Genesis 49

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 49 of 50

1 And Jacob called his sons and said, Gather yourselves and I will tell you that which will meet you in the days to come.

2 Gather yourselves and hear, sons of Jacob; yea, listen to your father Israel:

3 Reuben, you are my first-born, my strength and the firstfruit of my power; excellence of dignity and excellence of might.

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Chapter Summary

1 Jacob calls his sons to bless them. 29 He instructs them about his burial. 33 He dies.

Key Hebrew Words

בְּרָכָה blessing H1293 · TWOT 285b
שֵׁבֶט scepter, tribe H7626 · TWOT 2314a
יְשׁוּעָה salvation H3444 · TWOT 929b
אַרְיֵה lion H738 · TWOT 158a
טֶרֶף prey H2964 · TWOT 827b
אָסַף gather, be gathered H622 · TWOT 140

People & Context

Jacob (Israel)

Dying patriarch who gathers his sons, prophesies over the twelve tribes, gives burial orders, and dies

Judah

Son blessed as a lion's whelp who holds the scepter until Shiloh come

Joseph

Son blessed as a fruitful vine, strengthened by the Mighty One of Jacob, crowned above his brothers

Reuben

First-born rebuked for defiling his father's bed, told he shall not excel

Simeon

Son joined with Levi, cursed for the violence of their anger, to be scattered in Israel

Levi

Son joined with Simeon, cursed for fierce anger, to be divided in Jacob

Timeline

Jacob Gathers Sons for Final Blessings

Jacob calls all his sons to tell them what will happen in the days to come. He blesses each son, giving individual prophecies about their future tribes.

Genesis 49:1-28
Jacob's Burial Instructions

Jacob instructs his sons to bury him with his fathers in the cave of Machpelah, the field Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite, where Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebekah were buried, and where he buried Leah.

Genesis 49:29-32
Jacob's Death and Gathering

Jacob finishes commanding his sons, gathers his feet into the bed, dies, and is gathered to his people.

Genesis 49:33

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