Genesis 49:14
Genesis 49:14 in Multiple Translations
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.
¶ Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:
Issachar is a strong ass, Couching down between the sheepfolds:
Issachar is a strong ass stretched out among the flocks:
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two saddle bags.
Issachar shalbe a strong asse, couching downe betweene two burdens:
Issacher [is] a strong ass, Crouching between the two folds;
“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.
Issachar is a strong ass, couching down between two burdens:
Issachar shall be a strong ass lying down between the borders.
Issachar, your descendants will be like strong donkeys that are lying down on the ground between their loads, so tired that they cannot get up!
Then Jacob said, “Issachar is like a strong donkey, like a donkey with bags on its back, that lies down to rest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:14
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 49:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
חֲמֹ֣ר
גָּ֑רֶם
רֹבֵ֖ץ
בֵּ֥ין
הַֽ/מִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם
יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
Yissâˢkâr
H3485
Issachar
N-proper
חֲמֹ֣ר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
גָּ֑רֶם
gerem
H1634
bone
N-ms
רֹבֵ֖ץ
râbats
H7257
to stretch
V-Qal
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַֽ/מִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם
mishpâth
H4942
sheepfold
Art | N-md
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:14
יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר
Yissâˢkâr
H3485
"Issachar"
N-proper
Issachar means 'there is recompense' and refers to the 9th son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. He was the 5th son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. The tribe of Issachar is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.26.5; son of: Obed-edom (H5654); brother of: Shemaiah (H8098I), Jehozabad (H3075H), Joah (H3098I), Sachar (H7940), Nethanel (H5417K), Ammiel (H5988I) and Peullethai (H6469) § Issachar = "there is recompense" 1) the 9th son of Jacob and the 5th by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name 2) a Korahite Levite and the 7th son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper to the temple 3) the tribe descended from Issachar the son of Jacob 4) the territory allocated to the descendants of Issachar when they entered the land of Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Issachar. See also: Genesis 30:18; Joshua 19:23; Ezekiel 48:33.
חֲמֹ֣ר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
גָּ֑רֶם
gerem
H1634
"bone"
N-ms
A bone is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also be used figuratively to refer to one's self or inner strength. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) bone, strength, bare?, self? 1a) bone 1b) strength, strong-boned 1c) self?, bare? (of stairs) Aramaic equivalent: ge.rem (גְּרַם "bone" H1635)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bone, strong, top. See also: Genesis 49:14; Job 40:18; Proverbs 17:22.
רֹבֵ֖ץ
râbats
H7257
"to stretch"
V-Qal
To stretch or lie down, like an animal, and can imply resting or lurking, as in Exodus 23:5.
Definition: 1) to stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1a) (Qal) to lie down, lie 1b)(Hiphil) to cause to lie down 1b1) laying (stones)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: crouch (down), fall down, make a fold, lay, (cause to, make to) lie (down), make to rest, sit. See also: Genesis 4:7; Isaiah 11:7; Psalms 23:2.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַֽ/מִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם
mishpâth
H4942
"sheepfold"
Art | N-md
Mishpath refers to a sheepfold or a place where animals are kept, and is also translated as burden, highlighting the importance of animal care in biblical times.
Definition: 1) fire-places, ash-heaps 1a) meaning uncertain 2) (CLBL) sheepfolds, saddlebags 2a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: burden, sheepfold. See also: Genesis 49:14; Judges 5:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
- Sermons on Genesis 49:14
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
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.
15He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant. 16Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 12:32 | From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. |
| 2 | Genesis 30:18 | Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 33:18 | Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. |
| 4 | Joshua 19:17–23 | The fourth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Issachar: Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez. The border reached Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. There were sixteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Issachar, including these cities and their villages. |
| 5 | Judges 5:15–16 | The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. |
| 6 | Judges 10:1 | After the time of Abimelech, a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose up to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. |
Genesis 49:14 Summary
Genesis 49:14 describes Issachar as a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds, which means they will be hardworking and content with their circumstances. This verse teaches us the value of diligence and trust in God's provision, similar to what we see in Proverbs 12:27 and Psalm 23:2-3. Just like Issachar, we can find rest and security in our labor when we trust in God's care for us. By applying this principle to our own lives, we can learn to balance work and rest, and prioritize our relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Issachar to be compared to a strong donkey in Genesis 49:14?
In this verse, Jacob is describing the tribe of Issachar, and the comparison to a strong donkey suggests that they will be diligent and hardworking, capable of bearing heavy burdens, much like the donkey's ability to carry loads (see also Proverbs 12:27).
Why is Issachar lying down between the sheepfolds in Genesis 49:14?
The image of Issachar lying down between the sheepfolds indicates a sense of contentment and security, as if they have found a safe and comfortable place to rest, similar to the peace and safety described in Psalm 23:2-3.
How does Genesis 49:14 relate to the rest of Jacob's blessing to his sons?
This verse is part of Jacob's blessing to his sons, where he describes the characteristics and strengths of each tribe, and in this case, he highlights Issachar's industrious nature, which will serve them well in their future endeavors (see also Genesis 49:1-28).
What can we learn from Issachar's example in Genesis 49:14 about our own work and rest?
We can learn the importance of diligence and hard work, as well as the value of finding rest and contentment in our labor, trusting in God's provision and care for us, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the diligence and hard work of Issachar, and how can I trust God to provide for me in those areas?
