Genesis 49:19
Genesis 49:19 in Multiple Translations
Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.
¶ Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Gad, a troop shall press upon him; But he shall press upon their heel.
Gad, an army will come against him, but he will come down on them in their flight.
Raiders will attack Gad, but he will attack their heels.
Gad, an hoste of men shall ouercome him, but he shall ouercome at the last.
Gad! a troop assaulteth him, But he assaulteth last.
“A troop will press on Gad, but he will press on their heel.
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Gad, being girded, shall fight before him: and he himself shall be girded backward.
Then Jacob continued telling his sons what would happen in the future. He said, “Gad, your tribe/descendants will be attacked by a group of bandits, but your tribe/descendants will pursue and attack them [MTY].
Then Jacob said, “Bad men will attack Gad’s tribe, and those bad men will try to steal Gad’s things, but Gad’s tribe will fight back and attack those men, and those men will run away.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:19
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 49:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּ֖ד
גְּד֣וּד
יְגוּדֶ֑/נּוּ
וְ/ה֖וּא
יָגֻ֥ד
עָקֵֽב
גָּ֖ד
Gâd
H1410
Gad
N-proper
גְּד֣וּד
gᵉdûwd
H1416
band
N-ms
יְגוּדֶ֑/נּוּ
gûwd
H1464
to raid
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יָגֻ֥ד
gûwd
H1464
to raid
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָקֵֽב
ʻâqêb
H6119
heel
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:19
גָּ֖ד
Gâd
H1410
"Gad"
N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
גְּד֣וּד
gᵉdûwd
H1416
"band"
N-ms
This word means a group of people, often a band of soldiers or a crowd. In the Bible, it is used to describe the armies of Israel and other nations, like the troop that followed King David. It can also refer to a group of robbers.
Definition: 1) a band, troop, marauding band 1a) marauding band, raiding band 1b) troop, band (of divisions of army) 1c) foray, raid
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: army, band (of men), company, troop (of robbers). See also: Genesis 49:19; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalms 18:30.
יְגוּדֶ֑/נּוּ
gûwd
H1464
"to raid"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to attack or invade, like when an army crowds in on a city. It appears in the Bible to describe times of war or conquest. In the KJV, it's translated as 'invade' or 'overcome'.
Definition: 1) to invade, attack 1a) (Qal) to attack
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: invade, overcome. See also: Genesis 49:19; Habakkuk 3:16.
וְ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָגֻ֥ד
gûwd
H1464
"to raid"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to attack or invade, like when an army crowds in on a city. It appears in the Bible to describe times of war or conquest. In the KJV, it's translated as 'invade' or 'overcome'.
Definition: 1) to invade, attack 1a) (Qal) to attack
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: invade, overcome. See also: Genesis 49:19; Habakkuk 3:16.
עָקֵֽב
ʻâqêb
H6119
"heel"
N-ms
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
- Sermons on Genesis 49:19
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
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.
20Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies. 21Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:11 | Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 5:11–22 | The descendants of Gad lived next to the Reubenites in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah: Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Jaanai and Shaphat, who lived in Bashan. Their kinsmen by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all. These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz. Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family. They lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its towns, and throughout the pasturelands of Sharon. All of them were reckoned in the genealogies during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel. The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives, and many others fell slain, because the battle belonged to God. And they occupied the land until the exile. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 33:20–21 | Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head. He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 5:26 | So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria) to take the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. And he brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 3:18–22 | Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The children of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, their sister Shelomith, and five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed. The descendants of Hananiah: Pelatiah, Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah, and of Shecaniah. The six descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. |
| 6 | Numbers 32:1–42 | Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.” “If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.” But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying, ‘Because they did not follow Me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years of age or older who came out of Egypt will see the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun—because they did follow the LORD wholeheartedly.’ The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. Now behold, you, a brood of sinners, have risen up in place of your fathers to further stoke the burning anger of the LORD against Israel. For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.” Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.” Moses replied, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD, until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD. But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised.” The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands. Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead. But your servants are equipped for war, and every man will cross over to the battle before the LORD, just as our lord says.” So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel. And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. We will cross over into the land of Canaan armed before the LORD, that we may have our inheritance on this side of the Jordan.” So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them. And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and they built folds for their flocks. The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt. The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name. |
| 7 | Judges 10:1–11 | 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. Tola judged Israel twenty-three years, and when he died, he was buried in Shamir. Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys. And they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth-jair. When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon. And again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals, the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, and Moab, and the gods of the Ammonites and Philistines. Thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, who that very year harassed and oppressed the Israelites, and did so for eighteen years to all the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin, and the house of Ephraim, and Israel was in deep distress. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.” The LORD replied, “When the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines, |
| 8 | Joshua 13:8 | The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: |
| 9 | Genesis 46:16 | The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. |
Genesis 49:19 Summary
Genesis 49:19 tells us that the tribe of Gad will face challenges and attacks, but they will also be able to overcome them. This verse teaches us that even when we face difficult situations, we can trust in God's power and promises to help us, just like Gad. As believers, we can apply this principle to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and by putting on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18. By doing so, we can overcome the challenges we face and live a life of faith and victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Gad to be attacked by raiders in Genesis 49:19?
