Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.

GENESIS 49:5KJV
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Genesis 49:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 49:5 mean?

Genesis 49:5 says that Simeon and Levi are brothers whose homes or gatherings are associated with tools or weapons used for violence. The verse highlights a negative aspect of their character, focusing on their involvement with cruelty.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to his sons as he gives each of them a final blessing or prophecy before his death. Here, he singles out Simeon and Levi together, recalling a past event where they acted violently. The statement sets the stage for the consequences Jacob will pronounce on them in the following verses, and it serves as a reflection on their actions rather than praise.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 49:5

  • אֲחִים (’achim, H251): This word means "brothers." Here, it emphasizes the close relationship and unity between Simeon and Levi, not just by family but in their actions.
  • כְּלֵי (kelē, H3627): This word means "instruments" or "tools." In this context, it refers to weapons or objects used for violence, not ordinary household items.
  • חָמָס (chamas, H2555): This word is often translated as "cruelty" or "violence." It highlights the harshness or injustice of their actions, pointing to a moral failing rather than just physical aggression.
  • מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶם (mekheroteihem, H4380): This word means "habitations" or "dwellings," but it can also refer to gatherings or places where plans are made. It suggests that their association with violence is not accidental but part of their way of life.

Why Genesis 49:5 matters

  • Genesis 49:5 helps clarify that Jacob's words are not just about family ties but about shared choices and actions, especially violent ones.
  • The verse connects directly to the story in Genesis 34, where Simeon and Levi acted together in violence against the city of Shechem, showing that Jacob is referencing a specific event.
  • Understanding the original words for "instruments" and "cruelty" deepens the sense that Jacob is condemning not just a single act, but a pattern of behavior and attitude within these two brothers.

Where else these words appear

“Simeon” Hebrew H8095 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
  • Numbers 1:22 Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
  • Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

“cruelty” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
  • Jeremiah 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.