Genesis 37:34

32 They 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.”

33 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!”

Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

35 All 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.

36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
KJV
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
WEB
Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
ASV
And Jacob rent his garments, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
DARBY
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
BLB
And Jacob tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his waist, and he mourned for his son many days.
ÅB
Og Jakob sønderrev sine klær og bandt sekk om sine lender og sørget over sin sønn i lang tid.
OTB
Jakob rev sine klær, tok på seg sekkestrie, og sørget over sin sønn i mange dager.
B1930
Og Jakob sønderrev sine klær og bandt sekk om sine lender og sørget over sin sønn i lang tid.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Genesis 37:29

    When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,

    Read in context
  • Job 1:20

    Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,

    Read in context
  • 2 Samuel 3:31

    Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.

    Read in context
  • Esther 4:1–3

    When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

    Read in context
  • Nehemiah 9:1

    On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads.

    Read in context
  • Ezra 9:3–5

    When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 19:1

    On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD.

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 21:27

    When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.

    Read in context