King James Version

What Does Genesis 49:14 Mean?

Genesis 49:14 in the King James Version says “Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:”

Genesis 49:14 · KJV

Context

12

His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

13

Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.

14

Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

15

And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

16

Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.

Read Genesis 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Jacob's Blessing/Prophecy emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Shiloh Promise shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר1 of 6

“Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

חֲמֹ֣ר2 of 6

“ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

גָּ֑רֶם3 of 6

“is a strong”

H1634

a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e., (figuratively) very

רֹבֵ֖ץ4 of 6

“couching down”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

בֵּ֥ין5 of 6
H996

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

הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם׃6 of 6

“between two burdens”

H4942

a stall for cattle (only dual)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 49:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 49:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:181 Chronicles 12:32Deuteronomy 33:18Joshua 19:17-23Judges 5:15-16Judges 10:1

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 49 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 49 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes