Genesis 49:26

Authorized King James Version

The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּרְכֹ֣ת

H1293

The blessings

benediction; by implication prosperity

אָבִ֗יךָ

of thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

גָּֽבְרוּ֙

H1396

have prevailed

to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בִּרְכֹ֣ת

H1293

The blessings

benediction; by implication prosperity

הוֹרַ֔י

H2029

of my progenitors

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

עַֽד

H5704

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

תַּאֲוַ֖ת

H8379

unto the utmost bound

a limit, i.e., full extent

גִּבְעֹ֣ת

H1389

hills

a hillock

#10

עוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

of the everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#11

תִּֽהְיֶ֙ין֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לְרֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

they shall be on the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#13

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

of Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#14

וּלְקָדְקֹ֖ד

H6936

and on the crown of the head

the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)

#15

נְזִ֥יר

H5139

of him that was separate

separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

#16

אֶחָֽיו׃

H251

from his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 49 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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