Genesis 48:22

KJV

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I have given {H5414} to thee one {H259} portion {H7926} above thy brethren {H251}, which I took {H3947} out of the hand {H3027} of the Amorite {H567} with my sword {H2719} and with my bow {H7198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, I am giving to you a sh'khem [shoulder, ridge, share, city of Sh'khem] more than to your brothers; I captured it from the Emori with my sword and bow."

Berean Standard Bible

And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.”

American Standard Version

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
On his deathbed, Jacob prophetically bestows upon his beloved son Joseph a unique and preeminent inheritance, declaring, "Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow." This declaration signifies not only a special double portion, traditionally identified with the fertile region of Shechem, but also serves as a profound statement of Jacob's unwavering faith in God's past provision and future fulfillment of the covenant promises for his descendants to inherit the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 48:22](/genesis/48-22 "Jacob's final blessing to Joseph") serves as the culminating statement in Jacob's specific blessing of Joseph, immediately following his adoption of Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own ([Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). This act of adoption is crucial, as it effectively grants Joseph a double portion of the inheritance, a right typically reserved for the firstborn son. This preeminence is further underscored by Reuben's forfeiture of his birthright due to his transgression ([Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Reuben's forfeited birthright"); [1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1-2 "Reuben's lineage and loss of birthright")). Jacob's deathbed blessings, which begin here and continue into [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's prophetic blessings to his sons"), are highly significant, functioning as prophetic pronouncements that shape the future tribal identities and destinies of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, inheritance was paramount, securing family lineage, economic stability, and social status. The concept of a "double portion" was a recognized privilege of the firstborn (Deuteronomy 21:17), signifying leadership and a greater share of the family's assets. Jacob's act of bestowing this upon Joseph, through his sons, elevates Joseph's line within the burgeoning nation of Israel. The "Amorite" refers to one of the prominent Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land God promised to Abraham's descendants. The specific "portion" is widely understood to be Shechem, a strategically vital and fertile area in central Canaan. Shechem held deep historical significance for the patriarchs, being the first place Abraham built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Abraham builds an altar at Shechem")), and where Jacob himself had purchased land and settled for a time ([Genesis 33:18-20](/genesis/33-18-20 "Jacob settles near Shechem")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse resonates with several overarching themes found throughout Genesis and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness** to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly concerning the gift of the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land")). The theme of **Covenant Inheritance** is central, as Jacob's blessing anticipates Israel's future possession of the land through divine intervention and human agency. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God works through the lives and choices of individuals, even in seemingly ordinary or challenging circumstances, to bring about His grand redemptive plan. Jacob's prophetic declaration also underscores the theme of **Patriarchal Blessing**, where the words of the dying patriarch carry immense weight and prophetic authority for the future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **portion (Hebrew, _shᵉkem'_):** From H7926. This word, meaning "the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill; back, consent, portion, shoulder," is a deliberate and profound wordplay. While it literally means "shoulder" or "ridge," it is also the proper name for the city of Shechem. This dual meaning strongly suggests that the specific "portion" Jacob is giving to Joseph, above his brothers, is indeed the strategic and fertile region of Shechem, a place of significant historical and future importance for Israel.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947. This primitive root means "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win." In this context, Jacob's use of "took" is not merely a statement of past action but carries a strong sense of acquisition and possession, whether through direct conflict or, more likely, through divine enablement and future conquest. It emphasizes the active securing of the inheritance.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719. Derived from a root meaning "drought," this word refers to "a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement; axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool." Along with "bow," the sword represents instruments of warfare and conquest. Jacob's claim to have taken the land "with my sword and with my bow" is highly significant, as he was not primarily known as a warrior. This phrase points to either a specific, unrecorded defensive action, or more likely, a prophetic and symbolic declaration of future divine conquest through his descendants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren":** This clause establishes Joseph's unique and elevated status among his brothers. The "one portion" (Hebrew: _shᵉkem_) is a specific, additional inheritance beyond what his brothers would receive, effectively granting him the double portion of the firstborn. This preeminence is a recognition of Joseph's faithfulness, his role in preserving the family during the famine, and a fulfillment of God's providential plan for his lineage to become two great tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh).
* **"which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow":** This highly debated phrase is pivotal. Jacob, not known as a military conqueror, attributes the acquisition of this "portion" from the Amorites to his own "sword and bow." This is best understood not as a literal historical account of Jacob's personal military campaign, but as a prophetic declaration. Jacob, by faith, identifies with the future conquests of his descendants in the Promised Land. He sees their future victories, enabled by God, as an extension of his own faith and the divine power working through him. The "hand of the Amorite" signifies their control and possession of the land, from which it would be wrested.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. Foremost is **Wordplay**, specifically with the Hebrew word _shᵉkem_ (H7926), which means both "shoulder/portion" and is the proper name for the city of Shechem. This clever linguistic connection strongly links the abstract idea of a "portion" to a concrete geographical location, emphasizing the specific nature of Jacob's gift. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the "sword and bow" are not merely literal weapons but **symbols** of struggle, conquest, and the means by which possession is secured. In Jacob's mouth, they become **symbols** of divine power and the future military victories of Israel, which he, through faith, claims as his own accomplishment. The phrase "out of the hand of the Amorite" uses **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the power, control, or possession of the Amorites, from whom the land is to be taken. This prophetic declaration also contains an element of **Hyperbole** or **Figurative Language**, as Jacob's personal military exploits against the Amorites are not recorded, suggesting that his statement is a faith-filled assertion of God's future work through his descendants, viewed as already accomplished in the divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's final blessing to Joseph in [Genesis 48:22](/genesis/48-22 "Jacob's special portion for Joseph") serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land of Canaan. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates events and empowers His people to fulfill His redemptive purposes, even through human struggle and future conquest. Jacob's prophetic declaration, made from his deathbed, bridges the gap between the present reality of the patriarchs residing in Egypt and the future reality of Israel's possession of the Promised Land, demonstrating a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances to the ultimate fulfillment of God's word.