This verse suggests that the tribe of Gad will face challenges and attacks from external forces, but they will also be able to counterattack and overcome them, as seen in the promise that they will attack their heels, much like the snake in Genesis 49:17.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Genesis 49?
Genesis 49 contains Jacob's prophecies about the future of his sons and their tribes, and Genesis 49:19 specifically highlights the unique challenges and strengths of the tribe of Gad, giving us insight into God's plans for their future, as also seen in Deuteronomy 33:20-21.
What does it mean to 'attack their heels'?
This phrase is likely a metaphor for a defensive or counterattacking posture, where Gad will be able to respond to their attackers and gain the upper hand, much like the snake that bites the horse's heels in Genesis 49:17, causing the rider to fall.
How can we apply the principles of Genesis 49:19 to our own lives?
As believers, we can learn from the example of Gad that even in the face of challenges and attacks, we can trust in God's power and promises to overcome them, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced spiritual attacks or challenges in my life, and how can I apply the example of Gad to my situation?
- How can I trust in God's power and promises to overcome the challenges I face, and what role does faith play in this process?
- What are some ways that I can be prepared to 'attack the heels' of my spiritual enemies, and what spiritual armor can I use to defend myself, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- How can I balance the need to defend myself spiritually with the command to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:19
Gad, a troop shall overcome him,.... There is a paronomasia, or an allusion to the name of Gad almost in every word of the verse, which signifies a troop: the whole is a prediction that this tribe
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:19
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
i.e. Troops of enemies shall frequently invade his country, and for a time conquer and spoil it. And so it came to pass, because the inheritance of that tribe lay beyond Jordan, near to the Ammonites and Moabites, two inveterate enemies of Israel, and to other hostile nations on the east. But he shall overcome at the last, or, afterward. This was fulfilled, , &c. He shows that the events of the wars should be various, but Gad should one time or other spoil his spoilers. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
Genesis 49:19 Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last. Ver. 19. Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but.] This is every good Christian’ s case in the spiritual warfare; he conquers, but comes to it through many conflicts and counter buffs. He "made war upon the saints, and overcame them": for a season it may be, according to human conceit howsoever. But "they conquered and overcame him," according to the truth of the thing, "by the blood of the Lamb," in whom they do overcome, and "are more than conquerors." This was fulfilled in the tribe of Gad.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
(19) Gad.—The word Gad, as we have seen (Genesis 30:11), means good fortune, but Jacob connects it with the root gâdad, “to gather in troops.” Thus, then, “A troop” or “throng of plunderers shall throng upon him, but he shall throng upon their heel.” Settling upon the east of the Jordan he shall be exposed to many a sudden incursion of plunderers, but, though ever unready, he shall gather his forces and repel them, and follow with avenging energy upon their rear.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:19
19. a troop] Heb. gedud, “a marauding band.” shall press] Heb. gad, to press. These words furnish a double play upon the name of the tribe Gad. Gad … gedud yegudennu … yagud ‘ekκbβm = “Gad, raiders shall raid him, but he shall raid their rear (lit. heel).” LXX πειρατήριονπειρατεύσειαὐτόναὐτὸςδὲπειρατεύσειαὐτῷκατὰπόδας. This warlike and independent tribe seem to have been successful in repelling the bands of marauders, Ammonites, Moabites, and Aramaeans, who threatened the eastern border of Gilead. Cf. Judges 10:7-12; 1 Chronicles 5:18-22. Later on, however, the tribe seems to have succumbed. Jeremiah 49:1. upon their heel] i.e. he will repulse and pursue them closely, and hang upon their rear.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:19
19. A crowd shall crowd him — In this verse we have a more notable play on words than in any other part of the chapter. Every word in the verse but he and heel is a form of the word Gad.
Sermons on Genesis 49:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Wait for the Finals by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing parallels between the tribe of Gad and the struggles faced by believers. He acknowledges t |
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |