Genesis 49:17
Genesis 49:17 in Multiple Translations
He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
Dan shall be a serpent in the way, An adder in the path, That biteth the horse’s heels, So that his rider falleth backward.
May Dan be a snake in the way, a horned snake by the road, biting the horse's foot so that the horseman has a fall.
Dan will be as dangerous as a snake beside the road, a viper by the path that bites the horse's heel, throwing its rider off backwards.
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder by the path, byting the horse heeles, so that his rider shall fall backward.
Dan is a serpent by the way, An adder by the path, Which is biting the horse's heels, And its rider falleth backward.
Dan will be a serpent on the trail, an adder in the path, that bites the horse’s heels, so that his rider falls backward.
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse-heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
Let Dan be a snake in the way, a serpent in the path, that biteth the horse’s heels that his rider may fall backward.
Your descendants will be like snakes at the side of a road, like poisonous snakes lying beside a path. They will strike the heels of horses that pass by, causing the riders to fall backwards as the horses rear up on their hind legs.”
Dan’s tribe will be smart, just like a clever snake. They will wait for their enemies, like a snake hiding beside the road. They will attack their enemies, and they will win against those enemies, like a snake that bites a horse’s leg, so that the man on the horse will fall down.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:17
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 49:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהִי
דָן֙
נָחָ֣שׁ
עֲלֵי
דֶ֔רֶךְ
שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן
עֲלֵי
אֹ֑רַח
הַ/נֹּשֵׁךְ֙
עִקְּבֵי
ס֔וּס
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
רֹכְב֖/וֹ
אָחֽוֹר
יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָן֙
Dân
H1835
Dan
N-proper
נָחָ֣שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
serpent
N-ms
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דֶ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן
shᵉphîyphôn
H8207
horned viper
N-ms
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֹ֑רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
הַ/נֹּשֵׁךְ֙
nâshak
H5391
to bite
Art | V-Qal
עִקְּבֵי
ʻâqêb
H6119
heel
N-mp
ס֔וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-ms
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רֹכְב֖/וֹ
râkab
H7392
to ride
V-Qal | Suff
אָחֽוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:17
יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דָן֙
Dân
H1835
"Dan"
N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
נָחָ֣שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
"serpent"
N-ms
A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.
Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דֶ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן
shᵉphîyphôn
H8207
"horned viper"
N-ms
This word refers to a type of venomous snake, possibly the horned adder. It is described as snapping and is described in the Bible as a dangerous creature. The word is used to warn of its threat.
Definition: 1) horned snake 2) (CLBL) a serpent, perhaps an adder or horned snake
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: adder. See also: Genesis 49:17.
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֹ֑רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
הַ/נֹּשֵׁךְ֙
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
עִקְּבֵי
ʻâqêb
H6119
"heel"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to the heel of the foot or a footprint. It is used in Genesis 3:15 to describe the serpent's punishment, where it will bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. The word can also describe the rear of an army.
Definition: 1) heel, rear, footprint, hinder part, hoof, rear of a troop, footstep 1a) heel 1b) mark of heel, footprint 1c) hinder part, rear
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heel, (horse-) hoof, last, lier in wait (by mistake for H6120 (עָקֵב)), (foot-) step. See also: Genesis 3:15; Job 18:9; Psalms 41:10.
ס֔וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
רֹכְב֖/וֹ
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
אָחֽוֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
- Sermons on Genesis 49:17
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
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.
17He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.
18I await Your salvation, O LORD. 19Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 12:35 | From Dan: 28,600 prepared for battle. |
| 2 | Judges 18:22–31 | After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites. When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?” He replied, “You took the gods I had made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you say to me, ‘What is the matter with you?’” The Danites said to him, “Do not raise your voice against us, or angry men will attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.” So the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him. After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a tranquil and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city. There was no one to deliver them, because the city was far from Sidon and had no alliance with anyone; it was in a valley near Beth-rehob. And the Danites rebuilt the city and lived there. They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish. The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh. |
| 3 | Judges 14:1–15 | One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.” (Now his father and mother did not know this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines; for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.) Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. Then Samson continued on his way down and spoke to the woman, because she was pleasing to his eyes. When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. Then his father went to visit the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, as was customary for the bridegroom. And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men to accompany him. “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle. So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?” |
| 4 | Judges 16:22–30 | However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved. Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” Now the temple was full of men and women; all the lords of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them. Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. |
Genesis 49:17 Summary
Genesis 49:17 is a prophecy about the tribe of Dan, saying that they will be like a snake by the road, bringing danger or trouble to others. This means that Dan will have a significant impact, even if it seems small or insignificant, much like the small but painful bite of a viper. As we reflect on this verse, we can think about how we can balance our desire to be a source of justice and protection with the danger of becoming a source of trouble or danger (see Genesis 49:16 and Ephesians 6:10-18). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can seek to be a positive influence on those around us, rather than a source of trouble or danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Dan to be a snake by the road in Genesis 49:17?
This metaphor suggests that the tribe of Dan will be a source of danger or trouble to others, much like a snake lurking in the path, as seen in Genesis 49:17, and this can be compared to the deceitful nature of the serpent in Genesis 3:1-7.
How does the image of a viper biting the horse's heels relate to the tribe of Dan's role in Israel?
The image of the viper biting the horse's heels indicates that the tribe of Dan will have a significant impact, even if it seems small or insignificant, much like the small but painful bite of a viper, and this can be related to the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Is the prophecy about Dan in Genesis 49:17 positive or negative?
The prophecy about Dan in Genesis 49:17 is somewhat ambiguous, but it seems to suggest that Dan will have a complex role, bringing both justice and trouble, as seen in the contrast between Genesis 49:16 and Genesis 49:17, and this can be compared to the mixed blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28.
