The term "many-colored" in the Bible often refers to garments or items that are richly adorned with a variety of colors, symbolizing beauty, status, or divine favor. This concept is most famously associated with the "coat of many colors" given to Joseph by his father Jacob, as described in the Book of Genesis.

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors

In Genesis 37:3, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors." This garment is a significant symbol in the narrative, representing Jacob's special affection for Joseph, which incites jealousy and animosity among his brothers. The many-colored coat becomes a catalyst for the events that lead to Joseph's eventual enslavement in Egypt, his rise to power, and the preservation of his family during a time of famine.

The Hebrew term used for "many-colored" in this context is "kethoneth passim," which can be translated as a tunic reaching to the palms or soles, indicating a garment of distinction. The coat's vivid colors and elaborate design set Joseph apart, marking him as favored and chosen, which aligns with God's providential plan for his life.

Symbolism and Significance

The many-colored garment is not merely a piece of clothing but a symbol of divine election and human favoritism. In the biblical narrative, it underscores themes of sibling rivalry, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's plan through human history. The coat's colors may also reflect the diversity and richness of God's creation, as well as the multifaceted nature of His blessings.

Other Biblical References

While Joseph's coat is the most prominent example, the concept of many-colored items appears elsewhere in Scripture, often associated with beauty and splendor. For instance, in Psalm 45:14 , a royal bride is described: "In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her—those brought to be with her." Here, the many-colored garments signify the bride's beauty and the joy of the occasion.

In Ezekiel 16:10-13, God describes adorning Jerusalem with fine clothing, including "embroidered cloth," which may imply richly colored garments, symbolizing the city's favored status and the blessings bestowed upon it by God.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, garments of many colors were often associated with nobility and wealth. The use of dyes and intricate weaving techniques made such clothing expensive and rare, reserved for those of high status or special favor. This cultural backdrop enhances the understanding of why Joseph's coat was so significant and why it provoked such a strong reaction from his brothers.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the many-colored coat can be seen as a metaphor for God's grace and the unique calling He places on individuals. Just as Joseph's life was marked by trials and triumphs, believers are reminded that God's purposes often unfold through unexpected and challenging circumstances. The many colors of the coat can also symbolize the diversity within the body of Christ, where each member is uniquely gifted and valued.

In summary, the concept of "many-colored" in the Bible is rich with meaning, reflecting themes of favor, beauty, and divine purpose. It serves as a reminder of God's intricate design and His sovereign hand at work in the lives of His people.4164. poikilos -- many colored
... many colored. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: poikilos Phonetic Spelling:
(poy-kee'-los) Short Definition: various, of different colors Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4164.htm - 6k

"As the Stars. "
... A sky rocket is sent off. It goes up with a rush and a noise. There is a dash of
many colored beautiful fire-stars. And a murmur of admiration from the crowd. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/as the stars.htm

The King of Heaven at the Bar of Pilate.
... were brought to the Governor to be judged, and just outside this Hall was a place
called "The Pavement." It was a broad floor of many-colored marbles, open ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xlii the king of.htm

In his Father's House.
... and doves, and the money-changers had brought their things into the great court
inside the marble pillars, and on the pavement of many-colored marbles, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter x in his fathers.htm

Whether by Grace a Higher Knowledge of God Can be Obtained than by ...
... i) that "it is impossible for the divine ray to shine upon us except as screened
round about by the many colored sacred veils." Therefore we cannot know God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether by grace a higher.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... Wine was given to the guests in golden cups as they sat on couches of gold and silver,
and the pavement of the court was of many colored marbles. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

Literature.
... Mani is represented (ch.12), as appearing in a many-colored cloak and trousers,
with a sturdy staff of ebony, a Babylonian book under his left arm, and with a ...
/.../writings in connection with the manichaean controversy /chapter i name.htm

Whether These vices Arise from Covetousness?
... vii, 6) that "Venus is full of guile and her girdle is many colored" and
that "he who is incontinent in desire acts with cunning." ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether these vices arise from.htm

Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and ...
... i) that "it is impossible for the Divine ray to shine on us, except as screened
round about by the many-colored sacred veils." Now the prophetic revelation is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the prophecy which is.htm

Jesus and his Brethren
... Yes, Lord, I have sold 'Thee to the Ishmaelites by doubting Thee and mistrusting
Thee; and by my sins I have stripped Thee of thy many-colored garment, and by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 43 1897/jesus and his brethren.htm

How the Books were Written.
... Targum of Jonathan expatiates thereon as follows: "Those who had interrupted their
occupations are riding on asses covered with many colored caparisons, and ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

Many-colored (1 Occurrence)
Many-colored. Many, Many-colored. Many-peaked . Multi-Version
Concordance Many-colored (1 Occurrence). Psalms 45:14 ...
/m/many-colored.htm - 6k

Manifold (23 Occurrences)
... and of rabhabh, "to multiply," "to increase" (Psalm 104:24, "O Yahweh, how manifold
are thy works"); poikilos, properly, "manycolored," "spotted," "variegated ...
/m/manifold.htm - 15k

Many-peaked (2 Occurrences)
Many-peaked. Many-colored, Many-peaked. Many-sided . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY RSV). Many-colored, Many-peaked. Many-sided . Reference Bible.
/m/many-peaked.htm - 7k

Many (5451 Occurrences)

/m/many.htm - 7k

Sharon (9 Occurrences)
... The orange, the vine and the olive grow to great perfection. When the
many-colored flowers are in bloom it is a scene of rare beauty. ...
/s/sharon.htm - 13k

Open (586 Occurrences)
... to have read the present text in 1 Kings 22:10, the former having "in arms, at the
gate of Samaria," and the latter "in many-colored garments." Consequently ...
/o/open.htm - 41k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... Petra was Arekem (vii, 1). The Targum of Onkelos (on Numbers 34:4) renders
Kadesh-barnea by "Rekem of the G'aia" and this name-meaning "many-colored"-was due ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

Place (9195 Occurrences)
... to have read the present text in 1 Kings 22:10, the former having "in arms, at the
gate of Samaria," and the latter "in many-colored garments." Consequently ...
/p/place.htm - 28k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

/i/israel.htm - 101k

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