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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 49:17 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/49-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_49_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 49:17 - Jacob Blesses His Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script 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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/49-16.htm" title="Genesis 49:16">◄</a> Genesis 49:17 <a href="/genesis/49-18.htm" title="Genesis 49:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/49.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse&#8217s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake beside the road, a poisonous viper along the path that bites the horse’s hooves so its rider is thrown off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned viper in the path, That bites the horse’s heels, So that its rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That bites the horse&#8217s heels, So that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That bites the horse’s heels, So that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That bites the horse’s heels, So that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Dan shall be a [venomous] serpent in the way, A fanged snake in the path, That bites the horse’s heels, So that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horses&#8217 heels so that its rider falls backward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You are a snake that bites the heel of a horse, making its rider fall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake on a road, a viper on a path, that bites a horse's heels so that its rider falls off backwards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake at the side of the road, A poisonous snake beside the path, That strikes at the horse's heel, So that the rider is thrown off backward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Dan will be a snake on the path, a viper on the road that snaps at the heels of horses, causing their riders to fall off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />May Dan be a snake beside the road, a viper by the path, that bites the heels of the horse so that its rider falls backward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Dan will be a serpent on the road, a viper by the path, that bites the horse?s heels so that his rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Dan will be a serpent on the trail, an adder in the path, that bites the horse’s heels, so that his rider falls backward. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Dan is a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, "" Which is biting the horse’s heels, "" And its rider falls backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Dan is a serpent by the way, An adder by the path, Which is biting the horse's heels, And its rider falleth backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent upon the way, creeping upon the path, biting the heels of the horse and his beast for riding shall fall behind.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let Dan be a snake in the way, a serpent in the path, that biteth the horse's heels that his rider may fall backward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let Dan be a snake in the way, a viper in the path, biting the hooves of horses, so that his rider may fall backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let Dan be a serpent by the roadside, a horned viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heel, so that the rider tumbles backward. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Dan shall be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider falls backward.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the paths, that bites the horse's heel and causes its rider to fall backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Dan Shall be a serpent upon the road and a dragon upon the path, to injure a horse in its foot and throw its rider on his back.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Dan shall be a serpent in the way, A horned snake in the path, That biteth the horse's heels, So that his rider falleth backward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And let Dan be a serpent in the way, besetting the path, biting the heel of the horse (and the rider shall fall backward),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/49-17.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=12928" 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">16</span>Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1835.htm" title="1835: ḏān (N-proper-ms) -- Judge, a son of Jacob, also his desc. and their territory, also a place in N. Isr. ">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yə·hî- (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: nā·ḥāš (N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">a snake</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: ḏe·reḵ (N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the road,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8207.htm" title="8207: šə·p̄î·p̄ōn (N-ms) -- Horned viper. From an unused root meaning the same as shuwph; a kind of serpent, probably the cerastes or horned adder.">a viper</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ō·raḥ (N-cs) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">the path</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: han·nō·šêḵ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">that bites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sūs (N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">the horse’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6119.htm" title="6119: ‘iq·qə·ḇê- (N-mpc) -- Heel, footprint, hind part. Or hiqqbah; from aqab; a heel; hence, a track; figuratively, the rear.">heels</a> <a href="/hebrew/7392.htm" title="7392: rō·ḵə·ḇōw (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To mount and ride, ride. A primitive root; to ride; causatively, to place upon, to despatch.">so that its rider</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">tumbles</a> <a href="/hebrew/268.htm" title="268: ’ā·ḥō·wr (N-ms) -- The hind side, back part. Or achor; from Achiyra'; the hinder part; hence behind, backward; also the West.">backward.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>I await Your salvation, O LORD.…<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="/judges/18-27.htm">Judges 18:27-28</a></span><br />After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a quiet and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city. / There was no one to deliver them, because the city was far from Sidon and had no alliance with anyone; it was in a valley near Beth-rehob. And the Danites rebuilt the city and lived there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30-31</a></span><br />The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. / So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Judges 5:17</a></span><br />Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/23-22.htm">Numbers 23:22-24</a></span><br />God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. / For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ / Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17-19</a></span><br />I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. / Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. / A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-22.htm">Deuteronomy 33:22</a></span><br />Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2-5</a></span><br />Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. / The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23-30</a></span><br />Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” / And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” / And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4-5</a></span><br />Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a></span><br />“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a></span><br />This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Isaiah 59:5</a></span><br />They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that bites the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.</p><p class="hdg">shall be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/14-1.htm">Judges 14:1-15:20</a></b></br> And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-22.htm">Judges 16:22-30</a></b></br> Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/18-22.htm">Judges 18:22-31</a></b></br> <i>And</i> when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that <i>were</i> in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan… </p><p class="hdg">an adder.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Adder</a> <a href="/genesis/9-23.htm">Backward</a> <a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/genesis/49-16.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/genesis/41-44.