Genesis 49:24 kjv

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

Genesis 49:24 nkjv

But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),

Genesis 49:24 niv

But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,

Genesis 49:24 esv

yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),

Genesis 49:24 nlt

But his bow remained taut,
and his arms were strengthened
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
by the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.

Genesis 49 verses

Genesis 49 24 Meaning

Genesis 49:24 declares that despite immense pressure and hardship, Joseph's strength and capabilities remained intact and effective. This resilience was not due to his own power but was supernaturally endowed and sustained by God. The verse then uniquely identifies this divine helper with potent titles: "the Mighty One of Jacob," "the Shepherd," and "the Stone of Israel," emphasizing God's strength, care, and foundational stability for His people.

Genesis 49 24 Context

Genesis 49 contains Jacob's final words, delivered as prophetic blessings to his twelve sons gathered around his deathbed. These blessings outline the future character and destiny of their descendants, the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph's blessing is the most extensive and exalted, reflecting his unique journey of suffering, perseverance, and ultimately, salvation for his family and Egypt. Jacob recalls Joseph's extreme persecution ("archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him," v. 23) and highlights that Joseph not only survived but thrived due to divine intervention. This verse acts as the linchpin, identifying the source of Joseph's extraordinary resilience and success—the very God who became the foundational provider and protector for all Israel through Joseph.

Genesis 49 24 Word analysis

• his bow: (Hebrew: qaštōw - קַשְׁתּוֹ)

  • Literal: The physical weapon, an instrument of strength, battle, and provision.
  • Figurative: Represents Joseph's inherent strength, spiritual fortitude, and capability to overcome adversity. It signifies his power or defense against enemies.

• abode in strength: (Hebrew: yēšēḇ bə’êṯān - יֵשֵׁב בְּאֵיתָן)

  • Yēšēḇ: To remain, abide, endure, sit. Implies stability and steadfastness.
  • Bə’êṯān: In firmness, lasting, perennial, strong. Evokes the imagery of an enduring river or foundation. Despite being attacked, Joseph's strength did not waver or deplete. His resolve and capability endured.

• and the arms of his hands: (Hebrew: ūzə·rō·‘ê yā·ḏāw - וּזְרֹעֵי יָדָיו)

  • Zə·rō·‘ê: Arms, symbolizing power, action, work, and practical capability.
  • Yā·ḏāw: Hands, signifying active doing and implement.
  • This phrase refers to Joseph's ability to act, to lead, to manage, and to work effectively in all circumstances, from a slave to a governor.

• were made strong: (Hebrew: way·yā·fō·zū - וַיָּפֹזוּ)

  • Meaning "were made agile," "nimble," "alert," "purified," or "empowered." This goes beyond mere strength; it suggests a divine imparting of dexterity and efficacy, making his actions fruitful and precise. The imagery suggests strength that is also responsive and effective.

• by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob: (Hebrew: mî·ḏê ’ă·ḇîr ya‘aqōḇ - מִידֵי אֲבִיר יַעֲקֹב)

  • Mî·ḏê: From the hands of. Indicates direct, active intervention and empowerment.
  • Mighty God: (Hebrew: ’ă·ḇîr - אֲבִיר) A unique, profound title for God, meaning "Champion," "Bull," or "Strong One." It conveys immense power, vigor, and supreme strength. This is not just a general deity but the specific covenant God who had powerfully intervened in Jacob's own life. It underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His people.
  • of Jacob: Links God directly to His covenant relationship with Jacob and, by extension, to Israel, the nation that sprung from him. It emphasizes God's personal faithfulness to His chosen line.

• (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) (Hebrew: miš·šām rō·‘eh ’e·ḇen yis·rā·’êl - מִשָּׁם רֹעֶה אֶבֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל) This clause, likely parenthetical, further identifies or describes the "Mighty One of Jacob" and perhaps, by extension, the role Joseph fulfills because of this divine empowerment.

