Genesis 49:11
Genesis 49:11 in Multiple Translations
He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes:
Knotting his ass's cord to the vine, and his young ass to the best vine; washing his robe in wine, and his clothing in the blood of grapes:
He ties his donkey to the vine, his donkey's colt to the best vine. He washes his clothes in wine, his robes in the red juice of grapes.
He shall binde his Asse foale vnto ye vine, and his Asses colte vnto the best vine. hee shall wash his garment in wine, and his cloke in the blood of grapes.
Binding to the vine his ass, And to the choice vine the colt of his ass, He hath washed in wine his clothing, And in the blood of grapes his covering;
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Binding his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
Tying his foal to the vineyard, and his ass, O my son, to the vine. He shall wash his robe in wine, and his garment in the blood of the grape.
The grapevines of Judah’s descendants will produce grapes very abundantly. As a result, they will not object to tying their young donkeys to the grapevines in order that the donkeys can eat the leaves of the grapevines. Wine will be very plentiful, with the result that they could wash their cloaks in wine that is as red as blood [MET].
Judah’s land will be full of good grape vines. His tribe will even tie their donkeys to those grape vines, so that the donkeys can eat the grapes. They will make lots of grape juice and wine. They will have even more grape juice and wine than water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 49:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹסְרִ֤י
לַ/גֶּ֨פֶן֙
עיר/ה
עִיר֔/וֹ
וְ/לַ/שֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה
בְּנִ֣י
אֲתֹנ֑/וֹ
כִּבֵּ֤ס
בַּ/יַּ֨יִן֙
לְבֻשׁ֔/וֹ
וּ/בְ/דַם
עֲנָבִ֖ים
סות/ה
סוּתֽ/וֹ
אֹסְרִ֤י
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
V-Qal
לַ/גֶּ֨פֶן֙
gephen
H1612
vine
Prep | N-cs
עיר/ה
ʻayir
H5895
colt
N-ms | Suff
עִיר֔/וֹ
ʻayir
H5895
colt
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לַ/שֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה
sôrêq
H8321
vine
Conj | Prep | N-fs
בְּנִ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲתֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
N-fs | Suff
כִּבֵּ֤ס
kâbaç
H3526
to wash
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בַּ/יַּ֨יִן֙
yayin
H3196
wine
Prep | N-ms
לְבֻשׁ֔/וֹ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
clothing
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/דַם
dâm
H1818
blood
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עֲנָבִ֖ים
ʻênâb
H6025
grape
N-mp
סות/ה
çûwth
H5497
vesture
N-ms | Suff
סוּתֽ/וֹ
çûwth
H5497
vesture
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:11
אֹסְרִ֤י
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
V-Qal
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
לַ/גֶּ֨פֶן֙
gephen
H1612
"vine"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for vine, often referring to Israel or prosperity, appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's people. It is also used to describe a grapevine. In the Bible, vines are often associated with abundance and fruitfulness.
Definition: 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: vine, tree. See also: Genesis 40:9; Isaiah 24:7; Psalms 78:47.
עיר/ה
ʻayir
H5895
"colt"
N-ms | Suff
A colt is a young donkey, strong enough to carry a load, as described in the Bible with words like foal or young ass.
Definition: he-ass, male ass
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (ass) colt, foal, young ass. See also: Genesis 32:16; Job 11:12; Isaiah 30:6.
עִיר֔/וֹ
ʻayir
H5895
"colt"
N-ms | Suff
A colt is a young donkey, strong enough to carry a load, as described in the Bible with words like foal or young ass.
Definition: he-ass, male ass
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (ass) colt, foal, young ass. See also: Genesis 32:16; Job 11:12; Isaiah 30:6.
וְ/לַ/שֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה
sôrêq
H8321
"vine"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
A choice vine or a vine that produces high-quality grapes is the meaning of this Hebrew word. In the Bible, it is used to describe the best wines, like those found in the book of Isaiah, which symbolize God's blessing and abundance.
Definition: choice species of vine, choice grapes Also means: so.re.qah (שֹׂרֵקָה "vine" H8321B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st, noble) wine. Compare H8291 (שָׂרוּק). See also: Genesis 49:11; Isaiah 5:2; Jeremiah 2:21.
בְּנִ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲתֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
N-fs | Suff
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
כִּבֵּ֤ס
kâbaç
H3526
"to wash"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בַּ/יַּ֨יִן֙
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
לְבֻשׁ֔/וֹ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
"clothing"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to clothing or garments, and sometimes even a wife. It is used in descriptions of how people dress, like in the book of Matthew. The KJV translates it as apparel or clothing.
Definition: clothing, garment, apparel, raiment Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture. See also: Genesis 49:11; Job 41:5; Psalms 22:19.
וּ/בְ/דַם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
עֲנָבִ֖ים
ʻênâb
H6025
"grape"
N-mp
Enab refers to a grape or grapes in the Bible, and is also related to wine. It is a common term in the Old Testament.
Definition: grape(s)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (ripe) grape, wine. See also: Genesis 40:10; Deuteronomy 32:14; Isaiah 5:2.
סות/ה
çûwth
H5497
"vesture"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means clothing or covering, like the clothes we wear. It refers to anything used to cover the body. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'clothes'.
Definition: garment, vesture
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: clothes. See also: Genesis 49:11.
סוּתֽ/וֹ
çûwth
H5497
"vesture"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means clothing or covering, like the clothes we wear. It refers to anything used to cover the body. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'clothes'.
