KJV ORIGINAL
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Jacob tore his clothes and put on rough cloth around his waist, and he grieved deeply for his son for many days.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Jacob is expressing his overwhelming grief over what he believes is his son Joseph's death through traditional mourning practices.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Middle Eastern culture, tearing one's clothes and wearing sackcloth (rough, uncomfortable fabric) were standard ways to show deep mourning and grief. Jacob's brothers had deceived him by showing him Joseph's bloodied coat, making him believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, when they had actually sold Joseph into slavery.
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