And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

GENESIS 49:15KJV
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Genesis 49:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 49:15 mean?

Genesis 49:15 describes someone who recognizes that rest is good and the land is pleasant, but willingly chooses to submit to hard work and servitude, carrying burdens and paying tribute. The verse uses the image of bowing the shoulder to bear a load, showing a decision to accept a life of labor in exchange for the benefits the land offers.

In this passage, Jacob is speaking to his sons, specifically about Issachar. Jacob is giving blessings and prophecies to each son before his death. For Issachar, Jacob sees a tribe that values comfort and fertile land, but is also willing to accept subjection and hard work to maintain it. The verse paints a picture of someone who trades freedom for security and prosperity.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 49:15

  • "rest" (מְנוּחָה, menuchah): This word means a settled, peaceful resting place. Here, it highlights Issachar's appreciation for stability and comfort, not just physical rest.
  • "pleasant" (נָעֵם, na'em): This word means delightful or pleasing. The verse emphasizes that the land is not just useful, but truly attractive and desirable to Issachar.
  • "bowed" (וַיֵּט, vayet): This word means to bend or incline. The image is of willingly lowering oneself, showing a choice to accept a burden rather than being forced.
  • "servant" (עָבַד, avad): This word means to serve or work for another. The verse suggests Issachar chooses service or subjection, not out of weakness but as a trade-off for the good land.

Why Genesis 49:15 matters

  • Genesis 49:15 helps clarify that Issachar’s future is shaped by a conscious choice to value comfort and prosperity over independence, rather than simply being forced into servitude.
  • The verse connects to the broader passage by showing how each son’s character and choices shape the destiny of their descendants, giving insight into the tribes of Israel.
  • Understanding the original words for "rest," "pleasant," and "servant" reveals that the verse is about more than physical labor—it’s about the willingness to trade some freedom for the benefits of a good land.

Where else these words appear

“pleasant” Hebrew H5276 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 1:26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
  • Proverbs 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
  • Proverbs 24:25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

“bear” Hebrew H5445 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 144:14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
  • Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
  • Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“rest” Hebrew H4496 · used in 21 verses

  • Numbers 10:33 And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
  • Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

“shoulder” Hebrew H7926 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Isaiah 9:4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.