Genesis 37:34

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

Study Bible

Then Jacob tore his clothes
The act of tearing one's clothes is a profound expression of grief and mourning in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Hebrew tradition. The Hebrew word for "tore" is "קָרַע" (qara), which signifies a violent rending or splitting. This action symbolizes the deep emotional pain and the sense of loss that Jacob feels upon hearing the news of Joseph's supposed death. It is a physical manifestation of an internal, spiritual rupture. In the broader biblical context, tearing one's garments is often associated with mourning, repentance, or distress (e.g., 2 Samuel 1:11, Job 1:20). This act underscores the depth of Jacob's sorrow and the cultural practices of expressing grief.

put sackcloth around his waist
Sackcloth, known in Hebrew as "שַׂק" (saq), is a coarse, rough fabric typically made from goat's hair. It was worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or humility. The wearing of sackcloth is a symbolic gesture indicating a person's lowly state and submission to God's will during times of distress. By placing sackcloth around his waist, Jacob is not only expressing his grief but also his humility and vulnerability before God. This practice is seen throughout the Bible as a way to visually and physically demonstrate one's sorrow and penitence (e.g., Jonah 3:5-6, Isaiah 58:5).

and mourned for his son many days
The Hebrew word for "mourned" is "אָבַל" (aval), which conveys a deep, prolonged period of lamentation. Mourning in the ancient world was not a brief or private affair; it was a communal and extended process. The phrase "many days" indicates that Jacob's grief was not fleeting but enduring, reflecting the profound love and attachment he had for Joseph. This extended period of mourning also highlights the cultural importance of expressing grief and the communal support that would have been present during such times. In the biblical narrative, mourning is often accompanied by rituals and expressions of sorrow, such as fasting, weeping, and lamentation (e.g., 2 Samuel 12:16-17, Nehemiah 1:4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, also known as Israel. He is the father of Joseph and his brothers. In this verse, Jacob is mourning the presumed death of his beloved son, Joseph.

2. Joseph
Jacob's favored son, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. His supposed death is the cause of Jacob's mourning.

3. Sackcloth
A coarse material worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. Jacob's use of sackcloth signifies deep grief and sorrow.

4. Mourning
A period of grief and lamentation. Jacob's mourning is profound, reflecting the depth of his love for Joseph.

5. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family resided. It is the backdrop for the events leading to Joseph's sale into slavery.

Teaching Points

The Depth of Parental Love
Jacob's intense mourning reflects the profound love a parent has for their child. This can remind us of God's love for His children.

Cultural Expressions of Grief
Understanding the cultural context of mourning in biblical times can deepen our appreciation for the expressions of sorrow found in Scripture.

The Reality of Deception
Jacob's grief was based on a lie, reminding us of the destructive power of deception and the importance of truth.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Despite Jacob's grief, God's plan for Joseph was unfolding. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in our darkest moments.

Hope in Mourning
While Jacob mourned deeply, the account of Joseph ultimately leads to redemption and reconciliation, offering hope that God can bring good from our pain.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's reaction to Joseph's presumed death reflect the cultural practices of mourning in ancient times, and what can we learn from this about expressing grief today?

2. In what ways does the deception of Joseph's brothers impact Jacob's family dynamics, and how can we apply the importance of truthfulness in our own relationships?

3. How does the account of Joseph and Jacob's mourning illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty and redemption throughout the Bible?

4. What parallels can you find between Jacob's mourning and other biblical figures who experienced deep grief, and how do these accounts offer comfort and hope?

5. How can understanding the depth of Jacob's love for Joseph help us comprehend the nature of God's love for us as His children?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:31-33
These verses provide context for Jacob's mourning, describing how Joseph's brothers deceived Jacob into believing Joseph was dead.

2 Samuel 1:11-12
David's mourning for Saul and Jonathan parallels Jacob's grief, showing a cultural expression of sorrow through tearing clothes and wearing sackcloth.

Matthew 5:4
Jesus' teaching on mourning in the Beatitudes offers comfort, promising that those who mourn will be comforted.

Job 1:20
Job's response to his own suffering mirrors Jacob's actions, highlighting a biblical pattern of expressing grief.