Genesis 49:24

KJV

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob; (from thence [is] the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

KJV (with Strong's)

But his bow {H7198} abode {H3427} in strength {H386}, and the arms {H2220} of his hands {H3027} were made strong {H6339} by the hands {H3027} of the mighty {H46} God of Jacob {H3290};(from thence is the shepherd {H7462}, the stone {H68} of Israel {H3478}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

but his bow remained taut; and his arms were made nimble by the hands of the Mighty One of Ya'akov, from there, from the Shepherd, the Stone of Isra'el,

Berean Standard Bible

Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,

American Standard Version

But his bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong, By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:24, part of Jacob's prophetic blessing over Joseph, extols Joseph's enduring strength and resilience, attributing his remarkable leadership and steadfastness not to his own might but to the empowering hand of the "mighty God of Jacob." This verse further bestows upon Joseph the significant titles of "the shepherd" and "the stone of Israel," highlighting his pivotal role as a provider, protector, and foundational pillar for the nascent nation, all by divine enablement.

### CONTEXT
In Genesis 49, Jacob, on his deathbed, gathers his twelve sons to deliver a final prophetic blessing and a glimpse into the future destiny of their tribes. Joseph's blessing, spanning [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22 "Jacob's Blessing on Joseph"), is particularly rich, reflecting his extraordinary life journey marked by profound suffering, unwavering perseverance, and ultimate exaltation in Egypt. Despite the betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and unjust imprisonment, Joseph ascended to become the second-in-command of Egypt, providentially saving his family and many nations from famine. Jacob's words in this verse acknowledge that Joseph's unparalleled success and stability were not achieved through personal strength alone, but through the direct intervention and sustaining power of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 49:24](/genesis/49-24 "Joseph's Strength and Titles") encapsulates the divine source of Joseph's remarkable life and leadership:

* **"But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob;"** This opening phrase vividly portrays Joseph's enduring resilience and effectiveness. The "bow" symbolizes his power in conflict or adversity, while "the arms of his hands" represent his active strength and capability. Despite immense trials—including his brothers' plot, sale into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")), and unjust imprisonment ([Genesis 39:20](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph Imprisoned"))—Joseph's strength did not wane. Crucially, this strength is not innate but divinely imparted: "made strong by the hands of the mighty [God] of Jacob." The Hebrew phrase for "mighty God of Jacob" is *'Abir Ya'aqob*, often translated as "Strong One of Jacob" or "Champion of Jacob." This emphasizes God's powerful defense, unwavering support, and active intervention on behalf of Jacob and his descendants. It underscores that Joseph's success was a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with Jacob.

* **(from thence [is] the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)** From this divine source of strength and sustenance, two significant titles are bestowed upon Joseph, defining his foundational role within Israel:
* **The Shepherd of Israel:** The Hebrew _ro'eh_ denotes a leader who provides, protects, and guides. Joseph embodied this role by caring for his family during the famine, providing them with land and sustenance in Egypt ([Genesis 47:11-12](/genesis/47-11 "Joseph Provides for His Family")). This title foreshadows the concept of a shepherd-leader, a recurring motif in the Bible applied to kings and ultimately to the [Lord Himself as the ultimate Shepherd](/psalms/23-1 "The Lord is My Shepherd"). Joseph's actions were instrumental in shepherding the nascent nation of Israel through a critical period of growth and preservation.
* **The Stone of Israel:** The Hebrew _'eben_ signifies durability, stability, and foundational importance. Joseph served as a pillar of stability for his family, preserving their lineage and ensuring their future. He was the one through whom God secured a safe haven for Israel to grow into a multitude. This imagery of a "stone" also resonates with later biblical prophecies, particularly the [Messiah as the cornerstone](/isaiah/28-16 "Prophecy of the Cornerstone") upon whom God's people are built, providing ultimate stability and foundation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Empowerment and Sustenance:** The verse unequivocally attributes Joseph's enduring strength and success to God's active involvement, highlighting that true resilience and leadership are gifts from the Almighty, not products of human effort alone.
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The reference to "the mighty God of Jacob" directly links Joseph's blessing to the covenant promises God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")). It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, fulfilling His purposes through chosen individuals even in the most challenging circumstances.
* **Providential Leadership:** Joseph's roles as "shepherd" and "stone" exemplify God's providential use of individuals to lead, protect, and stabilize His people. His life illustrates how God raises up and equips leaders for specific redemptive purposes.
* **Redemptive Purpose in Suffering:** Joseph's journey, marked by immense suffering, ultimately served God's greater redemptive plan to preserve the lineage of Israel and bring about salvation ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Words to His Brothers")). His strength in adversity was a testament to God's ability to work through trials.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 49:24](/genesis/49-24 "Reflection on Joseph's Strength") offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that our strength and ability to navigate life's challenges do not originate from ourselves but from the "mighty God." When faced with adversity, we can trust that God empowers us, just as He empowered Joseph, enabling us to stand firm and fulfill His purposes. Furthermore, the verse highlights that God often uses individuals as "shepherds" and "stones" within their communities and families, providing leadership, stability, and care through His grace. We are called to rely on His strength, to be instruments of His provision, and to embody His faithfulness in the world, knowing that our effectiveness comes from Him.

### FAQ

**What does "mighty God of Jacob" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "mighty God of Jacob" translates the Hebrew *'Abir Ya'aqob*, which literally means "Strong One of Jacob" or "Champion of Jacob." It emphasizes God's immense power, His unwavering commitment to protect and defend Jacob and his descendants, and His active intervention on their behalf. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to sustain His people through any trial.

**How can Joseph be both "the shepherd" and "the stone" of Israel?**

Answer: These two titles describe different, yet complementary, aspects of Joseph's foundational role. As "the shepherd," Joseph provided active care, guidance, and provision for his family during the famine, leading them to safety and sustenance in Egypt. As "the stone," he represented stability, durability, and a secure foundation for the nascent nation of Israel, ensuring their preservation and growth. Together, these titles underscore his comprehensive and indispensable contribution to the survival and flourishing of Jacob's family, acting as both a nurturing guide and a steadfast pillar.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's roles as "the shepherd" and "the stone" of Israel in [Genesis 49:24](/genesis/49-24 "Christ's Fulfillment of Joseph's Roles") powerfully prefigure the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joseph provided temporal provision and stability for his family, Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, offering eternal sustenance and guidance ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Similarly, while Joseph was a foundational pillar for Israel, Jesus is the true Cornerstone upon whom God's entire spiritual house is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ the Cornerstone")), providing the ultimate and unshakeable foundation for all believers. Joseph's divinely empowered strength and leadership point forward to Christ, the one who fully embodies divine power and provides eternal salvation and stability for all who trust in Him.

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

Psalms 132:2

How he sware unto the LORD, [and] vowed unto the mighty [God] of Jacob;

Psalms 132:5

Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty [God] of Jacob.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Job 29:20

My glory [was] fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.

Psalms 80:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

Psalms 18:30

[As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.

1 Peter 2:4

¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,