Genesis 49:7

KJV

Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be their anger {H639}, for it was fierce {H5794}; and their wrath {H5678}, for it was cruel {H7185}: I will divide {H2505} them in Jacob {H3290}, and scatter {H6327} them in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Cursed be their anger, for it has been fierce; their fury, for it has been cruel. I will divide them in Ya'akov and scatter them in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.

American Standard Version

Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; And their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:7 records Jacob's solemn prophetic pronouncement over his sons Simeon and Levi, condemning their "fierce" anger and "cruel" wrath, which stemmed from their violent revenge in Shechem. This declaration foretold a future of dispersion for their descendants within the land of Israel. While Simeon's tribe diminished and was absorbed, Levi's scattering was remarkably transformed into a sacred, redemptive role as the priestly tribe, serving God throughout the nation. The verse profoundly illustrates the enduring consequences of uncontrolled sin and God's sovereign capacity to repurpose even negative outcomes for His divine and redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jacob's final blessings and prophecies delivered to each of his twelve sons on his deathbed, as recorded in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophecies to His Sons"). These pronouncements are not mere blessings but prophetic declarations that outline the future character and destiny of their respective tribes within the emerging nation of Israel. The prophecies for Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are notably distinct, beginning with strong condemnations rather than unmitigated blessings, reflecting their past grave sins. Immediately preceding this verse, Jacob rebukes Reuben for defiling his father's bed ([Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Jacob Rebukes Reuben")). Following the pronouncement on Simeon and Levi, Jacob turns to Judah, delivering a powerful and extensive blessing that foreshadows the Davidic monarchy and the coming Messiah ([Genesis 49:8-12](/genesis/49-8-12 "Jacob's Prophecy Regarding Judah")). This careful sequencing highlights the severity of Simeon and Levi's actions and sets the stage for the redemptive trajectory that will ultimately flow through Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for Jacob's condemnation is the brutal massacre of the men of Shechem by Simeon and Levi, recounted in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Defilement of Dinah and Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"). After their sister Dinah was defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor, Simeon and Levi orchestrated a deceptive plot, convincing the men of Shechem to be circumcised under the guise of intermarriage. While the men were recovering, the brothers mercilessly slaughtered every male in the city, plundered it, and took women and children captive. This act, driven by intense "fierce" anger and "cruel" wrath, brought great shame and danger upon Jacob's household, making them "a stench" to the inhabitants of the land ([Genesis 34:30](/genesis/34-30 "Jacob's Concern After the Shechem Massacre")). Jacob's deathbed pronouncement, decades later, underscores the lasting impact of such unbridled violence and his continued disapproval, even as he faces his own mortality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a father's dying words held immense weight, often viewed as binding prophetic decrees that shaped the future of his descendants.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 49:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **consequences for sin**, demonstrating that even acts committed in the name of family honor, when executed with excessive and cruel violence, incur lasting judgment. This verse also highlights **divine sovereignty and human responsibility**, showing that while human actions have real repercussions, God remains sovereign over the destinies of individuals and tribes, capable of working through and even transforming the outcomes of human sin for His greater purposes. The contrasting fulfillments for Simeon and Levi introduce the profound theme of **redemption and repurposing**, where a curse can be transmuted into a unique blessing and sacred calling. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **tribal organization of Israel** and their eventual settlement in the Promised Land, setting the stage for the detailed accounts of land distribution in books like Joshua.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:7 is a striking declaration that dissects the nature and consequences of uncontrolled human passion. Jacob does not curse his sons directly, but rather the destructive qualities that led to their egregious sin.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** From H639, properly referring to the "nose or nostril," which flares during intense emotion, hence "ire." In this context, it signifies a deep, internal rage, a hot indignation that boils over. Jacob curses this specific quality of their anger, not anger itself, but its fierce and destructive manifestation.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** From H5678, meaning "an outburst of passion." This term denotes an overflowing, unrestrained fury, a violent emotional eruption. Paired with `ʼaph`, it emphasizes the extreme and uncontrollable nature of their rage, which led to their cruel actions in Shechem.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** From H6327, a primitive root meaning "to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)." This word vividly portrays the consequence of their actions: their descendants would not receive a consolidated inheritance but would be broken up and spread out among the other tribes, a direct result of their violent and divisive spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce":** Jacob's pronouncement begins with a strong condemnation, not of Simeon and Levi as persons, but of the destructive quality of their "anger" (Hebrew: *ʼaph*). The term "fierce" (Hebrew: *ʻaz*) emphasizes the vehement, harsh, and unyielding nature of this anger. This highlights that it was the uncontrolled, intense, and unrighteous expression of their emotion that was the target of the curse, rather than the emotion itself. It was a passion that led to disproportionate and brutal retaliation.
* **"and their wrath, for it was cruel":** This clause parallels the first, reinforcing the condemnation of their destructive emotions. "Wrath" (Hebrew: *ʻebrâh*) signifies an overflowing, violent outburst of passion. The descriptor "cruel" (Hebrew: *qâshâh*) means to be dense, tough, or severe, indicating an unfeeling, merciless, and hard-hearted disposition in their vengeance. This parallelism underscores the deep-seated, unyielding, and brutal nature of their emotional response, which lacked any measure of mercy or restraint.
* **"I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel":** This is the prophetic consequence of their condemned anger and wrath. "Divide" (Hebrew: *châlaq*) means to apportion or separate, while "scatter" (Hebrew: *pûwts*) implies dispersion. "Jacob" and "Israel" here refer to the collective body of the twelve tribes, the emerging nation. The prophecy declares that the descendants of Simeon and Levi would not inherit a unified, contiguous territory like other tribes but would be dispersed among their brethren. This dispersion would serve as a lasting reminder of their violent and divisive character, preventing them from forming a strong, independent power base that could again threaten the unity and peace of the nascent nation.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 49:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the curse: "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel." This repetition with slight variation emphasizes the dual nature of their destructive passion and its severe characteristics. Furthermore, the consequence is also expressed in parallel terms: "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel." This reinforces the idea of dispersion and ensures the message is clearly understood. The passage also functions as a **Prophecy**, a direct foretelling of the future tribal destinies of Simeon and Levi. The use of "Jacob" and "Israel" as synonymous terms for the collective nation demonstrates **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where the patriarch's name stands for his descendants and the nation. The stark language, particularly "fierce" and "cruel," utilizes **Emotive Language** to convey Jacob's profound disapproval and the severity of the brothers' actions, creating a vivid and lasting impression of their character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, divine justice, and God's redemptive sovereignty. It underscores that while righteous indignation can exist, unbridled and cruel anger leads to lasting consequences, not only for individuals but for generations. Jacob's curse on their *anger* and *wrath*, rather than on the sons themselves, highlights that the destructive *nature* of their sin was the target of judgment, leaving open a pathway for potential redemption. This principle is powerfully demonstrated in the divergent fulfillments for Simeon and Levi. While Simeon's tribe largely faded and was absorbed into Judah, fulfilling the punitive aspect of the curse, Levi's "scattering" was transformed into a sacred calling. They became the priestly tribe, consecrated to God's service, living in cities spread throughout Israel, thus fulfilling the dispersion but for a holy purpose. This remarkable transformation showcases God's ability to repurpose even the consequences of human sin for His divine plans and the good of His people.