* [Numbers 33:53](/numbers/33-53 "Possessing the land")
* [Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joseph's burial in Shechem")
* [Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 48:22](/genesis/48-22 "Jacob's special portion for Joseph") offers a powerful lesson in faith and perseverance for believers today. Jacob, at the end of his life, speaks with a prophetic certainty that transcends his current physical weakness and the immediate reality of his family's sojourn in Egypt. His declaration of having "taken" the land, though not literally accomplished by him in direct military conquest, reflects an profound trust in God's covenant promises and the future inheritance of his descendants. This challenges us to cultivate a similar long-term, faith-filled perspective, trusting in God's ultimate plan and promises for our lives and for the world, even when present circumstances seem to contradict them. Just as Joseph received a special portion, believers in Christ inherit spiritual blessings and a future hope that far surpasses any earthly possession ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual blessings in Christ")). The "sword and bow" can symbolize the spiritual battles and challenges we face in our walk of faith ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual warfare")), reminding us that God often works through our struggles and efforts to secure our spiritual inheritance and accomplish His purposes, even when we feel our strength is insufficient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's deathbed declaration challenge your perspective on God's faithfulness, especially when promises seem delayed or difficult to grasp?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise a "prophetic faith," trusting God for future outcomes that are not yet visible?**
* **What "portions" or spiritual inheritances has God promised you in Christ, and how are you actively living in light of those promises?**
* **How can the "sword and bow" in your life—your struggles, efforts, and spiritual disciplines—be seen as instruments God uses to secure His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Did Jacob literally take land from the Amorites with his sword and bow?**

Answer: While Jacob was not primarily known as a warrior, and there is no specific biblical account of him conquering Amorite land with military force, his statement in [Genesis 48:22](/genesis/48-22 "Jacob's special portion for Joseph") is best understood as a prophetic declaration rooted in faith. He attributes the future conquest of Canaan by his descendants, which God would enable, to his own faith and the divine power working through him. It reflects a deep trust in God's promise to give the land to his offspring, viewing it as already accomplished through God's sovereign power and through the agency of his descendants. Some scholars suggest it could refer to a defensive action, such as the protection of the land he purchased near Shechem after the incident with Dinah (Genesis 34), but the dominant view is its prophetic nature.

**Why was Joseph given "one portion above thy brethren"?**

Answer: Joseph received a double portion because Jacob adopted Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own ([Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). This act effectively granted Joseph the inheritance rights of a firstborn son, elevating him above his brothers. This elevated status was also due to Reuben, the actual firstborn, forfeiting his birthright through his transgression ([Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Reuben's forfeited birthright"); [1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1-2 "Reuben's lineage and loss of birthright")). This special portion specifically refers to the land around Shechem, a significant and fertile location in Israel's history, which would later become part of the tribal inheritance of Joseph's descendants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The special portion given to Joseph, secured through Jacob's faith and the symbolic "sword and bow," profoundly foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance secured for believers through Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph received a preeminent place and a specific portion of the Promised Land, believers in Christ receive an [indestructible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance](/1_peter/1-4 "A living hope and an imperishable inheritance") in the heavenly realms. Christ, the true warrior and ultimate heir, conquered sin and death not with a physical sword and bow, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")). By His decisive victory, He secured for His people an eternal inheritance and access to the true "Promised Land" of God's presence. Through Him, we are granted a portion far exceeding any earthly blessing, making us [co-heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ") in God's eternal kingdom, a reality that surpasses all human striving or earthly conquest. Indeed, in Christ, we have been "given a portion" that is truly above all others, an [inheritance in the saints in light](/colossians/1-12 "Giving thanks for the inheritance in light").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:5

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

1 Chronicles 5:2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

Deuteronomy 21:17

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated [for] the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he [is] the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn [is] his.

Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

Judges 11:23

So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?