Genesis 49:11

KJV

Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

KJV (with Strong's)

Binding {H631} his foal {H5895} unto the vine {H1612}, and his ass's {H860} colt {H1121} unto the choice vine {H8321}; he washed {H3526} his garments {H3830} in wine {H3196}, and his clothes {H5497} in the blood {H1818} of grapes {H6025}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Tying his donkey to the vine, or: until Shiloh comes his donkey's colt to the choice grapevine, he washes his clothes in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

Berean Standard Bible

He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

American Standard Version

Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:11 is a profound prophetic blessing from Jacob to his son Judah, painting a vivid picture of extraordinary agricultural abundance and lavish prosperity. Through hyperbolic imagery of vineyards so prolific they serve as hitching posts, and wine so plentiful it is used for washing garments, the verse foreshadows the unparalleled wealth and preeminence of Judah's lineage. This material richness serves as a potent symbol for the spiritual abundance and redemptive power that would ultimately flow from Judah's royal line, culminating in the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jacob's final prophetic testaments to his twelve sons, recorded in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"). Each blessing serves as a foundational prophecy for the future character, destiny, and territorial inheritance of the respective tribes of Israel. The pronouncement upon Judah, spanning [Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8-12 "Genesis 49:8-12 - Jacob's Blessing on Judah"), stands out due to its emphasis on leadership, dominion, and unparalleled prosperity. Verse 11 specifically elaborates on the material blessings that accompany the scepter and lawgiver promised to Judah in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah"), establishing a clear connection between Judah's future royalty and an era of immense blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, agricultural prosperity, particularly the abundance of grain, wine, and oil, was a primary indicator of divine favor and national well-being. Vines were highly valued, often representing fertility and blessing (cf. [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Gladdens the Heart")). The imagery of "choice vine" (Hebrew: *soreqah*) refers to a superior, dark-fruited grape variety, indicating not just quantity but also exceptional quality. The idea of washing clothes in wine, while hyperbole, would have resonated deeply with an audience that understood wine as a precious commodity, underscoring an unimaginable level of wealth and ease, far beyond mere subsistence.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings") that Genesis 49:11 contributes to include **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as Jacob's prophecies reveal God's preordained plan for each tribe. It powerfully highlights **Judah's Preeminence and Royal Destiny**, setting the stage for the Davidic monarchy and the ultimate messianic lineage. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Abundance and Blessing**, portraying a future where Judah's territory would overflow with agricultural wealth. This material abundance also serves as a **Messianic Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing towards the spiritual richness and redemptive work that would come through the ultimate descendant of Judah, Jesus Christ, as seen in the "blood of grapes" imagery.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 49:11 employs powerful, evocative imagery to convey the extraordinary prosperity and luxury destined for the tribe of Judah. The scene is one of such overwhelming agricultural wealth that the most valuable produce, grapes and wine, are treated with a casual disregard that signifies an unimaginable surplus.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning "to bend," this word refers to a vine, especially the grape-bearing plant. In this verse, its repeated mention, particularly in conjunction with the "choice vine," emphasizes the sheer ubiquity and abundance of vineyards in Judah's future territory, suggesting a land literally overflowing with grape production.
* **washed (Hebrew, _kâbaç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to trample," and by extension, "to wash" (properly, by stamping with the feet). The act of washing, typically done with water, is here applied to wine, highlighting the extreme hyperbole. It signifies a level of surplus so vast that a valuable commodity like wine is used for mundane, even extravagant, purposes, underscoring unparalleled prosperity.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From a root meaning "to be silent" (compare "to be red"), this word primarily refers to the blood of man or animal. By analogy, it is used for the juice of the grape. In "blood of grapes," it serves as a vivid poetic metaphor for red wine, emphasizing its rich color and life-giving essence, while also subtly prefiguring the sacrificial "blood" of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Binding his foal unto the vine,"**: This initial clause introduces the extravagant imagery. A "foal" (young ass), typically tethered to a common post or tree, is instead tied to a grape vine. This suggests that vines are so common and robust in Judah's territory that they are used for the most ordinary tasks, implying an unprecedented density and strength of vineyards.
* **"and his ass's colt unto the choice vine;"**: This clause builds on the previous one through **parallelism**, reiterating the theme of abundance. The "ass's colt" is tied to a "choice vine" (Hebrew: *sôrêq* or *sôrêqâh*), a superior, noble variety known for producing the best grapes. This detail emphasizes that the abundance is not merely in quantity but also in the exceptional quality of the produce, signifying a land of premium agricultural wealth.
* **"he washed his garments in wine,"**: This is the most striking and hyperbolic image. Wine, a valuable and cherished commodity in the ancient world, is depicted as being so plentiful that it is used for washing clothes. This extreme act underscores an unimaginable level of luxury and disregard for cost, signifying a prosperity that far exceeds basic needs or even typical extravagance.
* **"and his clothes in the blood of grapes:"**: This final clause reinforces the previous one through **synonymous parallelism**, using a poetic and vivid metaphor, "the blood of grapes," for red wine. The repetition solidifies the image of boundless abundance and luxury, where wine flows as freely as water, further emphasizing the extraordinary wealth and ease that would characterize Judah's future.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 49:11 is rich with **Hyperbole**, a literary device that uses exaggeration for emphasis or effect. The images of tying animals to vines and washing garments in wine are not meant to be taken literally but rather to convey an extraordinary, almost unbelievable, degree of abundance and luxury. This exaggeration underscores the immense prosperity promised to Judah. **Parallelism** is also prominently featured, particularly in the structure of the verse: "Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine" demonstrates **synonymous parallelism** in its repetition of the idea of tethering animals to vines. Similarly, "he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes" uses **synonymous parallelism** to reinforce the image of extravagant washing. The phrase "blood of grapes" is a powerful **Metaphor** for wine, vividly describing its color and perhaps alluding to its life-giving or intoxicating qualities. This metaphor also carries significant **Symbolism**, as wine itself often symbolizes joy, blessing, and abundance in biblical literature. The "choice vine" further symbolizes the superior quality and richness of Judah's inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:11, while describing material prosperity, carries profound theological implications that extend far beyond earthly wealth. It highlights God's lavish provision and faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly as they relate to the chosen lineage of Judah. The extreme abundance depicted serves as a powerful type, or foreshadowing, of a greater spiritual reality. The "blood of grapes" imagery, in particular, resonates deeply with the concept of cleansing and redemption, subtly prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice and spiritual abundance brought through the Messiah, who would descend from Judah. This verse thus connects the earthly blessings of the tribe to the spiritual blessings of salvation, establishing Judah's crucial role in God's redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 33:28](/deuteronomy/33-28 "Deuteronomy 33:28 - Israel's Security and Blessing")
* [Isaiah 63:1-3](/isaiah/63-1-3 "Isaiah 63:1-3 - The Lord's Vengeance and Redemption")
* [Joel 3:18](/joel/3-18 "Joel 3:18 - Abundance in the Messianic Age")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:11 invites us to marvel at the boundless nature of God's provision and the unwavering faithfulness of His ancient promises. While the prophecy found a literal fulfillment in the historical prosperity of the tribe of Judah, its most profound and enduring realization lies in the spiritual abundance and redemption secured through Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This verse encourages us to trust in God's capacity to provide beyond measure, not just materially, but infinitely more so spiritually. It challenges us to recognize that the spiritual heritage and blessings found in Christ vastly surpass any earthly wealth or comfort, offering cleansing, joy, and eternal life that no material possession can ever match. We are called to appreciate the depth of God's plan, seeing how ancient prophecies beautifully point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, and to live in light of the spiritual riches we have received through Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of extreme material abundance in Genesis 49:11 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's provision?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy, particularly the "blood of grapes," point you toward the spiritual abundance found in Jesus Christ?**
* **How can we, as believers, apply the principle of God's lavish provision to our daily lives and our understanding of spiritual blessings?**
* **What does Judah's blessing teach us about the long-term, unfolding nature of God's promises throughout history?**

