Genesis 49:6

KJV

O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.

KJV (with Strong's)

O my soul {H5315}, come {H935} not thou into their secret {H5475}; unto their assembly {H6951}, mine honour {H3519}, be not thou united {H3161}: for in their anger {H639} they slew {H2026} a man {H376}, and in their selfwill {H7522} they digged down {H6131} a wall {H7794}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let me not enter their council, let my honor not be connected with their people; for in their anger they killed men, and at their whim they maimed cattle.

Berean Standard Bible

May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim.

American Standard Version

O my soul, come not thou into their council; Unto their assembly, my glory, be not thou united; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hocked an ox.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:6 presents Jacob's impassioned disavowal of the actions of his sons Simeon and Levi, expressing a profound desire to separate his inner being and reputation from their violent and self-willed deeds. This prophetic utterance condemns their past massacre in Shechem, driven by unrestrained anger, and reveals Jacob's deep moral revulsion and concern for the integrity of his household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jacob's final prophetic blessings and curses delivered to his twelve sons just before his death, recorded in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessings and Curses"). These pronouncements serve as a foundational text for understanding the future tribal identities and destinies of Israel. Unlike the generally positive or mixed prophecies for most sons, Jacob's words to Simeon and Levi are a stark condemnation, directly referencing a specific, grievous event from their past. This sharp contrast highlights the severity of their actions and sets a different tone for their tribal future. The immediate verses, [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5-7 "Jacob's Condemnation of Simeon and Levi"), form a distinct unit focusing on these two brothers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical event underlying Jacob's condemnation is the brutal massacre of the men of Shechem, detailed in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Defilement of Dinah and the Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"). Following the defilement of their sister Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor, Simeon and Levi deceitfully convinced the Shechemite males to be circumcised, then attacked them while they were vulnerable, slaughtering them all and plundering the city. This act, while ostensibly avenging their sister, violated the sacred covenant sign of circumcision and brought great shame and danger upon Jacob's family, making them "a stench" to the inhabitants of the land ([Genesis 34:30](/genesis/34-30 "Jacob's Fear of Retribution")). Jacob's condemnation reflects his profound distress over this violation of tribal honor and the moral law, emphasizing that their actions were driven by personal vengeance rather than divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine judgment and consequences for sin**, demonstrating that even within God's chosen family, unrighteous actions incur severe repercussions, as seen in the later dispersion of these tribes ([Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Jacob's Prophecy of Dispersion for Simeon and Levi")). It also underscores the theme of **moral integrity and separation from evil**, as Jacob vehemently seeks to distance himself and his "honor" from the violent and deceitful deeds of his sons. Furthermore, it highlights the destructive nature of **uncontrolled anger and self-will**, showing how human passions, unchecked by divine principles, can lead to devastating and dishonorable outcomes, contrasting sharply with the patient and just character God desires for His people, a theme echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 14:17](/proverbs/14-17 "A Quick-Tempered Person Acts Foolishly").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ H5315):** From a root meaning "to breathe," this term is used very widely to denote a breathing creature, vitality, or the seat of life, appetite, and emotion. Here, "my soul" refers to Jacob's innermost being, his very essence, desires, and personal identity. His plea "come not thou into their secret" signifies a profound desire for complete spiritual and moral disassociation.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** Properly meaning "weight," this word figuratively refers to splendor, glory, reputation, or dignity. Jacob's "mine honour" speaks to his personal dignity, his good name, and his moral standing before God and humanity. He seeks to protect his integrity and reputation from being tainted by the shameful and violent actions of Simeon and Levi.
* **Selfwill (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_ H7522):** Derived from a root meaning "to delight," this word can mean delight, desire, favor, or pleasure. In this context, "selfwill" (often translated as "will" or "pleasure") carries a negative connotation, implying an unbridled, stubborn, and selfish determination. It highlights that Simeon and Levi's actions were driven by their own unrestrained desires and impulses, rather than by divine guidance or righteous judgment.
* **Wall (Hebrew, _shôwr'_ H7794):** While typically meaning "ox" or "bullock," the KJV translates it as "wall" here, reflecting a textual variant or a metaphorical interpretation. The Septuagint and some other ancient versions support "wall," implying the destruction of the city's defenses or societal structures. If "ox" is preferred, it could symbolize the hamstringing of oxen, representing the destruction of livelihood or strength. The ambiguity underscores the wanton and comprehensive nature of their destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O my soul, come not thou into their secret":** Jacob begins with a deeply personal invocation, addressing his own "soul" (his inner self, his very being). He expresses a fervent desire to be utterly separate from the "secret counsel" or intimate conspiracy of Simeon and Levi. This is not merely a physical distancing but a profound moral and spiritual disavowal of their hidden, malicious plotting and the intentions behind their actions.
* **"unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united":** This clause reinforces the previous one, expanding on the idea of separation. "Assembly" refers to their collective gathering or company. Jacob's "honour" (his dignity, reputation, and moral integrity) must not be joined or associated with their collective actions. He seeks to protect his good name and his righteous character from being stained by their deeds, emphasizing a complete moral and spiritual dissociation from their violent enterprise.
* **"for in their anger they slew a man":** This provides the explicit justification for Jacob's condemnation. Their actions were driven by "anger" (Hebrew _'aph'_), an uncontrolled wrath, rather than by a just or divinely sanctioned response. The phrase "slew a man" (singular) is often understood collectively, referring to the massacre of the male inhabitants of Shechem, highlighting the murderous intent and the devastating outcome of their rage.
* **"and in their selfwill they digged down a wall":** This final clause further elaborates on the nature of their transgression. Their actions were motivated by "selfwill" (Hebrew _râtsôwn'_), indicating a stubborn, unbridled determination that disregarded moral boundaries and divine principles. The phrase "digged down a wall" (or "hamstrung an ox," depending on the interpretation of _shôwr'_) signifies a complete and wanton destruction—either of the city's defenses and social order, or of its economic life and strength. This act underscores the disproportionate and unjust violence they unleashed.

