Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 49:1-27.
These statements made by Jacob to his sons are probably prophecies. These prophecies are concerned with the descendants of each of Jacob's sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tw?section=kt#prophet)
This prophecy indicates Judah will be the ruling tribe of Israel. The future kings of Israel all come from the tribe of Judah. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
Since Moses wrote the book of Genesis, this is an editorial comment he makes in the text as the narrator.
This begins Jacob's final blessings to his sons. This continues through Genesis 49:27. Jacob's blessings are written in poetic form. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#writing-poetry)
Both sentences say the same thing for emphasis. Alternate translation: "Come and listen carefully to your father" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
Jacob is referring to himself in the third person. It can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "my sons. Listen to me, your father" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-123person)
The phrases "my firstborn, my might" and "the beginning of my strength" mean the same thing. The words "might" and "strength" stand for Jacob's ability to produce children. The words "firstborn" and "beginning" mean that Reuben is his first child. Alternate translation: "my first child after I became a man" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "You are first in honor and power" or "You surpass everyone else in honor and power"
Jacob compares Reuben to water in a strong current to emphasize that he cannot control his anger and he is not stable. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-simile)
"you shall not be first among your brothers"
Here "bed" and "couch" stand for Jacob's concubine, Bilhah. Jacob is referring to when Reuben slept with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Alternate translation: "because you went to my bed and slept with Bilhah my concubine. You have shamed me" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Both statements mean the same thing. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
This does not just mean they are brothers by birth. Jacob is emphasizing that they worked together to kill the people of Shechem.
"They use their swords to hurt and to kill people"
Jacob uses the words "soul" and "heart" to refer to himself and is saying that other people,and perhaps God also, honor him so much that he does not wish to join with those who make plans to do evil. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)
This refers to Simeon and Levi crippling oxen just for fun.
This refers to cutting the sinews of an animal's leg so that it cannot walk.
God cursing Simeon and Levi is spoken of as if God were cursing their anger and fury. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Lord says, 'I will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury" or "I, the Lord, will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-activepassive)
In prophecy, the prophet will often speak the words of God as if God himself were speaking. This emphasizes how closely united the prophet and God are.
The words "I will curse" are understood. Alternate translation: "I will curse their fury, for it was cruel" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-ellipsis)
The word "I" refers to God. The word "them" refers to Simeon and Levi but they are a metonym standing for their descendants. The words "Jacob" and "Israel" are a metonym standing for all people of Israel. Alternate translation: "I will divide their descendants and scatter them among all the people of Israel" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
These two statements mean the same thing. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
The second sentence states the reason for the first sentence. This can be made clear with "for" or "because." Alternate translation: "will praise you. For your hand" or "will praise you because your hand" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#writing-connectingwords)
This is a way of saying "You will conquer your enemies." (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-symaction)
Jacob speaks about Judah as if he were a lion's cub. Jacob is emphasizing Judah's strength. Alternate translation: "Judah is like a young lion" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
"You, my son, have come back from eating your prey"
Jacob also compares Judah to a female lion. The lioness is the primary hunter and protector of her cubs. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-simile)
Jacob uses a question to emphasize how terrifying Judah is to other people. Alternate translation: "No one wants to wake him up." (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-rquestion)
The "scepter" and the "staff" are long decorated sticks that kings carried. Here they are metonymies that stand for the power to rule. And, "Judah" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The power to rule will always be with the descendants of Judah" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism)
Possible meanings are 1) "Shiloh" means "tribute." Alternate translation: "until the nations obey him and bring him tribute" or 2) "Shiloh" refers to the city of Shiloh. Alternate translation: "until the ruler comes to Shiloh. Then the nations will obey him" Many people consider this a prophecy about the Messiah, who is a descendant of King David. David is a descendant of Judah.
Here "nations" refer to the people. Alternate translation: "The people of the nations will obey him" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Both statements mean the same thing. It is implied that the vines are so full of grapes that the master does not mind that his donkey eats some of them. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
Possible meanings for all occurrences of "his" or "he" are 1) they refer to Judah's descendants. Alternate translation: "their ... they" or 2) they refer to the ruler in Genesis 49:10, which may refer to the Messiah.
