Old Testament
Genesis 37:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Joseph's brothers are taking drastic measures to cover up their betrayal.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
They took Joseph's coat, slaughtered a young goat, and soaked the coat in its blood.
And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Joseph's brothers are taking drastic measures to cover up their betrayal. They have stripped him of his colorful coat, a symbol of their father's favoritism, and they kill a goat to use its blood. By soaking the coat in blood, they plan to deceive their father, Jacob, into believing that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. This act reveals the depths of their jealousy and the lengths they will go to hide their wrongdoing. The coat, once a sign of love, now becomes a tool of deception. This story illustrates how jealousy can lead to destructive choices and the pain that follows betrayal. The brothers' actions not only hurt Joseph but also create a rift in their family that will have lasting consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and the dangers of allowing envy to dictate our actions, leading to regret and sorrow in the end. The emotional weight of this moment is profound, as it sets the stage for the trials that Joseph will face ahead.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 37:31 to your life
Reflect on how jealousy can influence your decisions and relationships. Consider the impact of your actions on others and strive for honesty in your interactions. Remember that choices made in anger or envy can lead to regret and hurt, both for yourself and those around you. Choose kindness instead of jealousy to foster healthier relationships and peace in your life. Embrace forgiveness and understanding to heal any rifts caused by betrayal.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 37:31 mean?
Genesis 37:31 describes how Joseph's brothers deceived their father, Jacob, by soaking Joseph's coat in goat's blood to make him believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. This act highlights their jealousy and betrayal.
What is the significance of the coat in Genesis 37:31?
The coat symbolizes Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, which fueled the brothers' jealousy. By taking the coat and using it in their deception, the brothers not only betray Joseph but also sever their family bonds.
What themes are present in Genesis 37:31?
Key themes in Genesis 37:31 include betrayal, deception, jealousy, and family conflict. These themes illustrate the destructive consequences of envy and the impact of dishonesty on relationships.
How did Joseph's brothers cover up their actions in Genesis 37:31?
Joseph's brothers covered up their betrayal by killing a goat and using its blood to soak Joseph's coat. This was a calculated attempt to convince their father that Joseph had died.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.