Genesis 49:27

KJV

Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Benjamin {H1144} shall ravin {H2963} as a wolf {H2061}: in the morning {H1242} he shall devour {H398} the prey {H5706}, and at night {H6153} he shall divide {H2505} the spoil {H7998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Binyamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey, in the evening still dividing the spoil."

Berean Standard Bible

Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.”

American Standard Version

Benjamin is a wolf that raveneth: In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at even he shall divide the spoil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob's prophetic pronouncement over his youngest son, Benjamin, vividly portrays the future tribe as a fierce and predatory wolf. This imagery signifies their formidable military character, depicting a people relentlessly active from dawn to dusk in securing victory and dividing the spoils of battle. The prophecy foreshadows Benjamin's historical reputation as a warlike and tenacious tribe, renowned for its prowess and success in conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessings") records Jacob's final prophetic blessings and pronouncements upon his twelve sons before his death, outlining the future characteristics and destinies of their respective tribes. This chapter serves as a foundational text for understanding the tribal identities and roles within ancient Israel. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, receives his prophecy after Joseph and before the concluding remarks, highlighting his unique and somewhat aggressive nature in contrast to some of his brothers. Each pronouncement, including Benjamin's, functions as a divinely inspired foretelling, shaping the narrative of the emerging nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, tribal identity was paramount, and warfare was a common reality for survival and expansion. Animal metaphors were frequently employed to describe the characteristics of individuals, clans, or nations, often reflecting their perceived strength, cunning, or ferocity. The wolf, known for its predatory nature, pack hunting, and territoriality, would have been a potent symbol of military might and aggression. Benjamin's birth was marked by tragedy, as his mother Rachel died in childbirth, naming him "Ben-oni" (son of my sorrow), which Jacob changed to "Benjamin" (son of my right hand), perhaps hinting at a future role of strength or favor, which this prophecy elaborates upon in a martial sense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's comprehensive plan for the tribes of Israel, even down to their distinct characteristics. It highlights the **diversity of roles and strengths** within God's covenant people, where even a "wolf-like" ferocity is seen as a divinely ordained attribute for the defense and establishment of the nation. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **prophecy and fulfillment**, as the historical accounts of the Benjamite tribe, particularly their military exploits, would later confirm the accuracy of Jacob's words, as seen in passages like [Judges 20](/judges/20 "The Benjamite War") and the lineage of [King Saul](/1_samuel/9 "Saul's Benjamite Heritage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ravin (Hebrew, _ṭâraph'_):** From the primitive root H2963, meaning "to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)." In this context, it vividly describes the aggressive, tearing action of a predator, emphasizing the tribe's fierce, decisive, and destructive nature in battle. It conveys a sense of violent acquisition.
* **wolf (Hebrew, _zᵉʼêb'_):** From H2061, meaning "a wolf." This is the central **simile** of the prophecy, directly comparing the tribe of Benjamin to a wolf. The wolf symbolizes predatory instinct, ferocity, cunning, and an unyielding pursuit of its target, highlighting Benjamin's formidable and dangerous character in warfare.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From the primitive root H398, meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively); burn up, consume." Here, it signifies the complete consumption or destruction of the "prey" (the enemy or their resources). It emphasizes the effectiveness and totality of Benjamin's military actions, leaving nothing behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf":** This opening clause establishes the core identity and nature of the tribe. The comparison to a wolf immediately conveys a powerful image of aggression, predatory instinct, and a fierce, unyielding character. It suggests that the Benjamites would be known for their military prowess, quick to attack, and formidable in conflict, embodying a spirit of decisive action.
* **"in the morning he shall devour the prey":** This phrase describes the initial, swift, and successful phase of Benjamin's military activity. "In the morning" suggests an early, decisive strike, while "devour the prey" emphasizes the complete and overwhelming victory over their enemies, consuming or destroying what they target. It speaks to their efficiency and effectiveness in battle.
* **"and at night he shall divide the spoil":** This concluding clause depicts the outcome and aftermath of their military endeavors. "At night" signifies the completion of the day's work, after the battle is won. "Divide the spoil" indicates the successful acquisition of plunder and its equitable distribution, underscoring their consistent success and the tangible rewards of their aggressive campaigns. This illustrates a continuous cycle of engagement and profitable victory.

