Genesis 49:17
New International Version
Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
“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.

NASB 1995
“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.

NASB 1977
“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.

Legacy Standard Bible
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.

Amplified Bible
“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.

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horses’ heels so that its rider falls backward.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
You are a snake that bites the heel of a horse, making its rider fall.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Dan is a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, "" Which is biting the horse’s heels, "" And its rider falls backward.

Young's Literal Translation
Dan is a serpent by the way, An adder by the path, Which is biting the horse's heels, And its rider falleth backward.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And let Dan be a serpent in the way, besetting the path, biting the heel of the horse (and the rider shall fall backward),

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Blesses His Sons
16Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward. 18I await Your salvation, O LORD.…

Cross References
Judges 18:27-28
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.

Judges 18:30-31
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.

Judges 5:17
Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.

Numbers 23:22-24
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.”

Numbers 24:17-19
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.”

Deuteronomy 33:22
Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”

Judges 13:2-5
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. ...

Judges 16:23-30
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. ...

Psalm 58:4-5
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.

Psalm 140:3
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah

Jeremiah 8:17
“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 30:6
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.

Isaiah 59:5
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.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

shall be.

Judges 14:1-15:20
And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines…

Judges 16:22-30
Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven…

Judges 18:22-31
And when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan…

an adder.

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Adder Backward Bites Biteth Dan Fall Falleth Falls Foot Heels Horned Horse Horse-Heels Horseman Horse's Path Rider Road Roadside Serpent Snake Viper Way
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Adder Backward Bites Biteth Dan Fall Falleth Falls Foot Heels Horned Horse Horse-Heels Horseman Horse's Path Rider Road Roadside Serpent Snake Viper Way
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.














Dan
The name "Dan" means "judge" in Hebrew. Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is often associated with judgment and justice, reflecting the meaning of the name. Historically, the tribe of Dan settled in a region that was strategically significant, often acting as a buffer against invading forces. This positioning may have contributed to their role as a "judge" among the tribes, defending the land and maintaining order.

shall be a serpent
The imagery of a "serpent" is potent and multifaceted in biblical literature. In Hebrew, the word for serpent is "נָחָשׁ" (nachash), which can symbolize cunning, danger, and subtlety. The serpent is a creature that operates with stealth and precision, often striking unexpectedly. This metaphor suggests that the tribe of Dan would possess qualities of shrewdness and strategic acumen, capable of influencing events in ways that are not immediately apparent.

by the road
The phrase "by the road" indicates a position of ambush or strategic placement. Roads in ancient times were vital for trade, travel, and communication. Being "by the road" suggests that Dan would have influence over critical pathways, perhaps controlling or impacting the flow of people and goods. This positioning could also imply a role in guiding or misdirecting others, consistent with the cunning nature of a serpent.

a viper in the path
The "viper" is another type of serpent, known for its venomous bite. In Hebrew, the word for viper is "שְׁפִיפֹן" (shephiphon), which emphasizes the deadly and sudden nature of its attack. The "path" represents the journey or course of life. This imagery suggests that Dan would have the ability to disrupt or challenge the progress of others, acting as a formidable obstacle or adversary. The viper's presence in the path underscores the potential for danger and the need for vigilance.

that bites the horse’s heels
The act of biting the "horse’s heels" is a tactical move, targeting the foundation of the horse's movement. Horses were symbols of strength and power in ancient times, often used in warfare and transportation. By attacking the heels, the serpent causes the horse to stumble, disrupting its progress and effectiveness. This metaphor highlights Dan's ability to undermine or destabilize powerful forces, using strategic precision to achieve their goals.

so that its rider tumbles backward
The result of the serpent's bite is that the "rider tumbles backward," indicating a reversal or downfall. The rider, representing leadership or authority, is thrown off balance and loses control. This outcome suggests that Dan's influence could lead to significant shifts in power dynamics, causing those in positions of authority to reevaluate their strategies and approaches. The imagery of tumbling backward also implies a humbling or corrective experience, where pride or overconfidence is challenged.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
דָן֙ (ḏān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel

will be
יְהִי־ (yə·hî-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a serpent
נָחָ֣שׁ (nā·ḥāš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5175: A serpent

by
עֲלֵי־ (‘ă·lê-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the road,
דֶ֔רֶךְ (ḏe·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

a viper
שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן (šə·p̄î·p̄ōn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8207: A kind of serpent, the cerastes, horned adder

in
עֲלֵי־ (‘ă·lê-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the path,
אֹ֑רַח (’ō·raḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 734: A well-trodden road, a caravan

that bites
הַנֹּשֵׁךְ֙ (han·nō·šêḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5391: To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury

the horse’s
ס֔וּס (sūs)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

heels
עִקְּבֵי־ (‘iq·qə·ḇê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6119: Heel, footprint, hind part

so that its rider
רֹכְב֖וֹ (rō·ḵə·ḇōw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch

tumbles
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל (way·yip·pōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

backward.
אָחֽוֹר׃ (’ā·ḥō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West


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OT Law: Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 49:16
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