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Genesis 37:34 states, “Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.” This passage describes Jacob’s immediate response to the false news of Joseph’s death. The rending of garments and the wearing of sackcloth were well-established mourning customs in the ancient Near East, particularly in Hebrew culture. These outward expressions of grief signified deep sorrow, loss, and despair. Examining these practices within their historical, cultural, and biblical contexts helps to provide a fuller understanding of their significance, not only in the account of Jacob but also throughout Scripture.

Why Did People Tear Their Clothes in the Ancient World?

Tearing one’s clothes was an instinctive reaction in times of extreme grief, distress, or horror. In Jacob’s case, upon seeing Joseph’s bloodied robe (Genesis 37:31-33), he was overwhelmed with sorrow and immediately “tore his clothes.” This act was a visible and dramatic display of inner pain, demonstrating that words alone were insufficient to express the depth of his emotions.

The tearing of garments was not unique to Jacob but was a widespread practice in biblical times. Several examples in Scripture highlight its use in various situations:

Mourning a perceived loss – David and his men tore their clothes upon hearing of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths (2 Samuel 1:11).
Reaction to shocking news – When Job received word of his children’s death, he “stood up, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground in worship” (Job 1:20).
Expression of repentance – The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching, and their king responded by removing his royal robe and covering himself with sackcloth (Jonah 3:6).
Anguish over blasphemy or sin – The high priest tore his clothes when Jesus affirmed His divine identity, perceiving it as blasphemy (Mark 14:63).

The tearing of garments was always associated with intense emotions, whether grief, repentance, or outrage. Jacob’s action in Genesis 37:34 was not a mere formality but a genuine expression of heart-wrenching sorrow, believing his beloved son to be dead.

What Was Sackcloth, and Why Was It Worn in Mourning?

In addition to tearing his clothes, Jacob “put sackcloth around his waist.” Sackcloth (saq, שַׂק) was a coarse, rough fabric, usually made from goat’s hair, and was worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. It was uncomfortable and deliberately chosen to reflect sorrow and affliction.

Sackcloth was commonly worn by individuals mourning the dead, seeking divine intervention, or demonstrating repentance. Other examples in Scripture illustrate its significance:

Mourning for the dead – When David heard of Abner’s death, he commanded Joab and his men to “tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn” (2 Samuel 3:31).
Pleading for divine mercy – King Hezekiah and his officials wore sackcloth when seeking Jehovah’s help against the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:1-2).
National repentance – The people of Israel put on sackcloth during periods of fasting and confession of sins (Nehemiah 9:1).

Jacob’s wearing of sackcloth shows that his mourning was not a momentary reaction but an extended period of grief. The text states that he “mourned for his son many days.” This prolonged period of mourning demonstrated the depth of his despair, as he refused to be comforted (Genesis 37:35).

How Did the Practice of Mourning Reflect Cultural and Social Customs?

In ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, mourning was not a private affair but a communal event. Families, servants, and sometimes entire communities participated in mourning rites when a significant figure had died. Expressions of grief could include:

Tearing garments – As seen in Jacob’s response (Genesis 37:34).
Wearing sackcloth – A visible sign of distress and humility.
Weeping and loud lamentation – Mourners often wailed loudly, sometimes hiring professional mourners to lead in lamentation (Jeremiah 9:17-20).
Throwing dust or ashes on oneself – A practice seen in Job 2:12 when Job’s friends “wept aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust into the air and on his head.”

Jacob’s grief was intensified because of his deep love for Joseph. Unlike other mourning periods that eventually concluded, Jacob refused to be consoled, saying, “I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning” (Genesis 37:35). This indicates his belief that his sorrow would last until his own death.

How Does This Passage Foreshadow Later Events in Genesis?

Jacob’s intense mourning over Joseph’s supposed death sets the stage for later revelations in Genesis. His unwillingness to be comforted demonstrates the unique bond he had with Joseph, which had already caused tension among his other sons (Genesis 37:3-4). This ongoing grief would later play a role in his hesitancy to send Benjamin to Egypt (Genesis 42:38), as he feared losing another beloved son.

However, unbeknownst to Jacob, JHVH was at work behind the scenes. While he mourned what he believed to be an irreparable loss, JHVH was orchestrating events that would lead to Joseph’s rise in Egypt. This aligns with Genesis 50:20, where Joseph later tells his brothers, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.”

What Theological Themes Are Reflected in This Passage?

This passage in Genesis 37:34 highlights several key theological themes that are consistent throughout Scripture.

One important theme is the depth of human grief and sorrow. The Bible does not minimize the reality of suffering, and Jacob’s mourning demonstrates that even faithful followers of JHVH experience deep emotional pain. Psalm 34:18 states, “Jehovah is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” While Jacob did not yet see the full picture, JHVH was still with him.

Another theme is the necessity of patience in JHVH’s plan. Jacob’s despair was based on incomplete knowledge—he believed Joseph was dead, but JHVH had preserved him for a greater purpose. This reflects the broader biblical principle that human understanding is often limited, but JHVH’s plans are ultimately for good (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Additionally, this passage underscores the role of suffering in shaping God’s people. Just as Jacob’s mourning refined his faith, so too does suffering play a role in the spiritual development of believers. James 1:2-3 states, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

Conclusion

The account of Jacob rending his garments and wearing sackcloth in Genesis 37:34 provides a rich understanding of ancient mourning customs, emotional expressions of grief, and the theological themes of sorrow and divine providence. Tearing garments and wearing sackcloth were outward signs of intense inner anguish, commonly practiced in biblical times to display mourning, repentance, or distress.

Jacob’s response to Joseph’s presumed death was one of overwhelming sorrow, demonstrating the strong bond between father and son. Yet, while Jacob believed he had lost Joseph forever, JHVH was working behind the scenes to fulfill His plan. This passage reminds readers that human sorrow, while real and painful, is not beyond JHVH’s sovereign control. What may seem like a tragedy in the moment may ultimately be part of JHVH’s greater design for good.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).