Definition: garment, vesture
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: clothes. See also: Genesis 49:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
- Sermons on Genesis 49:11
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
9Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?
10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
11He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
12His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk. 13Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 63:1–3 | Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. |
| 2 | Joel 3:18 | And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias. |
| 3 | Revelation 7:14 | “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 4 | Micah 4:4 | And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him. For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken. |
| 5 | Revelation 19:18 | so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 4:20 | The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 4:25 | Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 18:32 | until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ |
Genesis 49:11 Summary
[Genesis 49:11 is a poetic picture of a time of great peace and abundance, where even the humblest things are cared for in luxury, as seen in the image of a donkey tied to a vine. This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the tribe of Judah and the coming of Jesus, who will bring peace and prosperity to all nations (Genesis 49:10). In this verse, we see a glimpse of the richness and generosity of God's harvest, where wine and grapes are plentiful (Deuteronomy 33:28). As we reflect on this verse, we can trust God for abundance and peace in our own lives, just as the donkey is entrusted to the care of the vine.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to tie a donkey to a vine?
In Genesis 49:11, this phrase is a metaphor for a time of great abundance and peace, where even the humblest of animals can be entrusted to the care of a luxurious vine, as seen in the prophetic language of the Bible, such as in Psalm 80:8-11, where God plants a vine and it takes root.
Why does the verse mention washing garments in wine and the blood of grapes?
This is a poetic expression of the abundance of wine and the richness of the harvest, similar to the language used in Deuteronomy 33:28, where God's people are blessed with an abundance of grain and new wine.
Is this verse talking about a literal donkey and vine, or is it symbolic?
While the verse uses literal objects, the context suggests that it is symbolic of the prosperity and peace that will come under the rule of the one from the tribe of Judah, as prophesied in Genesis 49:10, where the scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the passage?
Genesis 49:11 is part of a larger passage where Jacob is blessing his sons and prophesying about their future, with a focus on the tribe of Judah and the coming of Shiloh, as seen in Genesis 49:8-12, where Judah is described as a young lion and the one to whom the allegiance of the nations will belong.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can trust God for abundance and peace, just like the donkey tied to the vine?
- How can I reflect the richness and generosity of God's harvest in my own life, as seen in the washing of garments in wine and the blood of grapes?
- What are some ways I can prepare for the coming of Jesus, the one from the tribe of Judah, who will bring peace and prosperity to all nations?
- What does it mean for me to live in a time of abundance and peace, and how can I use my resources to bless others, as seen in the prophetic language of this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine,.... Which may be understood either of the tribe of Judah, and signify that vines should grow in such plenty, and so large and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: Binding his foal unto the vine ... , [ `ayir (H5895)]
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
He signifies the plenty of vines in Judah’ s portion, that they shall be planted every where, even in the commons and highways where men travel, and where upon occasion they use to tie the beasts on which they ride to any tree which is near them. Such shall be the plenty of it, that if it were convenient, men might use wine instead of water to wash their garments. The blood of grapes; so the wine is called also in ; /APC 1Ma 6:34; and by Pliny, Hesiod, and others. As oil is called the blood of the olive.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’ s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:Ver. 11. Binding his foal unto the vine.] Vines shall be so plentiful, that as countrymen tie their asses to briers and shrubs, so shall Judah to the vines, that shall grow thick everywhere. Where Christ is set up in the power and purity of his ordinances, there is usually a confluence of all inward and outward comforts and contentments. He is the Cornucopia of both to his Church and chosen.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
(11) Binding his foal . . . —Having declared the spiritual prerogative of Judah, the patriarch now foretells that his land would be so rich in vineyards that the traveller would tie his ass to the vine, as the tree abundant everywhere. Choice vine is, literally, the vine of Sorek, a kind much valued, as bearing a purple berry, small but luscious, and destitute of stones. The abundance of grapes is next hyperbolically described as so great that their juice would be used like water for the commonest purposes. Blood of grapes especially refers to the juice of the red kinds, which were more valued in the East than white.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:11
11. Binding … vine] Judah is represented as having so fruitful a soil that the vines grew richly by the wayside. The vine stem which would usually be protected from animals is used by Judah for fastening up the animal on which he rides. The “ass” is the universal beast of burden in the East for all classes. See Judges 5:10; Judges 10:4; 2 Samuel 16:1-2; Zechariah 9:9. washed] The same hyperbolical description is maintained in this and the following couplet. Grapes in the land of Judah are to be so plentiful that he will wash garments in their juice.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:11
11. Binding to the vine his young ass — This verse contains a composite picture of princely wealth and peaceful industry. Judah will be rich in vineyards and wine and milk.
Sermons on Genesis 49:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:11-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the tribes of Israel in the nation's history. He emphasizes that the average person, like the tribes, is often overlooked an |
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And the Country Was Filled With Water by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker uses the story of three armies lacking water to illustrate the spiritual poverty that exists in the Christian church today. He emphasizes the need for b |
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Then the Fire of the Lord Fell by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes the need for conviction and the fear of God in our lives. He describes a powerful experience of God's presence during a church se |
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The Time of Armagedon by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to the battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation. The sixth angel pours out his bowl upon the river E |
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(Revival) Part 6 - Crowning Day by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a desperate situation faced by the prophet and his people. The prophet urges his people to join him in prayer and watching, as their position |
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The Precious Blood and the Mighty Hand by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking inspiration from the Holy Spirit. After two weeks of struggling to find a message, he is guided to study love and |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses from the book of Revelation and other biblical passages, highlighting the significance of young people in evangelism, the role of |