Genesis 49:23

KJV

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him:

KJV (with Strong's)

The archers {H1167}{H2671} have sorely grieved him {H4843}, and shot {H7232} at him, and hated him {H7852}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The archers attacked him fiercely, shooting at him and pressing him hard;

Berean Standard Bible

The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.

American Standard Version

The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecuted him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:23, embedded within Jacob's final prophetic blessings to his sons, offers a stark portrayal of the profound suffering and relentless animosity Joseph endured throughout his life. The vivid imagery of "archers" who "sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him" encapsulates the intense trials and malicious opposition he faced. This verse not only highlights the depth of Joseph's personal anguish but also implicitly sets the stage for God's extraordinary preservation and ultimate redemptive purpose, underscoring divine faithfulness amidst relentless human hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of Jacob's extensive blessing upon Joseph, found in [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22-26 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessing for Joseph"). The entire chapter, [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Blessings to His Sons"), records Jacob's dying prophetic pronouncements over each of his twelve sons, revealing their future destinies and the character of their tribes. Joseph's blessing is notably longer and more detailed than most, reflecting his unique role in preserving the family and his exemplary character. Verse 23 specifically serves as a poignant summary of the intense opposition Joseph faced in his early life, providing the backdrop against which the subsequent verses celebrate his fruitfulness, divine strength, and ultimate triumph. It highlights the adversity that preceded his exaltation, making the divine favor described later even more remarkable.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's blessings occur at a critical juncture in the patriarchal narrative, as the family of Israel is poised to become a nation. These pronouncements carry significant weight, functioning as both prophecy and patriarchal testament in ancient Near Eastern culture. The family dynamics, including polygamy and favoritism, are crucial to understanding Joseph's initial suffering; his father's overt preference for him (symbolized by the [coat of many colors](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Special Robe for Joseph")) fueled his brothers' jealousy and hatred, leading to his sale into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")). The subsequent events in Egypt, including Potiphar's wife's false accusation ([Genesis 39:19-20](/genesis/39-19-20 "Joseph's Imprisonment")) and his unjust imprisonment, further illustrate the relentless nature of the "archers." In this cultural setting, a patriarch's dying words were considered binding and divinely inspired, shaping the identity and future of his descendants.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 49:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating that even the most malicious human actions cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes. Joseph's suffering, though unjust, was ultimately orchestrated by God for redemptive ends, as Joseph himself later declares in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Redemptive Purpose"). The verse also highlights the **Suffering of the Righteous**, a recurring motif in Scripture where faithful individuals endure intense persecution, yet God sustains them. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **God's Faithfulness and Preservation**, showing that despite relentless attacks, God was with Joseph, enabling him to endure and ultimately thrive, a truth echoed in [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The Lord Was With Joseph").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Archers (Hebrew, _baʻal chêts_):** This phrase combines H1167 (_baʻal_), meaning "master" or "owner," with H2671 (_chêts_), meaning "arrow." Together, they literally translate to "masters of arrows" or "bowmen." In this context, the term is a **metaphor** for skilled and relentless adversaries. The use of "master" implies a proficiency and deliberate intent in their harmful actions, suggesting that Joseph's attackers were not merely casual opponents but individuals or forces expertly aiming to inflict deep pain and destruction. This imagery conveys the precision and malice behind the various trials Joseph faced, from his brothers' calculated betrayal to the false accusations that led to his unjust imprisonment.
* **Grieved (Hebrew, _mârar_):** H4843 (_mârar_) is a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) bitter." It is used to describe a profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual affliction. The KJV's "sorely grieved" accurately captures the intensity of this bitterness. This word signifies more than just annoyance or discomfort; it points to deep, internal suffering, a sense of being embittered by repeated injustices and betrayals. It speaks to the soul-wrenching pain Joseph experienced, far beyond mere physical hardship.
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sâṭam_):** H7852 (_sâṭam_) is a primitive root meaning "to lurk for" or "to persecute." It implies a deep-seated, active animosity and opposition. This word goes beyond simple dislike, denoting a malicious intent to harm and persecute. It highlights the profound and persistent animosity directed at Joseph, particularly from his own brothers, who harbored such intense hatred that they conspired to kill him and ultimately sold him into slavery. This hatred was not fleeting but a sustained, active desire for his downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The archers have sorely grieved him,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the nature of Joseph's suffering. The "archers," a metaphorical representation of his numerous adversaries (his brothers, Potiphar's wife, the ungrateful cupbearer), are depicted as skilled and intentional in their attacks. The verb "grieved" (from _mârar_) emphasizes the deep, bitter emotional and psychological pain inflicted upon Joseph, suggesting a profound internal wounding rather than just external hardship. This pain was not accidental but a deliberate consequence of malicious intent.
* **"and shot [at him],"**: This phrase reinforces the aggressive and targeted nature of the attacks. The act of "shooting" signifies direct, aimed assaults designed to wound or incapacitate. It vividly portrays the relentless and repeated attempts to bring Joseph down, whether through betrayal, false accusation, or unjust imprisonment. The imagery of arrows hitting their mark underscores the effectiveness of these attacks in causing him distress, even if they did not ultimately destroy him.
* **"and hated him:"**: The final clause explicitly names the underlying motivation for the "archers'" actions: hatred. This deep-seated animosity, particularly from his own family, was the driving force behind his suffering. The progression from "grieved" to "shot" to "hated" reveals the increasing intensity and malicious intent of the opposition, culminating in the raw emotion of hatred that fueled their desire for his downfall. This hatred was pervasive and persistent throughout Joseph's early life.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 49:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity of Joseph's suffering. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "the archers." This is not a literal group of bowmen but a vivid symbolic representation of all the adversaries and forces that opposed Joseph throughout his life. The image of archers suggests precision, malice, and a relentless pursuit to cause harm, effectively summarizing the betrayals, false accusations, and imprisonments he endured. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism** and **Repetition** through the sequence of hostile verbs: "grieved," "shot," and "hated." This cumulative effect emphasizes the continuous, multi-faceted, and deeply personal nature of the attacks. The progression from emotional pain ("grieved") to direct assault ("shot") to the underlying motive ("hated") creates a powerful crescendo, highlighting the profound and pervasive animosity Joseph faced. The brevity and starkness of the language also contribute to its impact, making the suffering palpable for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:23 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that faithfulness to God does not exempt one from intense suffering, even from those closest to them. Joseph's experience serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand working through human malice for a greater redemptive purpose. Despite the deep bitterness and hatred he endured, God was consistently with him, transforming his trials into a pathway for the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of divine promises. This verse encapsulates the theological principle that God's plan is unthwartable, even when human agents act with the most malicious intentions.

* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalms/37-12-13 "The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "Suffering for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:23 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers navigating adversity. Joseph's story reminds us that even those uniquely favored by God are not immune to profound suffering, betrayal, and hatred. When we feel "shot at" by circumstances, misunderstood, or unjustly treated, Joseph's experience provides a powerful model of resilience and faith. This verse calls us to recognize that our trials, however painful, are often part of a larger divine narrative. Like Joseph, our call is to persevere with integrity, trusting that God's presence and power are sufficient to sustain us through the bitterest experiences. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate pain and recognize that God can sovereignly redeem even the most malicious intentions for His ultimate good, demonstrating His prevailing hand over all human malice and fulfilling His grand design through our trials. Our ability to endure and even thrive amidst such opposition is a testament not to our own strength, but to the sustaining grace of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you felt "shot at" or "hated" in your own life, and how did you respond?**
* **How does Joseph's endurance in the face of such intense suffering encourage you in your current challenges?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly bitter or unjust?**
* **What practical steps can you take to maintain integrity and faith when facing opposition, drawing lessons from Joseph's life?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the archers" mentioned in Genesis 49:23?**

Answer: "The archers" is a powerful **metaphorical expression** in [Genesis 49:23](/genesis/49-23 "Genesis 49:23 - The Archers Against Joseph"). It does not refer to a specific group of literal bowmen but symbolizes the various adversaries and intense opposition Joseph faced throughout his life. This includes the deep-seated jealousy and hatred from his own brothers, who conspired against him and sold him into slavery ([Genesis 37:18-28](/genesis/37-18-28 "Joseph Sold by His Brothers")). It also encompasses the false accusations from Potiphar's wife ([Genesis 39:11-20](/genesis/39-11-20 "Potiphar's Wife Accuses Joseph")) that led to his unjust imprisonment, and the forgetfulness of the chief cupbearer ([Genesis 40:23](/genesis/40-23 "The Cupbearer Forgets Joseph")) who left him in prison. The term emphasizes the skilled, relentless, and malicious nature of those who sought to harm him, highlighting the precision and intent behind their actions.

**What is the meaning of "sorely grieved him"?**

Answer: The phrase "sorely grieved him" translates the Hebrew verb _mârar_ (H4843), which means "to make bitter" or "to embitter." It signifies a profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual affliction, indicating more than just physical harm. This word speaks directly to the deep sorrow, bitterness, and distress that Joseph experienced as a result of the repeated betrayals, injustices, and intense hatred directed toward him. It implies a deep internal wounding, a pervasive sense of suffering that permeated his soul, making his subsequent resilience and forgiveness all the more remarkable.

**Does Joseph's experience here foreshadow future events or figures?**

Answer: Yes, Joseph's experience in [Genesis 49:23](/genesis/49-23 "Genesis 49:23 - The Archers Against Joseph") serves as a significant foreshadowing or **type of Jesus Christ**. Like Joseph, Jesus was hated and rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Rejected by His Own")), suffered immensely at the hands of His adversaries ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "The Suffering Servant")), and was unjustly afflicted. Yet, through His suffering and death, followed by His resurrection and exaltation, Jesus became the ultimate deliverer and savior for all humanity ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Joseph's journey from rejection to saving his family mirrors Christ's journey from crucifixion to universal salvation, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of bringing good out of evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 49:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joseph, hated and persecuted by his own brethren, yet ultimately becoming the means of salvation for his family and many nations, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of Christ. Just as Joseph was "sorely grieved" and "shot at" by those who should have loved him, Jesus was rejected by His own people, enduring immense hatred and unjust suffering that culminated in His crucifixion ([John 19:16-18](/john/19-16-18 "The Crucifixion of Jesus")). The "archers" against Joseph find their parallel in the relentless opposition Christ faced from religious leaders and the Roman authorities, who sought to destroy Him. Yet, through His suffering and death, followed by His glorious resurrection and exaltation ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Peter's Sermon on the Resurrection")), Christ became the ultimate deliverer, bringing eternal salvation not just to a family or nation, but to all who believe, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to turn the deepest malice into the greatest good ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love in Christ's Death")). Joseph's story foreshadows the truth that God's chosen one must suffer before entering glory, a pattern perfectly fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Did not the Christ have to suffer?")).

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

Genesis 37:24

And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit [was] empty, [there was] no water in it.

Psalms 64:3

Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:

Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Genesis 42:21

¶ And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Genesis 37:18

And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

Genesis 37:4

And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.