King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"Shim'on and Levi are brothers, related by weapons of violence.
Berean Standard Bible:
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.
American Standard Version:
Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Simeon{H8095} and Levi{H3878} are brethren{H251}; instruments{H3627} of cruelty{H2555} are in their habitations{H4380}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 34:25
- ¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Genesis 34:31
- And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
Genesis 29:33
- And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I [was] hated, he hath therefore given me this [son] also: and she called his name Simeon.
Genesis 29:34
- And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
Proverbs 18:9
- ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Genesis 46:10
- And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
Genesis 46:11
- And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 49:5
**Themes:**
Genesis 49:5 is part of the blessings and prophecies that Jacob, also known as Israel, pronounces over his sons in the final chapter of the Book of Genesis. The verse addresses the brothers Simeon and Levi, highlighting themes of brotherhood, violence, and the consequences of actions. The verse reflects on their earlier collaboration in the violent revenge against the city of Shechem, where they deceived and killed the men in retaliation for the rape of their sister Dinah (Genesis 34).
The themes include:
1. **Brotherhood:** The close relationship between Simeon and Levi is emphasized, showing their unity in both kinship and action.
2. **Violence and Cruelty:** Their actions are described as cruel and violent, indicating not only their past deeds but also a tendency towards such behavior.
3. **Judgment:** Jacob's words serve as a rebuke and a prophecy, suggesting that their violent natures will have consequences for their descendants.
**Historical Context:**
The historical context of this verse is set in the patriarchal period, towards the end of Jacob's life. Jacob is addressing his sons, who will become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. At this time, the Israelites are still a small family group, living as nomads in the land of Canaan. The events referred to in this verse occurred during the brothers' earlier lives, particularly the incident in Shechem.
In the broader context of the ancient Near East, tribal violence and the importance of family honor were significant factors in social dynamics. The actions of Simeon and Levi, while perhaps understandable in the context of defending family honor, were nonetheless extreme and set a precedent for the treatment of outsiders and the use of violence.
The verse also foreshadows the later roles of these tribes: Levi's descendants will become the priestly class, charged with the spiritual and ritualistic duties of the Israelites, while Simeon's tribe will eventually be absorbed into Judah's territory and lose its distinct tribal identity. This reflects the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the scattering and integration of Simeon and Levi among their brothers.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8095
There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׁמְעוֹן
Transliteration: Shimʻôwn
Pronunciation: shim-one'
Description: from שָׁמַע; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him; Simeon. - Strong's Number: H3878
There are 61 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵוִי
Transliteration: Lêvîy
Pronunciation: lay-vee'
Description: from לָוָה; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob; Levi. See also לֵוִי, לֵוִיִּי. - Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. - Strong's Number: H3627
There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּלִי
Transliteration: kᵉlîy
Pronunciation: kel-ee'
Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. - Strong's Number: H2555
There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָמָס
Transliteration: châmâç
Pronunciation: khaw-mawce'
Description: from חָמַס; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain; cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. - Strong's Number: H4380
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְכֵרָה
Transliteration: mᵉkêrâh
Pronunciation: mek-ay-raw'
Description: probably from the same as כּוּר in the sense of stabbing; a sword; habitation.