Genesis 49:22
Genesis 49:22 in Multiple Translations
Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall.
¶ Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a fountain; His branches run over the wall.
Joseph is a young ox, whose steps are turned to the fountain;
Joseph is a fruitful tree, a fruitful tree beside a spring, whose branches climb over the wall.
Ioseph shalbe a fruitefull bough, euen a fruitful bough by the well side: the small boughs shall runne vpon the wall.
Joseph [is] a fruitful son; A fruitful son by a fountain, Daughters step over the wall;
“Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a spring. His branches run over the wall.
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
Joseph is a growing son, a growing son and comely to behold; the daughters run to and fro upon the wall.
Joseph, you will have many descendants [MET]. Their children will be as many as the fruit on a vine near a spring of water, whose branches extend over a wall.
Then Jacob said, “Lots of people will be born into Joseph’s family. Yes, Joseph’s family will grow big, just like a grape vine that grows near a spring of water, and has lots of fruit. Its branches are so long, they grow over a big wall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:22
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 49:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ֤ן
פֹּרָת֙
יוֹסֵ֔ף
בֵּ֥ן
פֹּרָ֖ת
עֲלֵי
עָ֑יִן
בָּנ֕וֹת
צָעֲדָ֖ה
עֲלֵי
שֽׁוּר
בֵּ֤ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
פֹּרָת֙
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Qal
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בֵּ֥ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
פֹּרָ֖ת
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Qal
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
בָּנ֕וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
צָעֲדָ֖ה
tsâʻad
H6805
to march
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עֲלֵי
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שֽׁוּר
shûwr
H7791
wall
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 49:22
בֵּ֤ן
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.
פֹּרָת֙
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בֵּ֥ן
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.
פֹּרָ֖ת
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
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.
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
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.
בָּנ֕וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
צָעֲדָ֖ה
tsâʻad
H6805
"to march"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word means to march or step regularly, like pacing or striding. In the Bible, it can also mean to mount or hurl something. The KJV translates it as 'bring', 'go', or 'march'.
Definition: 1) to step, march, stride 1a) (Qal) to step, march 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to march
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bring, go, march (through), run over. See also: Genesis 49:22; Psalms 68:8; Proverbs 7:8.
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.
שֽׁוּר
shûwr
H7791
"wall"
N-ms
A row or wall, like the walls of Jerusalem, as described in the book of Nehemiah. It can also refer to a row of plants, like a vineyard, as seen in the story of Jonah and the vine. This word is used to describe structures or arrangements in the Bible.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: wall. See also: Genesis 49:22; Job 24:11; Psalms 18:30.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
- Sermons on Genesis 49:22
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
20Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies.
21Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
22Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall.
23The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. 24Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 41:52 | And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” |
| 2 | Psalms 128:3 | Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. |
| 3 | Psalms 1:1–3 | Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. |
| 4 | Genesis 46:27 | And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family who went to Egypt were seventy in all. |
| 5 | Joshua 16:1–10 | The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel. It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea. So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance. This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon and out toward the Sea. From Michmethath on the north it turned eastward toward Taanath-shiloh and passed by it to Janoah on the east. From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and then reached Jericho and came out at the Jordan. From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, along with all the cities and villages set apart for the descendants of Ephraim within the inheritance of Manasseh. But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. |
| 6 | Joshua 17:14–17 | Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, |
| 7 | Genesis 30:22–24 | Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.” |
| 8 | Genesis 48:19–20 | But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 19:11 | It had strong branches, fit for a ruler’s scepter. It towered high above the thick branches, conspicuous for its height and for its dense foliage. |
Genesis 49:22 Summary
[This verse says that Joseph is like a fruitful vine, which means he is a source of spiritual growth and nourishment for those around him. Just like a vine needs water to grow, Joseph's spiritual growth comes from his relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:7-8, where it says that blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. This is a reminder that we can all be like Joseph, producing spiritual fruit and nourishing those around us, when we trust in God and stay connected to Him, just like a vine stays connected to its spring.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Joseph to be a fruitful vine by a spring?
