Genesis 49:11
New International Version
He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

New Living Translation
He ties his foal to a grapevine, the colt of his donkey to a choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

English Standard Version
Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes.

Berean Standard Bible
He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

King James Bible
Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

New King James Version
Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes.

New American Standard Bible
“He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.

NASB 1995
“He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.

NASB 1977
“He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.

Legacy Standard Bible
He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; He washes his garments in wine, And his robes in the blood of grapes.

Amplified Bible
“Tying his foal to the [strong] vine And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washes his clothing in wine [because the grapevine produces abundantly], And his robes in the blood of grapes.

Christian Standard Bible
He ties his donkey to a vine, and the colt of his donkey to the choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine and his robes in the blood of grapes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He ties his donkey to a vine, and the colt of his donkey to the choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine and his robes in the blood of grapes.

American Standard Version
Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass's colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes:

Contemporary English Version
You will tie your donkey to a choice grapevine and wash your clothes in wine from those grapes.

English Revised Version
Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass's colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will tie his donkey to a grapevine, his colt to the best vine. He will wash his clothes in wine, his garments in the blood of grapes.

Good News Translation
He ties his young donkey to a grapevine, To the very best of the vines. He washes his clothes in blood-red wine.

International Standard Version
Binding his donkey to the vine and his mare's foal to its thick tendrils, he will wash his garments in wine and his robe in the juice of grapes.

Majority Standard Bible
He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

NET Bible
Binding his foal to the vine, and his colt to the choicest vine, he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

New Heart English Bible
Binding his foal to the vine, and his donkey?s colt to the choice vine. He will wash his garments in wine, and his robes in the blood of grapes.

Webster's Bible Translation
Binding his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

World English Bible
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Binding to the vine his donkey, "" And to the choice vine the colt of his donkey, "" He has washed in wine his clothing, "" And in the blood of grapes his covering;

Young's Literal Translation
Binding to the vine his ass, And to the choice vine the colt of his ass, He hath washed in wine his clothing, And in the blood of grapes his covering;

Smith's Literal Translation
Binding his colt to the vine, and to the purple vine the son of the she-ass; he washed in wine his garment, and his clothing in the blood of grapes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Tying his foal to the vineyard, and his ass, 0 my son, to the vine. He shall wash his robe in wine, and his garment in the blood of the grape.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Tying his young colt to the vineyard, and his donkey, O my son, to the vine, he will wash his robe in wine, and his cloak in the blood of the grape.

New American Bible
He tethers his donkey to the vine, his donkey’s foal to the choicest stem. In wine he washes his garments, his robe in the blood of grapes.

New Revised Standard Version
Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washes his garments in wine and his robe in the blood of grapes;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He shall tie up his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to a branch; he shall bleach his garments with wine, and his robe with the juices of the grape;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He will bind his colt to the vine and the foal of his donkey to vine shoots; he will whiten his clothing with wine and his cloak with the blood of grapes:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass's colt unto the choice vine; He washeth his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Binding his foal to the vine, and the foal of his ass to the branch of it, he shall wash his robe in wine, and his garment in the blood of the grape.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Blesses His Sons
10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. 11He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. 12His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.…

Cross References
Isaiah 63:1-3
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.

Revelation 19:13
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God.

John 15:1-5
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ...

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Revelation 7:14
“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

Jeremiah 2:21
I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine?

John 2:1-11
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ...

Revelation 14:18-20
Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.” / So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. / And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood that flowed from it rose as high as the bridles of the horses for a distance of 1,600 stadia.

Numbers 24:17
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.

Hosea 14:7
They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

Amos 9:13
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, with which all the hills will flow.

Joel 3:18
And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias.

Deuteronomy 32:14
with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.


Treasury of Scripture

Binding his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

his foal.

Isaiah 63:1-3
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save…

he washed.

1 Kings 4:20,25
Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry…

2 Kings 18:32
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.

Joel 3:18
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Jump to Previous
Ass Ass's Best Bindeth Binding Blood Branch Choice Choicest Clothes Clothing Colt Cord Covering Donkey Donkey's Dress Foal Garments Grapes Knotting Robe Robes Ties Vesture Vine Wash Washed Washeth Washing Wine Young
Jump to Next
Ass Ass's Best Bindeth Binding Blood Branch Choice Choicest Clothes Clothing Colt Cord Covering Donkey Donkey's Dress Foal Garments Grapes Knotting Robe Robes Ties Vesture Vine Wash Washed Washeth Washing Wine Young
Genesis 49
1. Jacob calls his sons to bless them.
3. Their blessing in particular.
29. He charges them about his burial.
33. He dies.














