Genesis 49:6 - My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed men. In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.
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What does "Genesis 49:6" mean?
Genesis 49 is Jacob's deathbed prophecy, where he's bestowing blessings (and sometimes curses) on his sons. Verse 6 specifically addresses Simeon and Levi. Let's break down the meaning:
"My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly..." This is Jacob dissociating himself from the actions and attitudes of Simeon and Levi. "My soul" and "my glory" are poetic ways of referring to his very being, his honor, and his reputation. He's saying he wants no part in their plans or their company.
"...for in their anger they killed men." This refers back to the incident in Genesis 34. After their sister Dinah was defiled by Shechem, Simeon and Levi tricked the men of Shechem into circumcising themselves and then slaughtered them while they were vulnerable. This was a brutal act of vengeance far exceeding the offense and violating the covenant of hospitality.
"In their self-will they hamstrung cattle." "Hamstrung" means to cut the tendons behind the knees, rendering animals useless. While the primary focus is on the men they killed, this phrase suggests that Simeon and Levi's violence wasn't limited to humans. "Self-will" (or sometimes translated "caprice" or "arbitrary will") emphasizes that their actions were driven by uncontrolled rage and personal desire for revenge, rather than justice or righteousness. It indicates a lack of restraint and respect for life.
In essence, the verse is a strong condemnation of Simeon and Levi's uncontrolled violence, anger, and ruthlessness. Jacob disowns their actions and expresses his desire not to be associated with their kind of behavior. He fears the consequences of their character and suggests that their actions will have lasting, negative repercussions for their descendants. The prophecy hints at a future where their tribe will be scattered and dispersed because of this tendency towards violence. This prophecy indeed plays out in later biblical history.
Genesis 49:6 - My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed men. In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.
What does "Genesis 49:6" mean?
Genesis 49 is Jacob's deathbed prophecy, where he's bestowing blessings (and sometimes curses) on his sons. Verse 6 specifically addresses Simeon and Levi. Let's break down the meaning:
"My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly..." This is Jacob dissociating himself from the actions and attitudes of Simeon and Levi. "My soul" and "my glory" are poetic ways of referring to his very being, his honor, and his reputation. He's saying he wants no part in their plans or their company.
"...for in their anger they killed men." This refers back to the incident in Genesis 34. After their sister Dinah was defiled by Shechem, Simeon and Levi tricked the men of Shechem into circumcising themselves and then slaughtered them while they were vulnerable. This was a brutal act of vengeance far exceeding the offense and violating the covenant of hospitality.
"In their self-will they hamstrung cattle." "Hamstrung" means to cut the tendons behind the knees, rendering animals useless. While the primary focus is on the men they killed, this phrase suggests that Simeon and Levi's violence wasn't limited to humans. "Self-will" (or sometimes translated "caprice" or "arbitrary will") emphasizes that their actions were driven by uncontrolled rage and personal desire for revenge, rather than justice or righteousness. It indicates a lack of restraint and respect for life.
In essence, the verse is a strong condemnation of Simeon and Levi's uncontrolled violence, anger, and ruthlessness. Jacob disowns their actions and expresses his desire not to be associated with their kind of behavior. He fears the consequences of their character and suggests that their actions will have lasting, negative repercussions for their descendants. The prophecy hints at a future where their tribe will be scattered and dispersed because of this tendency towards violence. This prophecy indeed plays out in later biblical history.