King James Version

What Does Genesis 49:17 Mean?

Genesis 49:17 in the King James Version says “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backw...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. an adder: Heb. an arrow-snake”

Genesis 49:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. an adder: Heb. an arrow-snake

18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.

19

Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.

Read Genesis 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his ri... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
יְהִי1 of 14
H1961

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

דָן֙2 of 14

“Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

נָחָ֣שׁ3 of 14

“shall be a serpent”

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

עֲלֵי4 of 14
H5921

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

דֶ֔רֶךְ5 of 14

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן6 of 14

“an adder”

H8207

a kind of serpent (as snapping), probably the cerastes or horned adder

עֲלֵי7 of 14
H5921

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

אֹ֑רַח8 of 14

“in the path”

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

הַנֹּשֵׁךְ֙9 of 14

“that biteth”

H5391

to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan

עִקְּבֵי10 of 14

“heels”

H6119

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

ס֔וּס11 of 14

“the horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל12 of 14

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

רֹֽכְב֖וֹ13 of 14

“so that his rider”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אָחֽוֹר׃14 of 14

“backward”

H268

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

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 49:17 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 49:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12:35Judges 18:22-31Judges 14:1-15Judges 16:22-30

Test Your Knowledge

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

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