Bible Strands
Genesis 49:24
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,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jacob speaks this as part of his deathbed blessing over his sons, addressing Benjamin specifically. The immediately preceding verse (49:23) describes archers attacking him in hostility.
The words — אֵיתָן ('ei.Tan, "permanence") is an unusual word to describe a bow being steadied, suggesting not mere stability but an enduring, unshakeable quality. אֲבִיר ('a.Vir, "mighty one") is the title that recurs in later worship language.
The thread — The title "Mighty One of Jacob" reappears in Psalms 132:2 and 132:5, where David vows to build a dwelling for this same figure. Isaiah 28:16 echoes the "Rock" language with its "tested stone" and "sure foundation."
Why it lands — The verse asks the reader to hold two truths at once: human hostility aimed with bitterness, and divine hands that steady the very instrument of that conflict. It refuses to let either the threat or the empowerment stand alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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:)
Cross-references
- Psalms 132:2 how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
- Psalms 132:5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
- Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
- Job 29:20 My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’
- Psalms 80:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
- Psalms 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
- Genesis 35:10 And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel.
- Genesis 45:5 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.
- Genesis 45:11 And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’