Genesis 49:17

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

Dan {H1835} shall be a serpent {H5175} by the way {H1870}, an adder {H8207} in the path {H734}, that biteth {H5391} the horse {H5483} heels {H6119}, so that his rider {H7392} shall fall {H5307} backward {H268}.

Dan will be a viper on the road, a horned snake in the path that bites the horse's heels so its rider falls off backward.

He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.

Dan shall be a serpent in the way, An adder in the path, That biteth the horse’s heels, So that his rider falleth backward.

Commentary

Genesis 49:17 (KJV): "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward."

Context

This verse is part of the final pronouncements, often called prophecies or blessings, given by Jacob (also known as Israel) to his twelve sons just before his death in Egypt. Found in Genesis chapter 49, these statements describe the future character and destiny of each tribe that would descend from them. Unlike some of the more positive blessings given to tribes like Judah or Joseph, the description of Dan here is stark and focused on a specific, rather negative, characteristic.

Key Themes

  • The Character of Dan: The primary theme is the portrayal of the tribe of Dan using the imagery of a serpent and an adder. This suggests a nature characterized by cunning, ambush, and causing disruption.
  • Military Strategy/Ambush: The imagery of biting the horse's heels points to a tactic of undermining from below, causing a powerful foe (the horse and rider) to be overcome through subtle, unexpected attack rather than direct confrontation.
  • Potential Warning: While sometimes interpreted as a military strength (using clever tactics), the imagery of a venomous serpent also carries negative connotations of deception and danger, hinting at potential moral or spiritual pitfalls for the tribe. This prophecy stands in contrast to the more overtly positive descriptions of other tribes in the chapter, like Judah's lion-like strength or Joseph's fruitfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "serpent" is nachash (נָחָשׁ), a general term for a snake. The word for "adder" is shephiphon (שְׁפִיפֹן), which likely refers to a specific type of venomous snake, possibly the horned viper, known for lying hidden in sandy paths and striking unsuspecting travelers or animals. This specific imagery emphasizes the hidden, sudden, and dangerous nature of the tribe's actions described by Jacob.

Reflection and Application

This prophecy serves as a vivid character sketch for the tribe of Dan. Historically, the Danites were known for their restless migration and, notably, for establishing idolatry in the north of Israel (see Judges 18:30). The imagery reminds us that different groups have distinct characteristics, some potentially disruptive or dangerous if not aligned with God's purposes. It can also be seen as a warning against subtle, deceptive tactics in any sphere, whether personal, relational, or spiritual. Just as a hidden snake can cause a great fall, so too can seemingly small acts of deception or malice lead to significant consequences.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:35 (3 votes)

    And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

  • Judges 18:22 (2 votes)

    [And] when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that [were] in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan.

  • Judges 18:31 (2 votes)

    And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

  • Judges 14:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.

  • Judges 14:15 (1 votes)

    And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? [is it] not [so]?

  • Judges 16:22 (0 votes)

    ¶ Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

  • Judges 16:30 (0 votes)

    And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with [all his] might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that [were] therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than [they] which he slew in his life.