#### Literary Devices
Jacob's prophetic utterance in [Genesis 49:6](/genesis/49-6 "Jacob's Condemnation of Simeon and Levi") employs several powerful literary devices. The opening phrase, "O my soul," is an example of **Apostrophe**, where Jacob directly addresses his own inner being, lending a deeply personal and emotional tone to his condemnation. This emphasizes the profound internal struggle and moral revulsion he feels. The parallel structure of "come not thou into their secret" and "be not thou united" creates **Parallelism**, reinforcing the intensity of Jacob's desire for complete separation from his sons' actions and their consequences. The phrase "digged down a wall" (or "hamstrung an ox") functions as **Symbolism**, representing the total devastation and wanton destruction wrought by Simeon and Levi, extending beyond mere revenge to a broader dismantling of order and life. The entire passage is permeated with **Figurative Language**, using terms like "secret" and "honour" to convey abstract moral and spiritual concepts, making Jacob's denunciation both vivid and deeply resonant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's forceful disavowal of Simeon and Levi's actions in [Genesis 49:6](/genesis/49-6 "Jacob's Condemnation of Simeon and Levi") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, justice, and personal integrity. It underscores the biblical principle that even righteous indignation, when fueled by unchecked anger and self-will, can devolve into grievous sin, bringing dishonor upon God's name and lasting consequences. Jacob's desire to protect his "soul" and "honour" from their "secret" and "assembly" highlights the imperative for believers to maintain moral purity and to separate themselves from wicked counsel and destructive deeds, even within the closest familial or communal ties. This passage also foreshadows the future tribal destinies, where the tribes of Simeon and Levi would indeed experience a form of dispersion, with Simeon's territory being absorbed into Judah's and Levi's being scattered as priestly servants throughout Israel.

* [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "My Son, If Sinners Entice You")
* [Psalm 26:4-5](/psalm/26-4-5 "Psalm of David - Integrity")
* [Ephesians 4:26-27](/ephesians/4-26-27 "Anger and Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:6 offers a powerful and enduring lesson on the profound impact of our choices, particularly when driven by unchecked emotions. Jacob's anguish teaches us the critical importance of discerning our associations and the counsel we receive. We are called to guard our "soul" and "honour," ensuring that our integrity remains uncompromised, even when faced with the temptation to join in vengeful or self-serving schemes. This verse serves as a stark warning against allowing anger to fester into "selfwill," which can lead to destructive actions and lasting regret. Our response to injustice must always be tempered by wisdom, justice, and the principles of God's Word, rather than being dictated by raw emotion. Just as Jacob sought to separate himself from the sin of his sons, we too must actively distance ourselves from unrighteousness, striving to live in a manner that honors God and maintains a clear conscience, as [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "Separation from the World") exhorts us to "come out from among them, and be ye separate."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to allow "anger" or "selfwill" to dictate your actions rather than God's principles?**
* **How can you proactively guard your "soul" and "honour" from being compromised by ungodly influences or associations, even within your close circles?**
* **What steps can you take to ensure your responses to perceived wrongs are rooted in justice and wisdom, rather than destructive vengeance?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob condemn his sons so strongly, especially after they avenged their sister?**

Answer: Jacob's condemnation in [Genesis 49:6](/genesis/49-6 "Jacob's Condemnation of Simeon and Levi") is not against avenging Dinah's defilement per se, but against the extreme cruelty, deceit, and disproportionate violence of Simeon and Levi's actions. While Dinah's defilement was a grave wrong, their response involved a treacherous massacre that violated the sacred covenant sign of circumcision and brought dishonor upon Jacob's family and God's name, rather than seeking a just or divinely sanctioned resolution. Jacob recognized that their actions were driven by personal "anger" and "selfwill," not by divine righteousness, and thus brought a curse rather than a blessing upon their future. Their method was treacherous, their scale of vengeance excessive, and their motivation rooted in human passion rather than God's justice, leading to a situation that jeopardized the entire family ([Genesis 34:30](/genesis/34-30 "Jacob's Fear of Retribution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 49:6, though a prophecy of condemnation and separation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment by highlighting the perfect righteousness and integrity that Jacob yearned for but could not fully embody. Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of the "honour" and pure "soul" that Jacob sought to keep untainted. Unlike Simeon and Levi, who acted out of "anger" and "selfwill," Christ perfectly submitted His will to the Father's, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He never allowed human passions or the desire for personal vengeance to lead Him to sin, even when subjected to the greatest injustices and betrayal ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). Instead, Jesus perfectly fulfilled God's righteous judgment against sin through His sacrificial death, offering a path for humanity to be separated from the "secret counsel" of evil and united with His perfect righteousness. Believers, through faith in Christ, are called to emulate His separation from sin and His pursuit of righteousness, walking in His Spirit rather than in the "selfwill" of the flesh ([Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Walking by the Spirit")), finding their true honor and identity in Him, who alone is perfectly pure and just ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "God Made Him Who Had No Sin")).

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 34:30

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

Psalms 26:9

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

Psalms 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalms 64:2

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Psalms 26:4

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Psalms 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Jeremiah 15:17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.