces.
And he discerneth it, and saith, 'My son's coat! an evil beast hath devoured him; torn — torn is Joseph!'
He recognized it, and said, “It is my son’s tunic. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.”
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.
And the father acknowledging it, said: It is my son’s coat, an evil wild beast hath eaten him, a beast hath devoured Joseph.
He recognized it, and he said, “Yes, it is my son’s robe! Some ferocious/wild animal must have attacked and killed him! I am sure that the animal has torn Joseph to pieces!”
Jacob looked at the coat, and he knew that it belonged to Joseph. So he said, “Yes, that is my son’s coat.” And Jacob saw the blood on that coat, so he said, “I know what happened. A wild animal ate Joseph. Yes, that animal tore him into little bits.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 37:33
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 37:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּכִּירָ֤/הּ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
בְּנִ֔/י
חַיָּ֥ה
רָעָ֖ה
אֲכָלָ֑תְ/הוּ
טָרֹ֥ף
טֹרַ֖ף
יוֹסֵֽף
וַ/יַּכִּירָ֤/הּ
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
tunic
N-fs
בְּנִ֔/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
חַיָּ֥ה
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
אֲכָלָ֑תְ/הוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
טָרֹ֥ף
ṭâraph
H2963
to tear
V-Qal-Ptc
טֹרַ֖ף
ṭâraph
H2963
to tear
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 37:33
וַ/יַּכִּירָ֤/הּ
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כְּתֹ֣נֶת
kᵉthôneth
H3801
"tunic"
N-fs
A tunic was a long, shirt-like garment, often made of linen, worn by people like Joseph in Genesis 37:3.
Definition: 1) tunic, under-garment 1a) a long shirt-like garment usually of linen
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: coat, garment, robe. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21.
בְּנִ֔/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חַיָּ֥ה
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
אֲכָלָ֑תְ/הוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
טָרֹ֥ף
ṭâraph
H2963
"to tear"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to tear or pull something apart, and it can also mean to provide food. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 22:13 and Proverbs 30:14. It describes an act of violence or providing for someone.
Definition: 1) to tear, rend, pluck 1a) (Qal) to tear, rend 1b) (Niphal) to be torn in pieces 1c) (Poal) to be torn in pieces 1d) (Hiphil) to provide food
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces). See also: Genesis 37:33; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 7:3.
טֹרַ֖ף
ṭâraph
H2963
"to tear"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tear or pull something apart, and it can also mean to provide food. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 22:13 and Proverbs 30:14. It describes an act of violence or providing for someone.
Definition: 1) to tear, rend, pluck 1a) (Qal) to tear, rend 1b) (Niphal) to be torn in pieces 1c) (Poal) to be torn in pieces 1d) (Hiphil) to provide food
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces). See also: Genesis 37:33; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 7:3.
יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 37:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 37:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
- Sermons on Genesis 37:33
Context — Jacob Mourns Joseph
31Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood.
32They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.”
33His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”
34Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:20 | “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” |
| 2 | Genesis 44:28 | When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. |
| 3 | John 13:7 | Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” |
| 4 | 1 Kings 13:24 | As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:15 | The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 2:24 | Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. |
Genesis 37:33 Summary
In Genesis 37:33, Jacob recognizes Joseph's robe and assumes that his son has been killed by a vicious animal. This verse shows how quickly Jacob jumped to conclusions and how deeply he loved his son. It also reminds us that we should not assume the worst, but instead trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God, we can avoid unnecessary grief and find peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob assume Joseph was killed by a vicious animal?
Jacob assumed Joseph was killed by a vicious animal because his sons had sent him Joseph's robe with goat's blood on it, making it appear that way, as seen in Genesis 37:31-32. This deception led Jacob to believe the worst about his son's fate.
How did Jacob's reaction to Joseph's supposed death compare to his reaction to other challenges in his life?
Jacob's reaction to Joseph's supposed death was one of intense grief, as seen in Genesis 37:34-35, similar to his reaction to other challenges, such as when he had to flee from his brother Esau in Genesis 27:41-28:5.
What can we learn from Jacob's immediate assumption of the worst about Joseph's fate?
We can learn that assuming the worst can lead to unnecessary grief and that we should wait for all the facts before jumping to conclusions, as the Bible teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does Jacob's response to the loss of Joseph relate to the biblical concept of trusting God in difficult circumstances?
Jacob's response shows that even a man of faith like Jacob can struggle with trusting God in difficult circumstances, but the Bible encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Jacob, may be prone to assume the worst in difficult situations, and how can I learn to trust God more?
- How can I, like Jacob, balance my emotions with faith and trust in God's sovereignty when faced with challenging circumstances?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of waiting for all the facts before jumping to conclusions in my own life, and what are some potential consequences of not doing so?
- What does Jacob's grief over Joseph's supposed death reveal about the depth of his love for his son, and how can I cultivate a similar depth of love and compassion for those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 37:33
And he knew [it], and said, [it is] my son's coat,.... He took it, and examined it, and was soon convinced, and well assured it was his son's coat; read the words without the supplement "it is", and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 37:33
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; They took Joseph's coat.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
Genesis 37:33 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. Ver. 33. It is my son’ s coat, &c.] The Lord may well say as much of hypocrites: Their outward form of godliness is the garb of my sons and daughters; but some evil spirit hath devoured them, who use it only in hypocrisy. They are fair professors, but foul sinners. And when the filthy stoner goes damned to hell, what shall become of the zealous professor? As the churl said to the Bishop of Cullen, praying in the church like a bishop; but as he was a duke, going guarded like a tyrant: Whither thinkest thou the bishop shall go, when the duke shall be damned?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
Verse 33. Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces!] It is likely he inferred this from the lacerated state of the coat, which, in order the better to cover their wickedness, they had not only besmeared with the blood of the goat, but it is probable reduced to tatters. And what must a father's heart have felt in such a case! As this coat is rent, so is the body of my beloved son rent in pieces! and Jacob rent his clothes.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 37:33
33. an evil beast] Jacob interprets the message, as they had intended. They never asserted his death, but asked him to draw the inference. The clause is repeated from Genesis 37:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 37:33
33. My son’s coat — Jacob’s words are most touching. Render:Tunic of my son!An evil beast has eaten him!Torn, torn, — Joseph!
Sermons on Genesis 37:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Peaceable Fruit by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the transformative journey of Jacob, illustrating how God's discipline reshaped him from a self-serving schemer into a loving and mature individual. Through e |
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Three Significant Men by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the significance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as pivotal figures in God's plan for His people. He emphasizes that God identifies Himself with these three men |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:20-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. The speaker highlights the actions of Reuben, who shows maturity and compassio |
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 3 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a marriage hall where people were dancing and having a good time. Suddenly, the Queen of the Underworld enters and starts dancing |
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Lessons From the Life of Job by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Job from the book of Job in the Bible. He highlights how Job's endurance proved Satan to be a false accuser and a liar. The pre |
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Lord, Wash My Feet by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four unveilings of the heart of God that Jesus revealed to his disciples the night before his crucifixion. The first unveiling is Jesus' deep |