Genesis 49:14

Issachar, your descendants will be like strong donkeys that are lying down on the ground between their loads, so tired that they cannot get up!

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

In Context

13Zebulun, your descendants will live by the seashore where there will be a safe harbor for ships. Their land will extend north as far as Sidon city.

15They will see that their resting place is good, and that the land pleases them very much. But they will bend their backs to carry heavy loads and be forced to work for others.

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

Deuteronomy 33:18“ say this about the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar: I desire/hope that the people of Zebulun will prosper in their travels across the seas, and that the people of Issachar will prosper while they stay at home and take care of their cattle and crops.

Judges 5:15Leaders from the tribes descended from Issachar joined Barak and me. They followed Barak, rushing down into the valley. But men from the tribe descended from Reuben could not decide whether or not to join us.

1 Chronicles 12:32There were 200 men who were leaders from the tribe of Issachar, along with their relatives. Those leaders always knew what the Israelis should do, and they knew the right time to do it.

Matthew Henry on Genesis 49:14-22

13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. 14 Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 15 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. 16 Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 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. 18 I… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Genesis 49:14