37:3 loved. Parental favoritism again promoted family discord, deception, and the disappearance of the preferred son, but God graciously used it to achieve His good purpose (cf. 25:28).

old age. See 30:22–24.

robe of many colors. A sign of Joseph’s preferential status (cf. 2 Sam. 13:18), and a galling reminder to Joseph’s brothers of their father’s favoritism. The exact nature of the coat is uncertain. The rendering “of many colors” reflects the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation. Some suggest that the Hebrew means a “long coat with sleeves.”