King James Version

What Does Genesis 49:20 Mean?

Genesis 49:20 in the King James Version says “Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.”

Genesis 49:20 · KJV

Context

18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.

19

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

20

Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

21

Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

22

Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: branches: Heb. daughters

Read Genesis 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.... 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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מֵֽאָשֵׁ֖ר1 of 7

“Out of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

שְׁמֵנָ֣ה2 of 7

“shall be fat”

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

לַחְמ֑וֹ3 of 7

“his bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְה֥וּא4 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִתֵּ֖ן5 of 7

“and he shall yield”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מַֽעֲדַנֵּי6 of 7

“dainties”

H4574

a delicacy or (abstractly) pleasure (adverbially, cheerfully)

מֶֽלֶךְ׃7 of 7

“royal”

H4428

a king

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 49:20 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 49:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 33:24-25Genesis 30:13Genesis 46:17Joshua 19:24-31

Test Your Knowledge

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

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