#### Literary Devices
The prophecy in [Genesis 49:27](/genesis/49-27 "Benjamin's Prophecy") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, where Benjamin is directly compared to a wolf using the explicit "as" ("Benjamin shall ravin *as* a wolf"). This comparison is not merely descriptive but functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the tribe's inherent character and future military reputation. The wolf, a creature known for its predatory nature, ferocity, and pack hunting, becomes a symbol of Benjamin's aggressive, courageous, and formidable spirit in warfare. Furthermore, the phrase "in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole. "Morning" and "night" encompass the entire day, signifying the continuous, relentless, and comprehensive nature of Benjamin's military activities, from the initial attack to the final distribution of spoils. This highlights their persistent effectiveness and success in battle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This vivid prophecy of Benjamin as a wolf underscores God's meticulous and sovereign foreknowledge, revealing the distinct character and destiny of a tribal group long before its historical manifestation. It demonstrates that God's divine plan encompasses the unique strengths and even aggressive tendencies of His people, equipping them with diverse attributes for His overarching purposes within the covenant. The "wolf" imagery, while seemingly harsh, highlights a necessary strength—a powerful, decisive, and protective ferocity—essential for the defense and establishment of Israel in a hostile world. It affirms that God uses all manner of human characteristics, redeemed and directed by His will, to achieve His redemptive ends.

* [Deuteronomy 33:12](/deuteronomy/33-12 "Moses' Blessing on Benjamin")
* [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Benjamite Slingers")
* [1 Samuel 9:1-2](/1_samuel/9-1-2 "Saul's Benjamite Lineage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophecy concerning Benjamin, though rooted in ancient tribal dynamics, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan often unfolds through the unique, sometimes challenging, characteristics of individuals and groups. The "wolf" metaphor, while speaking of aggression, also conveys a necessary resolve, courage, and tenacity in the face of adversity. In our own lives, we are called to discern how our inherent abilities, passions, or even our more challenging tendencies can be consecrated and transformed by God's grace. Just as the Benjamite tribe's fierceness was utilized for Israel's defense, and individuals like King Saul and later the Apostle Paul (a Benjamite) were profoundly used by God (with Paul's zeal being radically transformed from persecution to fervent evangelism), we too can trust that God can redeem and redirect our strengths and weaknesses for His kingdom purposes. This calls us to engage in spiritual warfare against evil, diligently pursuing God's will with the same zeal and decisiveness, but with love and grace as our guiding principles, recognizing that our ultimate victory comes through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can seemingly "aggressive" or "fierce" natural characteristics be redeemed and redirected for God's glory in a Christian's life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate "wolf-like" tenacity or courage, not for personal gain, but for the advancement of God's kingdom?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this prophecy affirm your trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to use diverse individuals and groups for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Does the "wolf" imagery imply Benjamin was an evil tribe?**

Answer: The imagery of a "wolf" in this context primarily signifies a fierce, predatory, and warlike nature, rather than an inherently evil one. It describes their military prowess, courage, and effectiveness in battle—qualities that were often necessary for the defense and expansion of Israel in a hostile environment. While the tribe later faced severe judgment for moral failures, particularly in the accounts of [Judges 19-21](/judges/19-21 "The Benjamite War"), this specific prophecy in [Genesis 49:27](/genesis/49-27 "Benjamin's Prophecy") focuses on their martial character, which was a strength within the larger tribal structure.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: The tribe of Benjamin consistently demonstrated military strength and a fierce fighting spirit throughout Israel's history. They were known for their skilled warriors, including their famous left-handed slingers, as noted in [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Benjamite Slingers"). The first king of Israel, [Saul](/1_samuel/9-1 "King Saul's Lineage"), was from the tribe of Benjamin and was renowned for his warrior capabilities. Even in later periods, Benjamites were noted for their martial abilities, fulfilling the prophetic description of a tribe that would "ravin as a wolf" in battle, from early conquests to defending against enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jacob's prophecy concerning Benjamin describes an earthly, warlike tribe, its ultimate spiritual transformation and fulfillment are found in Christ. Jesus, the true and ultimate King, far surpasses any earthly ruler like King Saul from Benjamin, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The ferocity and zeal prophesied for Benjamin find their perfected expression in the spiritual warfare waged by believers under Christ's command ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")), where the "prey" is sin, spiritual darkness, and the forces of evil, and the "spoil" is the victory of salvation, the liberation of souls, and the spread of the Gospel ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The remarkable transformation of a Benjamite like the Apostle Paul, from a zealous persecutor of the church to a fervent evangelist for Christ ([Philippians 3:5-8](/philippians/3-5-8 "Paul's Benjamite Heritage and Conversion")), powerfully illustrates how the aggressive zeal of Benjamin can be redeemed and redirected by God's grace to serve the Prince of Peace, bringing spiritual spoils to His eternal kingdom ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "Weapons of Our Warfare")).

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 35:18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Judges 20:25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

Genesis 46:21

And the sons of Benjamin [were] Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.

Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Judges 20:21

And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.