Genesis 49:10

Authorized King James Version

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָס֥וּר

H5493

shall not depart

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

שֵׁ֙בֶט֙

H7626

The sceptre

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

from Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמְחֹקֵ֖ק

H2710

nor a lawgiver

properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive

מִבֵּ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

רַגְלָ֑יו

H7272

from between his feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

עַ֚ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כִּֽי

H3588

until

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

יָבֹ֣א

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

שִׁילֹ֔ה

H7886

Shiloh

shiloh, an epithet of the messiah

#12

וְל֖וֹ

#13

יִקְּהַ֥ת

H3349

and unto him shall the gathering

obedience

#14

עַמִּֽים׃

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant community reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 49 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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