Genesis 49:5 kjv

Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.

Genesis 49:5 nkjv

"Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place.

Genesis 49:5 niv

"Simeon and Levi are brothers? their swords are weapons of violence.

Genesis 49:5 esv

"Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords.

Genesis 49:5 nlt

"Simeon and Levi are two of a kind;
their weapons are instruments of violence.

Genesis 49 verses

Genesis 49 5 Meaning

Genesis 49:5 presents Jacob's prophetic declaration regarding his sons Simeon and Levi. He labels them as brothers united in a particular, destructive character, highlighting their shared inclination towards uncontrolled and cruel violence. The phrase "instruments of cruelty are in their dwellings" (or 'weapons of violence are their swords/schemes') indicates that their tools, plans, or very environments are filled with or prone to brutal actions, echoing their previous ruthless attack on the Shechemites. This verse sets the stage for the specific judgment Jacob pronounces upon them in the subsequent verse, revealing a deep character flaw that would impact their future tribal destinies.

Genesis 49 5 Context

Genesis 49 comprises Jacob's prophetic blessings and pronouncements over his twelve sons just before his death. This chapter is not merely a collection of personal farewells but a foundational prophecy outlining the character and future destinies of the tribes of Israel. Verse 5 is part of Jacob's pronouncements over Simeon and Levi (verses 5-7), which form a singular, harsh rebuke contrasting sharply with the positive prophecies given to Judah or Joseph. The immediate historical context that informs this verse is the horrifying incident recounted in Genesis 34. In this event, Simeon and Levi, in retaliation for the rape of their sister Dinah by Shechem, deceitfully manipulated the men of Shechem into being circumcised and then, while the men were incapacitated, slaughtered every male in the city, plundered it, and took women and children captive. Jacob had strongly disapproved of this act, fearing retribution from neighboring peoples and feeling defiled. Thus, the condemnation in Genesis 49:5 flows directly from their proven character as men driven by uncontrolled rage and cunning, ruthless violence. There's no direct polemic mentioned, but it indirectly contrasts the character Jacob desires for his descendants (peace, righteousness) with the violent pagan customs that surrounded them.

Genesis 49 5 Word analysis

• שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on) וְלֵוִי (v'Levi): "Simeon and Levi." Jacob's second and third born sons by Leah. Their names are juxtaposed, highlighting their common culpability in the incident at Shechem (Gen 34).

• אַחִים (achím): "brothers." More than a simple familial designation here. It emphasizes their unity or close alliance in a particular manner, specifically their shared disposition towards deceit and violence in the Shechem incident. It suggests they acted not just as kinsmen, but as partners in a morally objectionable enterprise.

• כְּלֵי (k'lei): "instruments," "vessels," "weapons," "tools." This noun suggests the means or implements through which an action is performed. The usage points to things that are used, implying intentionality and active participation in their violent deeds.

• חָמָס (ḥāmās): "violence," "cruelty," "wrong," "injustice." This strong Hebrew term denotes more than mere force; it carries the connotation of oppressive, ruthless, and unrighteous aggression. It is frequently used in the Bible to describe unjust and destructive acts, often preceding divine judgment (e.g., the violence that filled the earth before the flood in Gen 6:11, 13). Its presence here brands their actions as inherently evil and not just excessive.

• מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶם (m'kêrōthêhem): This is the most complex and debated word in the verse, translating roughly to "their dealings," "their schemes," "their dwellings," "their swords/instruments," or even "their birthplace."

  • Original ambiguity and scholarly debate:
    • Some interpretations derive it from mekērāh, related to "digging," "pits," or "sellings/transactions." This could imply "their schemes" or "their clandestine plots/transactions," fitting the deceitful nature of the Shechem attack where they "dug a pit" (entrapped) the Shechemites through a deceptive covenant.
    • Another common interpretation, notably found in the Septuagint and some Aramaic Targums, links it to "swords" or "weapons." This would render the phrase as "weapons of violence are their swords" or "their swords are instruments of cruelty." This aligns with their actual use of swords in Gen 34.
    • The KJV renders it "habitations" or "dwellings," though this reading is less supported by strong etymological links for "mekērôt" as dwelling place in other biblical contexts. However, it would imply that violence is ingrained within their very homes or character.
  • Significance: The ambiguity likely contributes to the prophetic depth. If "schemes," it emphasizes their treacherous planning; if "swords," it highlights their readiness for physical brutality. In any case, it points to a deeply ingrained and purposeful inclination toward destruction, whether by deception or direct assault.

• "Simeon and Levi are brothers": This phrase isn't just a statement of fact, but highlights a shared character and shared fate due to their confederate actions and disposition in Gen 34. Their brotherhood here signifies a moral unity in sin.

• "instruments of cruelty are in their dwellings" (or alternative readings like "weapons of violence are their swords/schemes"): This clause directly connects their essence (character/belongings/plots) with ruthless violence. It implies that cruelty is not just an occasional act for them but is intrinsic to their being or readily accessible to them. This condemnation focuses on their character, a profound accusation of their nature as men prone to malicious aggression and deceptive plots, which deeply offends Jacob's moral sensibilities.

Genesis 49 5 Bonus section

The strong condemnation in Genesis 49:5-7 is unusual within Jacob's farewell prophecies, as most others are more predictive or bestow blessings. This highlights the severity of Simeon and Levi's actions and Jacob's deep personal disappointment and spiritual abhorrence of their unrestrained anger. The dual fulfillment of the "scattering" prophecy for both tribes—Simeon diminishing into other tribes (specifically Judah) and Levi being scattered but for a holy purpose as the priestly tribe without land inheritance—showcases God's sovereignty working through Jacob's pronouncements. While Jacob cursed their "anger," the subsequent divine repurposing of Levi’s fierce loyalty (as seen at the golden calf incident and in Phinehas) demonstrates that even a tribal curse originating from a particular character flaw can be redirected or refined by God when there is a subsequent demonstration of zeal for divine righteousness, although it still resulted in their lack of a centralized land inheritance. This serves as a powerful biblical illustration of judgment being interwoven with opportunities for redemption and a transformed destiny under divine will, particularly for the tribe of Levi.

Genesis 49 5 Commentary

Jacob's words concerning Simeon and Levi are a scathing condemnation, a stark contrast to the blessings pronounced on some of his other sons. He addresses them as a pair, highlighting their collective guilt and a shared nature marked by ruthless, unrestrained anger that led to deceit and massacre. Their actions in Shechem (Gen 34) were not merely reactive but were premeditated (demanding circumcision under false pretenses) and excessive, far beyond a proportional response to Dinah's defilement. The phrase "instruments of cruelty are in their dwellings" cuts to the core of their character, suggesting that violence (חָמָס) is not merely external but intrinsically linked to who they are, whether manifest in their physical weapons, their cunning plots, or deeply ingrained in their environments. Jacob doesn't simply rebuke their act; he condemns their innate disposition, their volatile temper, and their lack of control, viewing their vengeful wrath as a deep spiritual stain. This prophecy foreshadows their tribal destinies: Simeon’s tribe largely diminished and eventually absorbed into Judah, and Levi's tribe being scattered throughout Israel—though Levi's scattering was transformed into a holy service due to their later faithfulness to God (e.g., Exod 32:26-29, Num 25:7-13). Jacob's prophetic words serve as a timeless lesson on the dangers of unrighteous anger and uncontrolled violence, demonstrating that such character flaws have lasting consequences for individuals and communities.