Genesis 49:4

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 49:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because thou wentest up to thy father`s bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because thou wentest up to thy father`s bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
Genesis 49:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 49

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because thou wentest up to thy father`s bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Unstable as water, etc.] Which is not to be understood of the levity of his mind, and his disposition to hurt, and the impetuous force of that breaking forth like water, and carrying him into the commission of it; but rather of his fall from his excellency and dignity, like the fall of water from an high place; and of his being vile, mean, and contemptible, useless and unprofitable, like water spilled on the ground; and of his weak and strengthless condition and circumstances, being deprived of the prerogatives and privileges of his birthright, and having lost all his honour and grandeur, power and authority. The word in the Arabic language signifies f1869 to be proud and haughty, to lift up…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Jacob Blesses His Sons 5. מכרה mekêrāh, “weapon;” related: כיר kārar or כרה kārāh dig. “Device, design?” related: מכר mākar “sell,” in Arabic “take counsel. Habitation.” 10. מחקק mechoqēq, “lawgiver, judge, dispenser of laws.” This word occurs in six other places - Numbers 21:18; Deuteronomy 33:21; Jud. Deuteronomy 5:14; Psalms 60:9; Psalms 108:9; Isaiah 33:22; in five of which it clearly denotes ruler, or judge. The meaning “sceptre” is therefore doubtful. שׁילה shı̂ylôh, Shiloh, a softened form of שׁילון shı̂ylôn, a derivative of שׁל shol, the ultimate root of שׁלה shālâh, שׁלם shālam, and possibly שׁלט shālaṭ, and hence, denoting “the peacemaker, the prince of peace.” It…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification