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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 49:23 The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/49-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_49_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 49:23 - Jacob Blesses His Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they shot at him with hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Archers attacked him savagely; they shot at him and harassed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot <i>at him</i>, and hated him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The archers have bitterly grieved him, Shot <i>at him</i> and hated him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“The archers provoked him, And shot <i>at him</i> and were hostile toward him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220The archers bitterly attacked him, And shot at him and harassed him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“The archers bitterly attacked him, And shot <i>at him</i> and harassed him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the archers bitterly attacked him and shot <i>at him</i>, And they bore a grudge against him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“The [skilled] archers have bitterly attacked <i>and</i> provoked him; They have shot [at him] and harassed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The archers attacked him, shot at him, and were hostile toward him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The archers attacked him, shot at him, and were hostile toward him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecuted him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Enemies attacked with arrows, refusing to show mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecuted him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Archers provoked him, shot at him, and attacked him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />His enemies attack him fiercely And pursue him with their bows and arrows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Even though enemies attacked him, shooting at him and pursuing him viciously,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The archers will attack him, they will shoot at him and oppose him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The archers will attack him with bitterness, and shoot at him, and harass him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The archers have severely grieved him, shot at him, and persecuted him: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And embitter him indeed, they have striven, "" Indeed, archers hate him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And embitter him -- yea, they have striven, Yea, hate him do archers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />This adversary will embitter him, and the lords of the arrows will lie in wait.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But they that held darts provoked him, and quarrelled with him, and envied him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But those who held darts, provoked him, and they contend with him, and they envied him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Harrying him and shooting, the archers opposed him; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The archers fiercely attacked him; they shot at him and pressed him hard.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A company of men quarreled with him, and being great in numbers, envied him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they contended with him, and they have increased and the Lords of armies envied him:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The archers have dealt bitterly with him, And shot at him, and hated him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Against whom men taking evil counsel reproached <i>him</i>, and the archers pressed hard upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/49-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12964" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Jacob Blesses His Sons</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">The archers</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ḥiṣ·ṣîm (N-mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4843.htm" title="4843: way·mā·ră·ru·hū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To be bitter. A primitive root; properly, to trickle; but used only as a denominative from mar; to be bitter.">attacked him with bitterness;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7232.htm" title="7232: wā·rōb·bū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To multiply ten thousand times. A primitive root; to shoot an arrow.">they aimed at him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7852.htm" title="7852: way·yiś·ṭə·mu·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To bear a grudge or cherish animosity against. A primitive root; properly, to lurk for, i.e. Persecute.">in hostility.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>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,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Psalm 18:34-35</a></span><br />He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. / You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-3.htm">Psalm 120:3-4</a></span><br />What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? / Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3-4</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah / Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10-11</a></span><br />For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” / But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-52.htm">Lamentations 3:52</a></span><br />Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Zechariah 9:13</a></span><br />For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a></span><br />You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-22.htm">Luke 6:22-23</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4-5</a></span><br />He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a></span><br />Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4,18,24,28</a></b></br> And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Genesis 39:7-20</a></b></br> And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21</a></b></br> And they said one to another, We <i>are</i> verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/50-29.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/revelation/5-4.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/genesis/43-6.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Embitter</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Fiercely</a> <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Harassed</a> <a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/revelation/18-3.htm">Provoked</a> <a href="/genesis/40-10.htm">Shot</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-9.htm">Sorely</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Striven</a> <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Wounding</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/numbers/14-39.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/numbers/5-18.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Cruelly</a> <a href="/exodus/1-20.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Embitter</a> <a href="/job/39-21.htm">Fiercely</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/judges/10-8.htm">Harassed</a> <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-21.htm">Hostility</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-7.