How does Genesis 49:17 relate to the overall theme of Jacob's blessings in Genesis 49?
Genesis 49:17 is part of Jacob's blessings to his sons, and it highlights the unique characteristics and roles that each tribe will play in the future of Israel, as seen in the varied blessings and warnings throughout Genesis 49, and this can be related to the concept of God's sovereignty in Romans 8:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be like a 'snake by the road' in my own life, bringing unexpected challenges or dangers to those around me?
- How can I balance the need to be a source of justice and protection, like Dan in Genesis 49:16, with the danger of becoming a source of trouble or danger, like the viper in Genesis 49:17?
- What are some ways that I can 'bite the horse's heels' in my spiritual journey, causing others to stumble or lose their footing, and how can I avoid this?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like Jacob in Genesis 49, even when the future seems uncertain or unpredictable?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lessons of Genesis 49:17 to my own relationships and interactions with others, seeking to be a positive influence rather than a source of trouble?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:17
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path,.... Or be like that sort of serpents called the adder; or rather, that which has the name of Cerastes, which lies among sand, and being of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:17
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
An adder in the path, which covereth and hideth itself in the sand or dust of the highway, watching for men or beasts that pass that way. He notes the subtlety of that tribe, which should conquer their enemies more by craft and cmlning, than by strength or force of arms.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.Ver. 17. Dan shall be a serpent by the way.] He shall subtly set upon his enemies, and suddenly surprise them: as they did the men of Laish; and as Samson, of this tribe, did the Philistines. Moses saith, "Dan is a lion’ s whelp." But when his lion’ s hide would not serve his turn, he could piece it out with his fox skin or serpent’ s slough; he could, if not outfight his enemies, outwit them: and - “ … dolus, an virtus, quis in hoste requirat?” - Virg. Of Decebalus, king of Dacians, it is reported, to his singular commendation, that he could, optime insidias facere, proelium committere, optime uti victoria, et acceptam cladem ferre moderate. All which were the parts and points of an excellent warrior. Leoninae pelli vulpinam assuere. καλωςμεννικηχρησασθαι, καλωςδεκαιηττανδιαθειναι - Dio, in Vita Domit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
(16, 17) Dan.—In passing on to the sons of the handmaids it was necessary to assure them of an independent rank among their brethren. The four tribes descended from them did always hold an inferior position, but Jacob by his words to Dan prevented their ever becoming subject states. Playing, then, upon the name Dan (a judge), he says that he shall judge his people as a distinct and separate tribe, possessed of all those rights of self-government and tribal independence which this rank implied. It seems also that Dan’s symbol was a serpent, and from this Jacob prophesies that though too weak a tribe to take the foremost place in war, yet that Dan should not be without military importance; and this was especially the case in the days of Samson. The word rendered adder is more exactly the arrow-snake, which lies in wait in the “path,” a narrow track, and springs upon its prey as it passes. A horse bitten in this way would rear and throw its rider, who would then be in the power of his assailant.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
Verse 17. Dan shall be a serpent] The original word is נחש nachash, and we have seen in Clarke's note "Genesis 3:1" that this has a great variety of significations. It is probable that a serpent is here intended, but of what kind we know not; yet as the principal reference in the text is to guile, cunning, c., the same creature may be intended as in "Clarke's note "Genesis 3:1". A cerastes upon the track] The word שפיפון shephiphon, which is nowhere else to be found in the Bible, is thus translated by the Vulgate, and Bochart approves of the translation. The cerastes has its name from two little horns upon its head, and is remarkable for the property here ascribed to the shephiphon. The word ארח orach, which we translate path, signifies the track or rut made in the ground by the wheel of a cart, wagon, c. And the description that Nicander gives of this serpent in his Theriaca perfectly agrees with what is here said of the shephiphon. ενδ' αμαθοισιν Ηκαιἁματροχιῃσιπαραστιβονενδυκεςανει. v. 262. It lies under the sand, or in some cart rut by the way. It is intimated that this tribe should gain the principal part of its conquests more by cunning and stratagem, than by valour and this is seen particularly in their conquest of Laish, Judges xviii., and even in some of the transactions of Samson, such as burning the corn of the Philistines, and at last pulling down their temple, and destroying three thousand at one time, see Judges 16:26-30. 18. For thy salvation have I waited, O Lord!
This is a remarkable ejaculation, and seems to stand perfectly unconnected with all that went before and all that follows though it is probable that certain prophetic views which Jacob now had, and which he does not explain, gave rise to it; and by this he at once expressed both his faith and hope in God. Both Jewish and Christian commentators have endeavoured to find out the connection in which these words existed in the mind of the patriarch.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:17
17. shall be] Rather, “let Dan become.” adder] or, horned snake. The horned snake, or κεράστης, is a small, dangerous, and venomous serpent. The simile is that of a small serpent disturbed, and suddenly with deadly fangs striking a horse from behind. Dan is dangerous to his foes by ambuscades, secret raids, and guerilla warfare; cf. Judges 18:27. The mention of the horse and horseman indicates the more wealthy, warrior class of the enemy.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:17
17. Let Dan become — The emphatic position of the verb éçéis best expressed by translating it thus imperatively. And the comparison with the serpent need not be construed as necessarily a curse or condemnation.
Sermons on Genesis 49:17
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 4 by Ian Paisley | This sermon delves into the life of Samson, focusing on the lessons learned from his associations and the consequences of his choices. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding dang |
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When Jesus Is King by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of having Jesus as King in our lives, contrasting the chaotic times of the Judges with the unity and devotion of the early Christians in Acts. |
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Commentary Notes - Judges by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on 'The Hook of Judges,' highlighting the repeated cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance in the book. The key phrase 'every man did that whic |