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/daniel/11-43.htm">Heels</a> <a href="/psalms/69-31.htm">Horned</a> <a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Horse-Heels</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-4.htm">Horseman</a> <a href="/revelation/14-20.htm">Horse's</a> <a href="/titus/3-11.htm">Path</a> <a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Rider</a> <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Road</a> <a href="/genesis/38-16.htm">Roadside</a> <a href="/genesis/3-14.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/genesis/3-13.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/acts/28-3.htm">Viper</a> <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/20-16.htm">Adder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm">Backward</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/exodus/1-4.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/genesis/50-18.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/genesis/50-1.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/exodus/15-16.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/exodus/12-37.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Heels</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-16.htm">Horned</a> <a href="/exodus/15-1.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Horse-Heels</a> <a href="/exodus/15-1.htm">Horseman</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Horse's</a> <a href="/numbers/22-24.htm">Path</a> <a href="/exodus/15-1.htm">Rider</a> <a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Road</a> <a href="/job/31-32.htm">Roadside</a> <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/job/20-16.htm">Viper</a> <a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Way</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>He will be a snake by the road</b><br>This phrase refers to the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The imagery of a snake suggests cunning and subtlety. In biblical context, snakes often symbolize deceit or danger, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The road implies a place of travel or transition, indicating that Dan's influence or actions may occur in unexpected or vulnerable moments. Historically, the tribe of Dan settled in a region that was a crossroads for trade and travel, which could have made them strategically significant.<p><b>a viper in the path</b><br>The viper is a more specific and dangerous type of snake, emphasizing the potential harm or threat posed by Dan. In ancient Near Eastern culture, vipers were feared for their venomous bite, symbolizing lethal and sudden danger. This imagery suggests that Dan's actions could be unexpectedly harmful or treacherous. The path indicates a journey or direction, possibly alluding to the spiritual or moral journey of Israel, where Dan's influence might lead to pitfalls or challenges.<p><b>that bites the horse’s heels</b><br>The act of biting the horse's heels is a metaphor for causing disruption or downfall. Horses were symbols of strength and power in ancient times, often used in warfare and transportation. By targeting the heels, the viper (Dan) causes the horse to stumble, representing a strategic attack on the foundation or support of something strong. This could symbolize how Dan's actions might undermine or destabilize larger entities or plans within Israel.<p><b>so that its rider tumbles backward</b><br>The result of the horse being bitten is the rider's fall, indicating a loss of control or defeat. In biblical symbolism, the rider could represent leadership or authority, suggesting that Dan's actions might lead to the downfall of leaders or the disruption of established order. This imagery can be connected to the broader narrative of Israel's history, where internal strife and external threats often led to periods of instability. The prophecy here may also foreshadow future events where the tribe of Dan plays a role in significant upheavals or challenges within the nation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is giving his final blessings and prophecies to his sons in <a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Genesis 49</a>.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/dan.htm">Dan</a></b><br>One of the twelve sons of Jacob, representing one of the tribes of Israel. His name means "judge" in Hebrew.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/serpent/viper.htm">Serpent/Viper</a></b><br>Symbolic imagery used by Jacob to describe the tribe of Dan's future actions or characteristics.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/horse_and_rider.htm">Horse and Rider</a></b><br>Metaphorical elements in the prophecy, representing strength and power that can be undermined or subverted.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a></b><br>Just as a small serpent can cause a large horse to stumble, small actions or influences can have significant impacts. We must be mindful of the influence we wield in our communities and families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cunning_and_deception.htm">Cunning and Deception</a></b><br>The imagery of the serpent suggests cunning and potential for deception. Believers are called to be wise and discerning, avoiding deceitful practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_justice.htm">Judgment and Justice</a></b><br>Dan's name means "judge," reminding us of the importance of righteous judgment. We should strive to uphold justice in our lives, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_idolatry.htm">Consequences of Idolatry</a></b><br>The tribe of Dan's later history serves as a warning against idolatry and turning away from God. We must guard our hearts against anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God.<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/how_is_salvation_in_the_old_testament.htm">How is salvation achieved in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_the_exodus_from_egypt..htm">What does the Bible say about gun confiscation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_brain_injury.htm">What does the Bible say about brain injury?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_dan_missing_from_144,000.htm">Why is Dan excluded from Revelation's 144,000 list?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/49-17.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">He</span><br /><span class="heb">דָן֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1835.htm">Strong's 1835: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהִי־</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a serpent</span><br /><span class="heb">נָחָ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḥāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the road,</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶ֔רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a viper</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(šə·p̄î·p̄ōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8207.htm">Strong's 8207: </a> </span><span class="str2">A kind of serpent, the cerastes, horned adder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the path,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹ֑רַח</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that bites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנֹּשֵׁךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(han·nō·šêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the horse’s</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֔וּס</span> <span class="translit">(sūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swallow, swift (type of bird)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heels</span><br /><span class="heb">עִקְּבֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘iq·qə·ḇê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6119.htm">Strong's 6119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heel, footprint, hind part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that its rider</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹכְב֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(rō·ḵə·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7392.htm">Strong's 7392: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ride, to place upon, to despatch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tumbles</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפֹּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">backward.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_268.htm">Strong's 268: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hinder part, behind, backward, the West</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/49-17.htm">Genesis 49:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">OT Law: Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/49-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 49:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/49-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 49:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:18" /></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>