Both statements mean the same thing. It implies that there are so many grapes that they can wash their clothes in the juice. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-parallelism and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
Often in prophecy events that will happen in the future are described as something that has already happened in the past. This emphasizes that this event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: "they will wash" or "he will wash" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-pastforfuture)
This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
This refers to the color of a person's eyes to the red color of wine. Possible meanings are 1) dark eyes imply healthy eyes or 2) people eyes will be red from drinking too much of wine. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-simile and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
This compare the color of the person's teeth to the white color of milk. This implies that there will be so many healthy cows they will have much milk to drink. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-simile and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
This refers to the descendants of Zebulun. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Zebulun will live" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "He" stands for sea towns that the people of Zebulun will inhabit or build. These cities will provide shelter for ships. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
a part of the sea that is next to land and is a safe place for ships
Jacob speaks about Issachar and his descendants as if they are a donkey. This emphasizes that they will work very hard. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Issachar will be like a strong donkey" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
Often in prophecy events that will happen in the future are described as something that is already happening. This emphasizes that the event will certainly happen. It can be stated in the future tense. Alternate translation: "Issachar will be" or "The descendants of Issachar will be"
Possible meanings are 1) "lying down between the packs they were carrying" or 2) "lying down between two sheep pens." Either way, Jacob speaks about Issachar's descendants as if they are donkeys that have worked hard and are lying down to rest. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
These words refer to the descendants of Issachar (verse 14). Alternate translation: "They see ... They will" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
"a resting place that is good and that the land is pleasant"
The phrase "bend his shoulder to the burden" is a way of saying "work very hard to carry the load" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
"will work for others as slaves"
Here "Dan" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Dan will judge their people" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Possible meanings for "his people" are 1) "the people of Dan" or 2) "the people of Israel"
Jacob speaks about Dan and his descendants as if they were snakes. Though a snake is small, it can bring down a rider off his horse. So Dan, though a small tribe, is very dangerous to its enemies. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Dan will be like a snake beside the road" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated as "save." Alternate translation: "I wait for you, Yahweh, to save me"
The word "I" refers to Jacob.
Here "Gad" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Gad ... attack them, but they" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "heels" stands for the raiders who are running away from the descendants of Gad. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)
Here "Asher" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "Asher's descendants' food ... and they" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "rich" is a way of saying "delicious." (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
Here "Naphtali" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Naphtali are ... they will" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Jacob speaks about the descendants of Naphtali as if they were a female deer that is free to run. This may emphasize that they will be swift messengers. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Naphtali will be like deer set free" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
A "fawn" is a baby deer. The meaning of the Hebrew word is unclear. Some versions translate it as "have beautiful words" or "speak beautiful things" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
Here "Joseph" is a metonym that stands for his descendants. Jacob speaks about them as if they were a tree branch that produces a lot of fruit. This emphasizes that they will greatly increase in number. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Joseph are a fruitful bough" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
a main branch of a tree
Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
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Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.
The person holding the bow steady is spoken of as if the bow itself will remain steady. It is implied he is holding it steady as he aims at his enemy. Alternate translation: "he will hold his bow steady as he aims at his enemy" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
Here "his" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "their bow ... their hands" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here the whole person is represented by the "hands" since they are used to hold the bow. Alternate translation: "his arms will remain strong as he aims his bow" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-synecdoche)
The "hands" are expressing the power of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the power of the Mighty One" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of the Shepherd" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Jacob speak of Yahweh as if he were a "Shepherd." This emphasizes that Yahweh guides and protects his people. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
Jacob speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "Rock" that people can climb upon to find safety from enemies. This emphasizes that Yahweh protects his people. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants (Genesis 49:22-23).
Here "you" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "help your descendants ... bless them" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "sky" stands for the rain that helps the crops to grow. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "deep" stands for the water underneath the ground that supplies rivers and wells. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Here "breasts and womb" stand for the ability for a mother to have children and feed them milk. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy)
Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.
The meaning of the original language is not certain. Some Bible translations have "my ancestors" instead of "ancient mountains."
Here "they" refers to the blessings of his father.
Jacob desires for these blessings to be passed on to even the most important of his descendants. Alternate translation: "on the head of the most important of Joseph's descendants" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
"most important of his brothers"
Here "Benjamin" is a metonym that stands for his descendants. Jacob speaks about Benjamin's descendants as if they were a hungry wolf. This emphasizes that they will be fierce warriors. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Benjamin will be like hungry wolves" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metonymy and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-metaphor)
"These" refers to the sons Jacob mentioned in 49:1-27. Each son became the leader of his own tribe.
Here the word "blessed" refers to the speaking of formal blessings.
"He gave each son a fitting blessing"
"he commanded them"
This is a polite way of saying he is about to die. Alternate translation: "I am about to die" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-euphemism and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
Jacob is referring to where his inner man will go when he dies. He expects to join Abraham and Isaac in the afterlife. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-euphemism and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)
This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth." See how you translated this in Genesis 23:8. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in Genesis 13:18. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#translate-names)
Jacob continues speaking to his sons.
The purchase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in it were purchased by Abraham" (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-explicit)
"from the Hittites"
"finished instructing his sons" or "finished commanding his sons"
Jacob was sitting on the bed. Now, Jacob turns and puts his feet in the bed so he can lie down.
This is a polite way of saying a person died. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-euphemism)
After Jacob died, his inner man went to the same place as his relatives who died before him. (See: /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-euphemism and /WA-Catalog/en_tm?section=jit#figs-idiom)