Genesis 37:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Instead of your body, Joseph, I will keep your robe before my eyes, allowing my tears to flow over it endlessly. Once again, your garment, my son, invokes another wave of sorrow. It remains whole; thus I believe the beast did not consume you, my beloved son, but rather human hands have stripped and slain you. If indeed the beast had devoured Joseph, as your brothers claim, your robe would have been shredded. It is impossible for a beast to strip off your clothing and then feast upon your flesh. Moreover, if it had removed your clothing first and then consumed you, your garment would bear bloodstains; there are, however, no claw marks or bite wounds present on it now. From where does this blood originate? If the creature that attacked Joseph acted alone, how could it have done all this? Behold, I am left with nothing but sorrow, mourning for Joseph, and grieving over the Robe; I endure two lamentations, two profound sorrows, for Joseph and for the Robe taken from him. I am nearing death, Joseph, my light, my solace; let your Robe accompany me down to the depths. I cannot bear to see the light without you, my son Joseph. Do not let my soul remain within me apart from your soul, my beloved Joseph!”

They remain unscathed, and I fear that it was not the beast that consumed you, but rather the hands of men who took your life. If indeed a beast had devoured you, as your brothers claimed, your clothing would have been shredded, for no creature would first strip the garment and then eat the body. However, if it had removed the clothing first, there would be no blood upon it. There are neither claw nor tooth marks on this garment; why then is it stained with blood? If the wilderness contained only beasts and there were no thieves, I might grieve for the loss to wild animals without suspecting human wrongdoing. I lament for Joseph, and his garments pull me into yet another layer of sorrow. Thus, I am burdened by two griefs: as I weep, I ponder how his clothes were stripped away and how his body came to harm or was consumed. I shall perish, my light and strength, Joseph, and I wish your garment to accompany me into the grave. Without you, Joseph, I refuse to see the light of day! And for many days, Jacob mourned for Joseph. All his sons and daughters gathered to bring him comfort, but he would not be consoled, declaring: "With anguish I shall descend to Sheol to join my son!"