Genesis 49 27

Genesis 49:27 kjv

Benjamin shall raven as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

Genesis 49:27 nkjv

"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil."

Genesis 49:27 niv

"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder."

Genesis 49:27 esv

"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at evening dividing the spoil."

Genesis 49:27 nlt

"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf,
devouring his enemies in the morning
and dividing his plunder in the evening."

Genesis 49 verses

Genesis 49 27 meaning

Genesis 49:27 portrays Benjamin as a "ravenous wolf" (z'ev yitraf), prophesying the tribe's aggressive and predatory character. This describes a constant state of military readiness and action, seizing gains early ("in the morning he devours the prey") and then efficiently distributing the plunder ("in the evening he divides the spoil"). The imagery conveys the tribe's fierce, martial spirit, signifying a potent and active role in warfare and acquiring resources through conquest.

Genesis 49 27 Context

This verse is part of Jacob's prophetic blessings and pronouncements upon his twelve sons (Genesis 49:1-27) as he lay dying. These pronouncements are not simply blessings in the conventional sense but more accurately divinely inspired prophecies concerning the future character, destiny, and geographical territories of the tribes that would descend from each son. For Benjamin, this "blessing" emphasizes its military nature, distinct from some brothers who received blessings of abundance (e.g., Asher) or rulership (e.g., Judah). The historical context shows that the tribe of Benjamin indeed developed a formidable military reputation, exemplified during the era of the Judges and the reign of King Saul, its most famous son. Its land was also strategically located, bordering both Judah and the northern tribes, making it often a central point of conflict.

Genesis 49 27 Word analysis

• Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִ֔ין, Binyamin): The youngest of Jacob's twelve sons, born to Rachel. His name, given by Jacob, means "son of the right hand," suggesting strength, favor, or proximity to power. Here, it refers to the tribe that will descend from him.
• is: In Hebrew, the copula "is" is often implied. It defines Benjamin's inherent nature.
• a ravenous wolf (זְאֵ֣ב יִטְרָ֑ף, z'ev yitraf):
  • wolf (זְאֵ֣ב, z'ev): A wild, predatory animal known for its cunning, pack hunting, and ferocity. In the biblical landscape, wolves were a significant threat to flocks and herds, embodying untamed aggression.
  • ravenous (יִטְרָ֑ף, yitraf): A verbal form from the root טָרַף (taraf), meaning "to tear," "to rend," or "to devour." It emphasizes the act of tearing prey, indicating the violent and decisive manner in which Benjamin operates. The active participle emphasizes a constant characteristic.
• in the morning (בַּבֹּ֤קֶר, baboqer): Literally "in the dawning," referring to the start of the day. This signifies quick, decisive, and early action or success in battle. It implies immediate, vigorous engagement and conquest.
• he devours the prey (יֹאכַ֣ל עַ֔ד, yokhal 'ad):
  • he devours (יֹאכַ֣ל, yokhal): From the verb אָכַל ('akhal), meaning "to eat" or "to consume." Here, it specifically denotes consuming the spoils of combat.
  • the prey (עַ֔ד, 'ad): Usually translated "prey," "booty," or "food." This is the object of the wolf's predatory actions—what is seized and taken.
• and in the evening (וְלָעֶ֖רֶב, vela'erev): At the close of the day. This suggests a continuation of the aggressive cycle or the culmination of the day's successful engagements. It points to a sustained activity of war and its subsequent gains.
• he divides the spoil (יְחַלֵּ֥ק שָׁלָֽל, yechaleq shalal):
  • he divides (יְחַלֵּ֥ק, yechaleq): From the verb חָלַק (chalaq), meaning "to divide," "to distribute." This signifies the aftermath of a successful raid or conquest, where the spoils are apportioned among the victors. It highlights organization and profit from their military prowess.
  • the spoil (שָׁלָֽל, shalal): "Plunder," "booty," or "gains taken in war." This further reinforces the military context and the tribe's engagement in warfare.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• Benjamin is a ravenous wolf: This is a direct, animalistic metaphor for Benjamin's tribal nature. It points to an innate characteristic of fierce independence, cunning, and aggressive self-preservation, ready to attack and secure its interests. This fierce identity would manifest repeatedly in its history.
• in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil: This phrase describes the full cycle of the Benjamite "wolf's" activity: rapid initiation of conflict ("morning"), successful acquisition through violent means ("devours the prey"), and systematic distribution of the benefits ("divides the spoil"). It paints a picture of constant, relentless, and successful engagement in military campaigns and territorial defense, from start to finish. This cycle implies that warfare and its proceeds would be central to Benjamin's identity and survival.

Genesis 49 27 Bonus section

The depiction of Benjamin as a wolf can be interpreted not only as rapaciousness but also as strategic acumen. Wolves are not simply mindless destroyers but intelligent, coordinated hunters. Benjamin's military exploits, such as the skilled ambidextrous warriors mentioned in Judges, suggest a level of tactical proficiency rather than mere brute force. While often isolated (due to its territory and civil war experiences), Benjamin frequently provided key military figures and aligned strategically (e.g., with Judah after the kingdom's division), playing a crucial protective and sometimes aggressive role within Israel. This "wolf" identity is also strikingly contrasted with Moses' later blessing in Deut 33:12, where Benjamin is "the beloved of the Lord, who dwells in safety beside Him," implying divine protection that enables the tribe to function effectively even amidst its fierce nature, perhaps hinting at a divinely purposed aggression for the good of Israel.

Genesis 49 27 Commentary

Jacob's prophecy concerning Benjamin paints a vivid picture of a tribe characterized by martial prowess and predatory efficiency. The "ravenous wolf" metaphor underscores their inherent ferocity, readiness for combat, and relentless pursuit of objectives. Unlike some other tribes described with less active or more settled imagery, Benjamin is depicted in constant motion, attacking in the morning and profiting from the spoil by evening. This duality of immediate action and calculated distribution highlights a well-organized and successful warrior tribe. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled through key events such as the tribe's fierce, even suicidal, resistance in the civil war of Judges 19-21, where they fought to near extinction. Furthermore, the selection of Saul, a Benjamite, as Israel's first king, who initiated a reign defined by extensive warfare, reinforces this image. Despite the violent undertones, the ability to "devour prey" and "divide spoil" also speaks to the tribe's effectiveness and resilience in providing for itself and for the nation.