Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
What does Genesis 37:3 mean?
In Joseph's history we see something of Christ, who was first humbled and then exalted. It also shows the lot of Christians, who must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Genesis 37:1-4 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children,.... He being the firstborn of his beloved Rachel, and a lovely youth, of a beautiful aspect, very promising, prudent and pious: the reason given in the text follows: because he was the son of his old age; being ninety one years of age when he was born; and the youngest children are generally most beloved, and especially such as are born to their parents when in years.
Key words
- Israel
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Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children,.
- loved
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Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children,.
- Joseph
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Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children,.
Context in Genesis 37
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Genesis 37 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the family line through Isaac and Jacob. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.