Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
Son of his old age. Benjamin being younger, was more the son of his old age, and consequently on that ground might have been expected to be the favourite. Literally rendered, it is 'son of old age to him'-Hebrew phrase for 'a wise son'-one who possessed observation and wisdom above his years-an old head on young shoulders.
Made him a coat of ... colours, х kªtonet (H3801) paciym (H6446)]. (Gesenius defines it, 'a tunic, reaching to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet' - i:e., a long tunic with sleeves, worn by young men and maidens of the better class. х Paciym (H6446) is only used in this phrase. But the word, pac (H6446), signifies a piece, as well as the palm of the hand; and hence, the phrase is usually rendered 'a coat of pieces of various colours;' Septuagint, chitoon (G5509) poikilos (G4164), a striped or variegated tunic.] It was formed in those early days by sewing together patches of coloured cloth, and considered a dress of distinction (Judges 5:30; 2 Samuel 13:18).
The passion for various colours still reigns among the Arabs and the country people of the East who are fond The passion for various colours still reigns among the Arabs and the country people of the East, who are fond of dressing their children in this gaudy attire. But since the art of interweaving various patterns was introduced, 'the coats of colours' are different now from what they seem to have been in patriarchal times, and bear a close resemblance to the varieties of tartan.