He ties his donkey to the vine
This phrase suggests abundance and prosperity, as vines are typically fragile and not used for tying animals. The imagery indicates a land so fruitful that even the vines are strong and plentiful enough to serve such a purpose. In the context of Jacob's blessing to his sons, this reflects the future prosperity of the tribe of Judah. The donkey, a common beast of burden, symbolizes peace and humility, contrasting with the war horses of other nations. This imagery is also prophetic, pointing to the peaceful reign of the Messiah, who is often associated with the tribe of Judah.

his colt to the choicest branch
The colt, a young donkey, tied to the choicest branch further emphasizes the theme of abundance and the best of the land being available. The "choicest branch" signifies the finest produce, indicating a time of great blessing and favor. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Messianic age, where the best of God's blessings are realized. The colt also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus rides a colt into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of a king coming in peace (Zechariah 9:9).

He washes his garments in wine
Washing garments in wine is a metaphor for the abundance of wine, suggesting that it is as plentiful as water. Wine, in biblical times, was a symbol of joy and celebration. This imagery points to a future time of joy and prosperity for Judah. In a prophetic sense, it can also be seen as a type of Christ, whose blood, represented by wine in the Last Supper, cleanses and brings joy to believers.

his robes in the blood of grapes
The "blood of grapes" is a poetic way of describing wine, reinforcing the imagery of abundance and blessing. This phrase also carries a deeper, prophetic meaning, pointing to the sacrificial blood of Christ, who is from the line of Judah. The blood of grapes symbolizes the new covenant in Christ's blood, which brings redemption and purification. This imagery connects to Revelation 19:13, where Christ is described as wearing a robe dipped in blood, symbolizing His sacrifice and victory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The patriarch who is blessing his sons and prophesying their futures in Genesis 49. This verse is part of his blessing to Judah.

2. Judah
The fourth son of Jacob and Leah, who receives a significant blessing that includes leadership and prosperity. This verse is part of the prophecy concerning Judah's descendants.

3. Vine and Choicest Branch
Symbolic of abundance and prosperity. The imagery suggests a land so fruitful that one could tie a donkey to a vine without concern for the vine's destruction.

4. Donkey and Colt
Animals often associated with peace and humility. The mention of these animals ties into the imagery of abundance and peace.

5. Wine and Blood of Grapes
Symbolic of prosperity and abundance, but also has deeper messianic implications, pointing to themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Teaching Points
Abundance in Christ
The imagery of tying a donkey to a vine signifies a life of abundance and provision. In Christ, believers are promised spiritual abundance and provision.

Messianic Fulfillment
The prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to Judah. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation of God's redemptive plan.

Peace and Humility
The donkey and colt symbolize peace and humility, qualities exemplified by Jesus. Believers are called to live in peace and humility, following Christ's example.

Sacrificial Redemption
The washing of garments in wine foreshadows the sacrificial blood of Christ. This calls believers to remember the cost of redemption and live lives worthy of the sacrifice made for them.(11) Binding his foal . . . --Having declared the spiritual prerogative of Judah, the patriarch now foretells that his land would be so rich in vineyards that the traveller would tie his ass to the vine, as the tree abundant everywhere.

Choice vine is, literally, the vine of Sorek, a kind much valued, as bearing a purple berry, small but luscious, and destitute of stones. The abundance of grapes is next hyperbolically described as so great that their juice would be used like water for the commonest purposes.

Blood of grapes especially refers to the juice of the red kinds, which were more valued in the East than white.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He ties
אֹסְרִ֤י (’ō·sə·rî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle

his donkey
עִיר֔וֹ (‘î·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5895: A young ass, an ass-colt

to the vine,
לַגֶּ֙פֶן֙ (lag·ge·p̄en)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1612: A vine, the grape

his colt
בְּנִ֣י (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to the choicest branch.
וְלַשֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה (wə·laś·śō·rê·qāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8321: (choice species of) the vine

He washes
כִּבֵּ֤ס (kib·bês)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3526: To trample, to wash

his garments
לְבֻשׁ֔וֹ (lə·ḇu·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3830: A garment, clothing, raiment

in wine,
בַּיַּ֙יִן֙ (bay·ya·yin)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

his robes
סוּתֽוֹ׃ (sū·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5497: Covering, clothing

in the blood
וּבְדַם־ (ū·ḇə·ḏam-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

of grapes.
עֲנָבִ֖ים (‘ă·nā·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6025: A grape


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OT Law: Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal to the vine his (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 49:10
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