Forgiveness · 2-minute bedtime story
Joseph and His Coat of Many Colours
A child-friendly retelling · Genesis 37–45 · KJV source
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A coat of many colours
Jacob loved his son Joseph very much. He made Joseph a coat of many colours. But Joseph’s brothers were jealous, and they could not speak kindly to him.
For parents: the Bible account and full story
This retelling condenses Genesis 37–45. The brothers first planned worse; Reuben and Judah persuaded them to sell Joseph instead. Genesis 50:20 sums up the story: “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”
Read Genesis 37–45 in the KJVA coat of many colours
Jacob loved his son Joseph very much. He made Joseph a coat of many colours. But Joseph’s brothers were jealous, and they could not speak kindly to him.
Sold far away
One day the brothers took Joseph’s coat and sold him to traders going to Egypt. They told their father a wild animal had taken him. Jacob was very sad.
God was with Joseph
In Egypt, life was hard for Joseph, even in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and God helped him understand dreams.
Ruler of Egypt
Joseph told Pharaoh what his dreams meant: seven years of plenty, then seven years of hunger. Pharaoh made Joseph a ruler to store up food for everyone.
I am Joseph
When the hungry brothers came to buy food, Joseph said, “I am Joseph your brother.” He forgave them and said, “God did send me before you to preserve life.” They hugged and wept.
God can bring good even out of hard things.
Who is someone you could forgive?
Dear God, thank you for being with us in hard times. Help us forgive others as Joseph did. Amen.