This metaphor suggests that Joseph is a source of spiritual nourishment and growth, much like a vine that flourishes by a spring of water, as seen in Isaiah 58:11, where God promises to satisfy the righteous and make them like a watered garden.
How do the branches scaling the wall relate to Joseph's life?
The image of branches scaling a wall may symbolize Joseph's ability to overcome obstacles and thrive in challenging circumstances, much like the Psalmist's declaration in Psalm 23:4 that even in the darkest valley, God is with him.
Is this verse talking about Joseph's physical prosperity or something more spiritual?
While Joseph did experience physical prosperity, this verse is likely referring to his spiritual fruitfulness, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, where the fruit of the Spirit is listed as love, joy, peace, and more.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of Jacob's blessing to his sons, and it highlights Joseph's unique role and blessings, as seen in the contrast with the descriptions of his brothers in surrounding verses, such as Genesis 49:20-21, which describe Asher and Naphtali.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be like a fruitful vine in my own life, producing spiritual growth and nourishment for those around me?
- How can I trust God to provide for me and help me thrive, even in difficult circumstances, just like Joseph did?
- What are some 'walls' or obstacles in my life that I need to overcome, and how can I trust God to help me scale them?
- In what ways can I be a source of spiritual nourishment and growth for those around me, just like Joseph was for his family?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:22
Joseph is a fruitful bough,.... Or as one, like the bough or branch of a tree laden with fruit, as he was with children; one of which he called Ephraim from his fruitfulness, and both his sons became
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:22
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: Joseph is a fruitful bough ... - literally, 'the son of a fruitful tree (a vine) is Joseph; the son of a
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
A fruitful bough, in regard of those two numerous tribes which proceeded from his two sons. By a well, or fountain, or water-course, which situation doth much further the growth of trees. See . Whose branches run over the wall, i. e: which is planted by a wall, whose heat furthers its growth no less than the moisture of the water doth.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
Genesis 49:22 Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:Ver. 22. Joseph is a fruitful bough.] Of the vine, saith the Chaldee Paraphrast. But it may be, Jacob meant it of the Egyptian fig tree, whereof Solinus reporteth that it beareth fruit seven times in the year; pull one fig, and another presently puts forth, saith he. Uno anno septies fructus sufficit. Unde pomum decerpseris, alterum sine mora protuberat. - Solin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
(22-26) Joseph.—The blessing of Joseph is, in many particulars, the most remarkable of them all. Jacob throughout it seems struggling with himself, and anxious to bestow more than was in his power. Joseph was his dearest son, the child of his chief and most beloved wife; he was, too, the saviour of Israel’s family, and the actual ruler of Egypt; and his father had even bestowed upon him the portion of the firstborn in giving him two tribes, and to the rest but one. Nevertheless, he cannot bestow upon him the sovereignty. In clear terms he had described Judah as the lion, whose lordly strength should give Israel victory and dominion, and the sceptre must remain his until He whose right it is to rule should come. And thus Jacob magnifies again and again, but in obscure terms, his blessing upon Joseph, which, when analyzed, amounts simply to excessive fruitfulness, with no Messianic or spiritual prerogative. Beginning with this, Jacob next dwells upon Joseph’s trials, and upon the manliness with which he had borne and overcome them; and then magnifies the blessedness of the earthly lot of his race, won for them by the personal worth of Joseph, with a description of which Jacob ends his words.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
22. The son of a fruitful (vine) is Joseph; The son of a fruitful (vine) by the fountain: The daughters (branches) shoot over the wall. 23. They sorely afflicted him and contended with him; The chief archers had him in hatred. 24. But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob: By the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. 25. By the God of thy father, for he helped thee; And God All-sufficient, he blessed thee, The blessing of the heavens from above, And the blessings lying in the deep beneath, The blessings of the breasts and of the womb 26. The blessings of thy father have prevailed Over the blessings of the eternal mountains, And the desirable things of the everlasting hills. These shall be on the head of Joseph, And on his crown who was separated from his brethren. Verse 22. The sum of a fruitful vine] This appears to me to refer to Jacob himself, who was blessed with such a numerous posterity that in two hundred and fifteen years after this his own descendants amounted to upwards of 600,000 effective men; and the figures here are intended to point out the continual growth and increase of his posterity. Jacob was a fruitful tree planted by a fountain, which because it was good would yield good fruit; and because it was planted near a fountain, from being continually watered, would be perpetually fruitful.
The same is used and applied to Jacob, Deuteronomy 33:28: The FOUNTAIN of JACOB shall be upon a land of corn, and wine, &c. The daughters, בנות banoth, put here for branches, shoot over or run upon the wall.] Alluding probably to the case of the vine, which requires to be supported by a wall, trees, &c. Some commentators have understood this literally, and have applied it to the Egyptian women, who were so struck with the beauty of Joseph as to get upon walls, the tops of houses, &c., to see him as he passed by. This is agreeable to the view taken of the subject by the Koran. See Clarke on Genesis 39:6.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:22
22. Joseph] The blessing of Joseph extends over Genesis 49:22-26. Its subject matter falls into four divisions: (1) Joseph’s prosperity under the simile of a vine (Genesis 49:22); (2) his contest with bitter foes (Genesis 49:23); (3) the invocation for aid from the God of Jacob (Genesis 49:24-25 a); (4) the blessing from heaven, sea, and earth, pronounced upon Joseph (25b, 26). The elaborate eulogy pronounced on Joseph reflects the predominance of Ephraim and Manasseh among the tribes of Israel, in virtue both of their central position in Canaan and of their power and wealth. The impression we derive from this description of Joseph is that of 1 Chronicles 5:1-2, “his (Reuben’s) birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph … Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph’s.” The text in the following verses has in several places suffered from corruption. The meaning is often very obscure, and no certainty of translation is to be looked for. A fruitful bough] Heb. the son of a fruitful tree. The word “fruitful” in the original contains a play upon the name “Ephraim”; see note on Genesis 41:52; cf. Joshua 17:14 ff. “Bough” is probably that of a vine. Cf.
Psalms 128:3; Isaiah 32:12, “the fruitful vine.” The simile is that of a young fruitful tree, planted near a spring, whose tendrils trail down over the wall. by a fountain] i.e. in a fertile spot. In Canaan, wherever there was moisture, there was fertility. The versions give an entirely different rendering. run over the wall] The branches and tendrils of the strongly growing vine throw themselves over the wall, which has been built for their protection and training. They hang down in graceful luxuriance, a pretty metaphor from nature.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:22
22. Joseph — When the patriarch turns to Joseph, all the affection and tenderness of his soul seem to break forth in rapturous song. It remains for him now only to bless the two sons of Rachel, and then die.
Sermons on Genesis 49:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 49:22-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the blessings and prophecies given by Jacob to his sons before his death. He starts by discussing Joseph, who was described as a fruitful bo |
|
(Genesis) - Part 30 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the examples of ordinary men in the Bible who lived by the spirit of Christ without the presence of scriptures. He highlights the story of Jos |
|
Blessed to Bless by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of vital truths in the Bible. He explains that while all truths should be studied, there are certain truths that are more esse |
|
Jacob's Last Words by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the rock in biblical stories. He starts by referencing the interpretation of Daniel's dream, where the rock symboli |
|
The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 3 by Ian Paisley | This sermon delves into the life of Samson, exploring the lessons from his journey, including his backsliding, rebellion, and ultimate return to God. Despite his flaws, Samson's fa |
|
Sorrow, God's Plowshare by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transformative power of sorrow when under Divine grace, revealing hidden depths in the soul, unknown capabilities, and the importance of intros |
|
|
Genesis 49:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the secret of strength through the life of Joseph, who, despite being wronged by his brothers and facing numerous trials, remained fruitful and forgiving. He |