### FAQ
**Is the imagery in Genesis 49:11 meant to be taken literally?**

Answer: While the verse uses literal elements like vines, wine, and garments, the descriptions are highly **hyperbolic** and poetic. They are not meant to be taken as a literal instruction for laundry or a precise historical account of everyday practices. The purpose is to convey an *extraordinary* and almost unimaginable degree of abundance, luxury, and prosperity for the tribe of Judah through vivid, exaggerated metaphor.

**What is the significance of the "choice vine" (soreqah)?**

Answer: The "choice vine" (Hebrew: *sôrêq* or *sôrêqâh*) refers to a particularly noble or excellent variety of vine, known for producing superior grapes and, consequently, high-quality wine. Its mention emphasizes that the abundance of Judah's territory would not merely be in quantity but also in the exceptional quality of its produce, signifying a land blessed with the very best.

**How does "washing his garments in wine" relate to the Messiah?**

Answer: While primarily a symbol of material abundance, many theological interpretations see a deeper, messianic connection. The "blood of grapes" is a vivid metaphor for red wine, and this imagery can subtly prefigure the shedding of Christ's blood for redemption. Just as wine cleanses and refreshes (in a symbolic sense of the imagery), Christ's blood cleanses from sin, bringing spiritual abundance and new life ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")), far exceeding any earthly prosperity. It points to a spiritual cleansing and richness.

**Why is Judah's blessing so rich compared to some of his brothers?**

Answer: Judah's blessing reflects his emerging leadership role among his brothers. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi lost their preeminence due to past transgressions ([Genesis 49:3-7](/genesis/49-3-7 "Genesis 49:3-7 - Jacob's Curses on Reuben, Simeon, and Levi")). Jacob's prophecy sets Judah apart as the tribe from which kings would come and, ultimately, the Messiah ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah")). This unique and pivotal role in God's redemptive plan makes his blessing uniquely significant and abundant, both materially and spiritually.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 49:11, with its lavish imagery of wine and unparalleled abundance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised descendant of Judah and the true King. While the verse speaks of earthly prosperity, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual richness and redemption brought by Christ. The "blood of grapes" points forward to the precious blood of Christ, shed on the cross, which cleanses humanity from sin and provides an inexhaustible supply of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life—a spiritual abundance far exceeding any material wealth ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses")). He is the true "choice vine," as He declares in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), from whom all true spiritual fruit and life flow to His followers. Through His sacrifice, we are washed clean, not in literal wine, but in His atoning blood, receiving a spiritual inheritance that makes the blessings of Judah's lineage complete and eternally glorious in Him ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed in His Blood")).

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

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Joel 3:18

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

1 Kings 4:25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

1 Kings 4:20

¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.