Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours
The PatriarchsMeaning: “A long ornamented robe”
Favour that provoked envy — and led, through suffering, to deliverance.
The special robe Jacob gave Joseph, marking his favour — and the spark of his brothers’ envy.
What It Was
Because Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, he made him “a coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3). His brothers’ envy turned to hatred; they stripped the coat off him, sold him into Egypt, and dipped the coat in goat’s blood to deceive their father (Genesis 37:23, 31–33).
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
The coat sets in motion the Joseph story — a beloved son, stripped and betrayed by his brethren, who through suffering is exalted to save many alive (Genesis 50:20). Joseph is one of Scripture’s clearest pictures of Christ: rejected by his own, yet becoming their deliverer.
Timeline
Jacob gives Joseph the coat of many colours
The brothers strip the coat and sell Joseph
Scripture References
3 versesGenesis3 verses
Genesis 37:3
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. colours: or, pieces
Genesis 37:23
And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; colours: or, pieces
Genesis 37:32
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.
Topics & Symbolism
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Frequently asked about Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours
What was Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours in the Bible?
The special robe Jacob gave Joseph, marking his favour — and the spark of his brothers’ envy.
What does Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours symbolize?
Favour that provoked envy — and led, through suffering, to deliverance.
What does the name Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours mean?
The name Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours means “A long ornamented robe”.
What was Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours made of?
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours was made of fine cloth of many colours.
Who made Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours?
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours was made by Jacob (given to Joseph).
Where is Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours first mentioned in the Bible?
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours is first mentioned in Genesis 37:3.
How often is Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours mentioned in the Bible?
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours is mentioned in 3 verses across 1 book: Genesis.
Why did Joseph’s coat cause trouble?
It marked Jacob’s favouritism, stirring his brothers’ envy; they stripped it from him, sold him, and used it soaked in blood to deceive Jacob (Genesis 37).
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