Genesis 49:12
Genesis 49:12 in Multiple Translations
His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
His eyes shall be red with wine, And his teeth white with milk.
His eyes will be dark with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
His eyes sparkle more than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
His eyes shalbe red with wine, and his teeth white with milke.
Red [are] eyes with wine, And white [are] teeth with milk!
His eyes will be red with wine, his teeth white with milk.
His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
His eyes are more beautiful than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.
Their eyes will be red because of drinking too much wine, but their teeth will be very white because of drinking much milk from the cows.
There will be enough wine for everybody in Judah’s land, and they will all have lots of milk to drink.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:12
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 49:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַכְלִילִ֥י
עֵינַ֖יִם
מִ/יָּ֑יִן
וּ/לְבֶן
שִׁנַּ֖יִם
מֵ/חָלָֽב
חַכְלִילִ֥י
chaklîyl
H2447
dull
Adj
עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
מִ/יָּ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְבֶן
lâbân
H3836
white
Conj | Adj
שִׁנַּ֖יִם
shên
H8127
tooth
N-cd
מֵ/חָלָֽב
châlâb
H2461
milk
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:12
חַכְלִילִ֥י
chaklîyl
H2447
"dull"
Adj
This word can mean dull, but also brilliant or flashing, like the sparkle in someone's eyes after drinking wine. It is used to describe a range of emotions and physical states in the Bible.
Definition: 1) dull 2) (CLBL) dark-flashing, brilliant
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: red. See also: Genesis 49:12.
עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מִ/יָּ֑יִן
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.
וּ/לְבֶן
lâbân
H3836
"white"
Conj | Adj
Means white in Hebrew, used to describe something pure or clean, like freshly fallen snow.
Definition: white
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: white. See also: Genesis 30:35; Leviticus 13:21; Zechariah 6:6.
שִׁנַּ֖יִם
shên
H8127
"tooth"
N-cd
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
מֵ/חָלָֽב
châlâb
H2461
"milk"
Prep | N-ms
Chalab means milk, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the Bible, it can refer to the richness of cattle or the abundance of the land. This term is also used to describe white or pale things, like milk or cheese.
Definition: 1) milk, sour milk, cheese 1a) milk 1b) abundance of the land (metaph.) 1c) white (as milk)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, milk, sucking. See also: Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; Proverbs 27:27.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
- Sermons on Genesis 49:12
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
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. 14Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 23:29 | Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? |
Genesis 49:12 Summary
The verse Genesis 49:12 is a poetic description of the beauty and vitality of the one being blessed, likely a reference to the Messiah. The description of eyes darker than wine and teeth whiter than milk is meant to evoke a sense of wonder and awe, much like the descriptions of the Bridegroom in the Song of Solomon. This passage reminds us that, as believers, we are called to reflect the beauty and wonder of God to those around us, and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, as seen in Genesis 49:10 (where it is written that the scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes) and in other passages like Revelation 19:11-16, which describe the return of Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the description of eyes darker than wine and teeth whiter than milk symbolize in Genesis 49:12?
This description is a poetic way of describing the beauty and vitality of the one being described, likely a reference to the Messiah, who is the ultimate fulfillment of Judah's scepter, as seen in Genesis 49:10.
Is the wine mentioned in Genesis 49:12 the same as the wine in Genesis 49:11?
While both references to wine are in the same passage, the context suggests they are used differently - in Genesis 49:11, wine is used to describe the abundance of the land, whereas in Genesis 49:12, it is used as a point of comparison for the darkness of the eyes.
How does the description in Genesis 49:12 relate to the rest of the passage?
The description in Genesis 49:12 is part of Jacob's blessing to Judah, highlighting the tribe's future prosperity and the coming of the Messiah, as seen in Genesis 49:10, where it is written that the scepter will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes.
What can we learn from the use of sensory details like eyes and teeth in Genesis 49:12?
The use of sensory details in Genesis 49:12 helps to create a vivid image in the reader's mind, emphasizing the beauty and wonder of the one being described, much like the descriptions of the Bridegroom in the Song of Solomon, such as in Song of Solomon 1:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What does the beauty and vitality described in Genesis 49:12 evoke in my heart, and how can I apply that to my own life?
- How does the poetic language used in Genesis 49:12 help me to better understand the character of the Messiah, and what can I learn from this description?
- In what ways can I, like the one described in Genesis 49:12, reflect the beauty and wonder of God to those around me?
- What are some ways that I can, like Judah, look forward to the coming of the Messiah, and how can I prepare my heart for that day?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:12
His eyes shall be red with wine,.... Signifying, not the intemperance of this tribe, and their immoderate use of wine, and the effect of it on them; but the goodness and generosity of their wine,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:12
His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
Which shows not only the plenty of wine, but also the excellency and strength of it, which, though not drunk in great quantity, or to excess, will make the eyes red. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
Genesis 49:12 His eyes [shall be] red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.Ver. 12. His eyes shall be red, &c.] Wine and milk are used to signify plenty of spiritual blessings in heavenly things.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
(12) His eyes shall be red with wine.—The word rendered red occurs only here, and is rendered in the Versions, bright, sparkling, and in the Vulg., beautiful. They also give the word rendered in our Version with a comparative force, which seems to be right: “His eyes shall be brighter than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.” The words do not refer to Judah’s person, but describe the prosperity of his descendants, whose temporal welfare will show itself in their bright and healthy countenances.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:12
12. His eyes] It may be doubted whether our rendering “red” gives the right meaning. The passage is usually illustrated from Proverbs 23:29, “who hath redness of eyes?” But, surely, the poet would hardly eulogize Judah by attributing to his eyes the redness of continuous drinking! It will be better to assume that the writer meant “sparkling.” The versions, LXX and Vulg., give another rendering, which is probably to be preferred, “his eyes are more sparkling than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.” In this case, the verse will symbolically describe the beauty of his personal appearance, rather than the productiveness of his territory.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:12
12. Lustrous the eyes from wine — The Septuagint, Vulgate, and some expositors construe the preposition îï, from, as denoting a comparison; more lustrous, or more joyful than wine, and whiter than milk.
Sermons on Genesis 49:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
|
Daniel Purposed in His Heart by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to God and the Bible in the midst of temptations. He uses the story of Daniel and his friends as an example o |
|
(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
|
Do Not Gaze on Sin by Kjell Olsen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 23, specifically verses that warn against the dangers of alcohol and the deceptive pleasure of sin. He emphasizes the negat |
|
|
Booze by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately addresses the destructive nature of alcohol and the liquor industry, likening it to a devilish force that harms individuals, families, and society. He emp |
|
Strong Drink Versus Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and |