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/numbers/14-23.htm">Provoked</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Shot</a> <a href="/judges/10-9.htm">Sorely</a> <a href="/numbers/20-13.htm">Striven</a> <a href="/exodus/14-24.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-18.htm">Wounding</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Jacob calls his sons to bless them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Their blessing in particular.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-29.htm">He charges them about his burial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">He dies.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The archers attacked him with bitterness;</b><br>This phrase metaphorically describes the adversaries of Joseph, who faced significant opposition and betrayal from his brothers. The imagery of "archers" suggests those who launch attacks from a distance, indicating the calculated and deliberate nature of the hostility Joseph experienced. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual battles faced by believers, where adversaries may attack with malice and intent to harm. The bitterness highlights the deep-seated resentment and envy that Joseph's brothers harbored against him, as seen in <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4</a>, where they could not speak peaceably to him. This bitterness is a recurring theme in Scripture, warning against the destructive nature of envy and hatred (<a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a>).<p><b>they aimed at him in hostility.</b><br>The phrase "aimed at him in hostility" underscores the intentional and targeted nature of the attacks against Joseph. This hostility is not random but directed, reflecting the personal vendetta his brothers had due to their jealousy of his favored status and dreams (<a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-11</a>). Historically, this enmity led to Joseph being sold into slavery, a pivotal event that God used to fulfill His greater plan for Joseph and the nation of Israel. This aligns with the biblical theme of God using human evil for divine purposes (<a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>). Theologically, Joseph is often seen as a type of Christ, who also faced hostility and rejection from His own people (<a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>), yet through His suffering, brought about salvation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The primary subject of this verse, Joseph is one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He is known for his dreams, his coat of many colors, and his rise to power in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/archers.htm">Archers</a></b><br>Symbolically represents those who opposed or attacked Joseph. In a broader sense, they can be seen as adversaries or challenges that Joseph faced throughout his life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The father of Joseph, who is giving his final blessings and prophecies to his sons in <a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Genesis 49</a>. This chapter is often referred to as Jacob's blessings or prophecies over his sons.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The place where Joseph rose to power and where he faced many of his trials and triumphs. It serves as the backdrop for much of Joseph's account.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/bitterness_and_hostility.htm">Bitterness and Hostility</a></b><br>These terms describe the nature of the attacks against Joseph, highlighting the emotional and relational challenges he faced.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_trials.htm">Endurance Through Trials</a></b><br>Joseph's life exemplifies enduring faith and integrity despite facing severe opposition and hostility. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith when facing adversities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the bitterness and hostility Joseph faced, God's sovereign plan was at work. This teaches us to trust in God's overarching plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Joseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers demonstrates the power of forgiveness. Christians are called to forgive those who have wronged them, following Joseph's example.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The "archers" can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual attacks. Believers are reminded to put on the full armor of God to withstand such attacks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_leadership.htm">Faithfulness in Leadership</a></b><br>Joseph's rise to leadership in Egypt, despite his trials, shows the importance of faithfulness and integrity in positions of influence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_abraham's_deal_with_ephron_proven.htm">Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham's transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_49_22-26_a_failed_prophecy.htm">In Genesis 49:22-26, Joseph receives extraordinary blessings, yet historical records of his descendants (Ephraim and Manasseh) show decline--can this be viewed as a failed prophecy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_is_abraham's_genesis_23_land.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence for the field and cave Abraham purchased in Genesis 23:17-20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_seven_deadly_sins.htm">What are the seven deadly sins?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The archers.</span>--Naturally Jacob next describes the sorrows of Joseph's youth, but in poetical terms, so as not to wound the feelings of his brethren, or rouse up thoughts of vengeance in Joseph's own mind. Thus be compares him to a warrior, too mighty for his enemies to close with in open conflict, but whom they harass from a distance. "Hated him" would be better translated, <span class= "ital">laid snares for him, </span>were guilty of treachery and deceit.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/49-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The archers</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲלֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">attacked him with bitterness,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיְמָרֲרֻ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·mā·ră·ru·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4843.htm">Strong's 4843: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, bitter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and aimed</span><br /><span class="heb">וָרֹ֑בּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wā·rōb·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7232.htm">Strong's 7232: </a> </span><span class="str2">To multiply ten thousand times</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in hostility.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֻ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·ṭə·mu·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7852.htm">Strong's 7852: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear a grudge or cherish animosity against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him shot (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/49-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 49:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/49-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 49:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>