* [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Patience and Understanding")
* [Numbers 35:6-8](/numbers/35-6-8 "Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 33:8-11](/deuteronomy/33-8-11 "Moses' Blessing on Levi")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:7 stands as a timeless warning against the destructive power of uncontrolled anger and wrath. It compels us to examine our own hearts and the ways we respond to perceived injustices or personal offenses. While anger can be a natural human emotion, and even righteous in its proper context, when it becomes "fierce" and "cruel," it deviates from God's character and leads to sin with far-reaching consequences. This passage challenges us to cultivate self-control, to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our natural impulses, and to seek justice with mercy and wisdom rather than vengeance. The contrasting destinies of Simeon and Levi offer profound hope: even when we face the consequences of past failures or inherited weaknesses, God's sovereign grace can redeem and repurpose our lives for His glory. We are called to surrender our passions and our past to Him, trusting that He can transform our "scattering" or perceived disadvantages into unique opportunities for service and blessing within His Kingdom, turning what might have been a curse into a consecrated calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with "fierce" or "cruel" anger, and how can I invite the Holy Spirit to transform these impulses?**
* **How does the story of Simeon and Levi encourage me about God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the negative consequences of sin in my life or the lives of others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater self-control and respond to difficult situations with wisdom and mercy, rather than uncontrolled wrath?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob curse their anger, not Simeon and Levi themselves?**

Answer: Jacob's curse specifically targets their "anger" and "wrath" because it was the uncontrolled, fierce, and cruel *nature* of their passion that led to their egregious sin, rather than condemning their persons entirely. This distinction is crucial; it highlights that sin stems from corrupt desires and actions, allowing for the possibility of redemption and transformation. This is profoundly seen in Levi's later destiny, where their zeal was redirected for God's holy service, turning a potential curse into a unique blessing.

**How was the "scattering" prophecy fulfilled differently for Simeon and Levi?**

Answer: For Simeon, the scattering meant their tribe was largely absorbed into Judah's territory, as seen in [Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Simeon's Inheritance"), and over time, they diminished in distinct tribal identity and influence. For Levi, their scattering was remarkably transformed into a divine purpose: they were consecrated as the priestly tribe, serving God throughout Israel by living in designated cities among all the other tribes, as detailed in [Numbers 35:6-8](/numbers/35-6-8 "Cities Designated for the Levites"). Thus, while both were dispersed, Simeon's was punitive, while Levi's became a holy and blessed role.

**Does this verse suggest all anger is sinful?**

Answer: No, the verse specifically condemns "fierce" and "cruel" anger and wrath, which are expressions of uncontrolled, vengeful, and disproportionate passion. The Bible distinguishes between sinful anger and righteous indignation. God Himself expresses anger against sin, and Jesus demonstrated righteous anger (e.g., at the money changers in [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). This passage warns against destructive anger that leads to sin and negative consequences, distinguishing it from a holy, disciplined anger that seeks justice within God's bounds and is controlled by love and wisdom ([Ephesians 4:26](/ephesians/4-26 "Be Angry and Do Not Sin")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 49:7, with its themes of the devastating consequences of sin, divine judgment, and God's redemptive transformation, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "fierce" and "cruel" anger condemned here represents the destructive power of human sin and rebellion, which Christ perfectly bore on the cross. He became the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), taking upon Himself the judgment due to humanity's uncontrolled passions and actions. While Simeon's fate illustrates the unredeemed consequence of sin, Levi's transformed destiny powerfully points to the redemptive power available through Christ: what was initially a curse of dispersion became a blessed calling of service. Jesus, as our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), perfectly fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood, offering a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Christ's One Sacrifice")) and intercession. He is the one who perfectly controlled His wrath, turning it into righteous judgment against sin, and who now offers to transform our sinful natures. Through His Spirit, He takes our destructive passions and repurposes them for holy service in His Kingdom, allowing us to be "scattered" as His witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")), turning what was a mark of judgment into a mission of grace.

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

Joshua 19:1

¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

Joshua 19:9

Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

1 Chronicles 4:24

¶ The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:

1 Chronicles 4:31

And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These [were] their cities unto the reign of David.

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Proverbs 27:3

¶ A stone [is] heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath [is] heavier than them both.