- How can I find a sense of contentment and security in my daily life, like Issachar lying down between the sheepfolds, and what role does faith play in that?
- In what ways can I use my strengths and abilities to serve others, just as Issachar's industrious nature will serve them well in their future endeavors?
- What are some ways I can balance work and rest in my own life, and how can I prioritize my relationship with God in the midst of those responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:14
Issachar is a strong ass,.... Or as one, the note of similitude being wanting, as Ben Melech observes; "a bony" (e) one, as the word signifies; not one that is lean, and nothing but skin and bones,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:14
Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: Issachar is a strong ass - literally, a male donkey of bone; i:e., stout, strong-bodied.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
A strong ass, Heb. an ass of bone, i.e. of great bulk and bones, and strength of body, but of little spirit and courage, couching down between two burdens, which are laid upon his back, and which he is contented to bear. Or, lying down, i.e. enjoying his ease and rest, between the borders, to wit, of the other tribes, with which he was encompassed and secured from foreign enemies, which made him more secure and slothful. Or, between the borders or folds of cattle; as a word very near akin to it, and proceeding from the same root, signifies, , to the feeding and minding whereof he wholly gave himself, neglecting more generous things.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
Genesis 49:14 Issachar [is] a strong ass couching down between two burdens:Ver. 14. Issachar is a strong ass, &c.] He so commends his strength, that, with it, he condemns his dulness. This Christ can so little abide, that he said even to Judas, "That thou doest, do quickly." God utterly refused an ass in sacrifice. The firstling of an ass must either be redeemed, or have his neck broke. Bellarmine gives the reason, and it is a very good one, quia tardum et pigrum animal, because it is a slow sluggish creature, segnis quasi seignls, without fire; slow to action, which God, who is himself a pure act [spirit?], cannot abide.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
(14) Issachar.—The description of Issachar’s lot is derived partly from the cognizance he had chosen for his signet, and partly from his personal character, He had taken for his symbol the ass—a very noble, active, spirited, and enduring animal in the East. (See Genesis 16:12, where Ishmael is compared to the wild ass, which adds to these qualities the love of freedom.) His real character was slothful, inactive, and commonplace. Jacob therefore likens him to a “strong ass;” Heb., an ass of bone, that is, one coarsely bred, as animals of high parentage have small bones. He is thus fit only to be a drudge, and with the laziness of a cart-horse lies down “between two burdens.” The word occurs again in Judges 5:16, and is there more correctly rendered sheepfolds. More exactly it means the pens in which the cattle were folded during the nights of summer; and it is in the dual form, because these pens were divided into two parts for the larger and smaller cattle. Thus Issachar, stretched at ease between his cattle-pens, gives us the idea of a tribe occupied with pastoral pursuits, and destitute of all higher aspirations.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
14. Issachar is a strong ass Couching between two burdens. 15. And he saw the resting place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he inclined his shoulder to the load, And he became a servant unto tribute. Verse 14. Issachar is a strong ass] חמר גרם chamor garem is properly a strong-limbed ass; couching between two burdens - bearing patiently, as most understand it, the fatigues of agriculture, and submitting to exorbitant taxes rather that exert themselves to drive out the old inhabitants. The two burdens literally mean the two sacks or panniers, one on each side of the animal's body; and couching down between these refers to the well-known propensity of the ass, whenever wearied or overloaded, to lie down even with its burden on its back.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:14
14. a strong ass] Lit. “a bony ass,” as Aquila ὄνοςὀστώδης; Lat. asinus fortis. Issachar is compared, not to the wild ass, high spirited and swift, but to the strong domestic beast of burden. The territory of Issachar included the southern part of Galilee and the Valley of Jezreel. Slightly different readings are represented by the Sam. gκrim (instead of gerem), i.e. “the ass of strangers,” “bearing the burdens imposed by foreigners,” “a tributary.” The LXX τὸκαλὸνἐπεθύμησεν = “he desired the beautiful,” gives an entirely different turn to the sense. between the sheepfolds] For this word, see Judges 5:16, “why satest thou among the sheepfolds?,” and Psalms 68:13. Issachar is represented as lying contentedly among his flocks, regardless of his brethren. Instead of “sheepfolds,” the versions give “boundaries.” Thus LXX ἀνὰμέσοντῶνκλήρων = “between the lots”; Lat. inter terminos. Another proposed rendering is “dung-heaps” or “ash-heaps.” Skinner conjectures “panniers,” which would be more appropriate to the metaphor.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:14
14. Ass of bone — Or, bony ass; that is, strongly built and fit for carrying burdens. See Genesis 30:18, on the origin of the name Issachar.
Sermons on Genesis 49:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, Reverend C.H. Spurgeon speaks about the comfort and hope that can be found in God's mercy and grace. He uses the metaphor of a bruised reed and smoking flax to desc |
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"When Judgment Becomes Evident" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and having discernment in times of judgment and crisis. It calls for a return to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, a |
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Discernment - Part 3 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times |
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The Crisis of Our Time by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that all four gospels in the Bible lead up to the cross, highlighting the significance of the crucifixion in the message of Jesus. The speake |
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Imperatives - Sensitivity to the Voice of the Lord by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of believers to live as though God does not exist. He compares this behavior to the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance a |
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In Times Like These… - Part 9 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and praying as a way to stay faithful to God. He warns against the dangers of not discerning the times and not be |
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There Is a Time for Every Purpose by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the appropriate time for different actions and emotions in our lives. He references Ecclesiastes chapter 3, wh |