  • from thence is: (Hebrew: miš·šām - מִשָּׁם) Points back to the "Mighty One of Jacob" as the source or origin. All that follows comes from Him.
  • the shepherd: (Hebrew: rō·‘eh - רֹעֶה) A direct title for God. He is the one who leads, guides, feeds, and protects His flock (Israel). It also reflects Joseph's role in Egypt, who "shepherded" his family and the land through famine. The primary reference is divine.
  • the stone of Israel: (Hebrew: ’e·ḇen yis·rā·’êl - אֶבֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל) A divine title, not commonly used.
    • Stone: (Hebrew: ’e·ḇen) Symbolizes foundation, stability, refuge, and strength. It speaks of unwavering dependability.
    • of Israel: Establishes this stone as specific to God's relationship with Israel. God is the unshakable bedrock upon which the nation of Israel stands and is sustained. Joseph, in his preservation of his family, functioned as a foundational pillar, reflecting this divine attribute.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong": This emphasizes Joseph's extraordinary ability to persist and succeed despite severe opposition. His intrinsic capabilities were robust, and his actions became powerfully effective, indicating divine enablement rather than just natural skill.
  • "by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob": This clause immediately attributes Joseph's remarkable strength and dexterity to the direct, active power of God. It clarifies that his perseverance was not self-generated but divinely bestowed. The title "Mighty One of Jacob" highlights God's particular covenant relationship and strength demonstrated specifically in saving and protecting His people.
  • "(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)": This profound addition describes the very character and function of this "Mighty One." He is the one who nurtures, guides, and protects His people like a shepherd, and He is the unshakeable foundation and source of security for Israel, ensuring their survival and continuity. This section links divine attributes directly to Joseph's experience and roles.

Genesis 49 24 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: In a world where polytheism and reliance on earthly strength (physical might, military prowess, dynastic power) were prevalent, Jacob's blessing directly asserts that Israel's true strength, guidance, and stability come solely from their unique, single, "Mighty One." This subtly contrasts with surrounding cultures that attributed such things to a pantheon of gods or human kings.
• Theological implications: This verse, rich with divine titles, offers an early revelation of God's multifaceted character. The concept of God as "Shepherd" is further developed through the Exodus (leading His flock), the Psalms (Psa 23), prophetic books (Isa 40, Ezek 34), and supremely fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the "Good Shepherd" (Jn 10). Similarly, God as "Stone" or "Rock" foreshadows Messiah as the rejected Stone becoming the Cornerstone of a new spiritual Israel (Psa 118:22, Isa 28:16, Mat 21:42, 1 Pet 2:6-8). Joseph's role, thus, functions as a type or shadow of Christ, saving His people and acting as a foundation for their preservation.
• Significance of Joseph's Blessing: Unlike his brothers, Joseph received blessings encompassing not only physical abundance (Gen 49:25) but also profound spiritual empowerment and unique divine titles attributed to his helper. This underscores his unique spiritual role in God's redemptive plan, setting apart the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh for extraordinary fruitfulness and leadership.

Genesis 49 24 Commentary

Genesis 49:24 offers a profound theological statement wrapped within a patriarchal blessing. It underscores that Joseph's remarkable resilience and administrative acumen, demonstrated throughout his trials, were not inherent qualities alone but divine empowerments. The unique titles for God—"Mighty One of Jacob," "Shepherd," and "Stone of Israel"—are significant. "Mighty One of Jacob" speaks of God's unyielding strength and faithfulness to His covenant promises, a strength that protected and sustained Joseph as it had Jacob. The divine "Shepherd" portrays God's compassionate care, guidance, and provision, a role that Joseph mirrored in nurturing his family and saving Egypt from famine. Finally, "the Stone of Israel" highlights God as the enduring, unshakable foundation for His people, upon whom Israel's existence and future security depend. Joseph, by his role, became a foundational "stone" for his family's survival and continuity in Egypt. The verse reminds believers that true strength, lasting endurance, and effective service come not from human effort alone but through direct divine enablement and an understanding of God as their ultimate sustainer, guide, and immovable support. This truth brings comfort and assurance in times of tribulation.