Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Simeon and Levi are brothers— their swords are weapons of violence. New Living Translation “Simeon and Levi are two of a kind; their weapons are instruments of violence. English Standard Version “Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Berean Standard Bible Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. King James Bible Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. New King James Version “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. New American Standard Bible “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. NASB 1995 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. NASB 1977 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. Legacy Standard Bible “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. Amplified Bible “Simeon and Levi are brothers [equally headstrong, deceitful, vindictive, and cruel]; Their swords are weapons of violence and revenge. Christian Standard Bible Simeon and Levi are brothers; their knives are vicious weapons. Holman Christian Standard Bible Simeon and Levi are brothers; their knives are vicious weapons. American Standard Version Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords. Contemporary English Version Simeon and Levi, you are brothers, each a gruesome sword. English Revised Version Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords. GOD'S WORD® Translation "[Simeon] and [Levi] are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence. Good News Translation "Simeon and Levi are brothers. They use their weapons to commit violence. International Standard Version "Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are violent weapons. NET Bible Simeon and Levi are brothers, weapons of violence are their knives! New Heart English Bible Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence. Webster's Bible Translation Simeon and Levi are brethren: instruments of cruelty are in, their habitations. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSimeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. World English Bible “Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSimeon and Levi [are] brothers! Instruments of violence—their espousals! Young's Literal Translation Simeon and Levi are brethren! Instruments of violence -- their espousals! Smith's Literal Translation Simon and Levi brethren; their swords instruments of violence. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSimeon and Levi brethren: vessels of iniquity, waging war. Catholic Public Domain Version The brothers Simeon and Levi: vessels of iniquity waging war. New American Bible “Simeon and Levi, brothers indeed, weapons of violence are their knives. New Revised Standard Version Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSimeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of anger are in their nature. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Shemon and Levi, brothers, are weapons of rage by their nature. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence their kinship. Brenton Septuagint Translation Symeon and Levi, brethren, accomplished the injustice of their cutting off. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Blesses His Sons…4Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. 5Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. 6May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim.… Cross References Genesis 34:25-30 Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. / They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. / Jacob’s other sons came upon the slaughter and looted the city, because their sister had been defiled. ... Joshua 5:2-3 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. Judges 9:4-5 So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him. / He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself. 1 Chronicles 7:21-22 Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the natives of Gath, because they went down to steal their livestock. / Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. 1 Chronicles 12:1-2 Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): 2 Samuel 2:18-23 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ... 2 Samuel 3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) 1 Kings 2:5-6 Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Kings 2:32-33 The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.” Ezekiel 25:12-14 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’ Amos 1:11 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. Matthew 10:34-36 Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. / For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ Luke 22:49-51 Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” / And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. / But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him. John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” Acts 7:23-25 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. / And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. Treasury of Scripture Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. Simeon. Genesis 29:33,34 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… Genesis 34:25-29 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males… Genesis 46:10,11 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman… instruments, etc. Genesis 34:25-29 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males… Jump to Previous Cruelty Deceit Designs Espousals Force Habitations Implements Instruments Levi Secret Simeon Swords Violence WeaponsJump to Next Cruelty Deceit Designs Espousals Force Habitations Implements Instruments Levi Secret Simeon Swords Violence WeaponsGenesis 49 1. Jacob calls his sons to bless them.3. Their blessing in particular. 29. He charges them about his burial. 33. He dies. Simeon and Levi are brothers; Simeon and Levi were the second and third sons of Jacob and Leah. Their brotherhood is emphasized here, not just in terms of familial ties but also in their shared actions and characteristics. In the context of Genesis, their unity is highlighted in the incident at Shechem (Genesis 34), where they acted together in response to the defilement of their sister Dinah. This phrase underscores their close relationship and shared temperament, which plays a significant role in their father's prophetic blessings and rebukes. their swords are weapons of violence. Persons / Places / Events 1. SimeonThe second son of Jacob and Leah. Known for his role in the violent act against the Shechemites. 2. Levi The third son of Jacob and Leah. Like Simeon, he participated in the attack on Shechem. 3. Jacob The patriarch who is blessing his sons in Genesis 49, offering prophetic insights into their futures. 4. Shechem A city in Canaan where Simeon and Levi avenged their sister Dinah by killing the men of the city. 5. Dinah The sister of Simeon and Levi, whose defilement by Shechem led to their violent retaliation. Teaching Points The Consequences of ViolenceSimeon and Levi's actions had long-term consequences for their tribes. Violence often leads to division and loss of blessing. The Potential for Redemption Despite their violent past, the tribe of Levi was later set apart for priestly service, demonstrating God's ability to redeem and repurpose. The Importance of Self-Control The account of Simeon and Levi serves as a cautionary tale about the need for self-control and the dangers of acting on impulse. Family Dynamics and Legacy Jacob's words to his sons highlight how family actions and dynamics can impact future generations. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail, as seen in the eventual role of the Levites in Israel's spiritual life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 49:5?2. How does Genesis 49:5 describe Simeon and Levi's actions and their consequences? 3. What lessons can we learn from Simeon and Levi's behavior in Genesis 49:5? 4. How does Genesis 49:5 connect to earlier events in Genesis 34? 5. In what ways can we avoid the "instruments of violence" mentioned in Genesis 49:5? 6. How can Genesis 49:5 guide us in resolving conflicts peacefully today? 7. What is the significance of Simeon and Levi's actions in Genesis 49:5 for their descendants? 8. How does Genesis 49:5 reflect on the character of Simeon and Levi? 9. Why does Jacob curse Simeon and Levi's anger in Genesis 49:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49? 11. Why does Genesis 49:5–7 curse Simeon and Levi, yet the Levites later assume priestly duties—does this indicate an internal contradiction? 12. What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible? 13. What is the significance of the Tribe of Simeon? 14. Genesis 34:13–29 – Why would Simeon and Levi punish an entire city for one man’s crime, and is there historical or archaeological evidence of such collective retribution? What Does Genesis 49:5 Mean Simeon and Levi are brothers- Born to Leah in quick succession (Genesis 29:33–34), they shared more than blood; they shared temperament. - Their united front first appears in Genesis 34 when “Simeon and Levi… took their swords… and slaughtered every male” in Shechem, avenging Dinah. - Scripture often applauds brotherly unity (Psalm 133:1), yet here it illustrates how closeness can amplify sin when anger rules (Proverbs 1:10-15). - Jacob’s dying words highlight that their partnership, though natural, became a channel for violence instead of blessing (compare Amos 3:3). their swords are weapons of violence - Jacob condemns the very instruments they wielded, calling them “weapons of violence,” a blunt assessment of their past (Genesis 49:6-7). - Their choice of the sword reveals uncontrolled wrath—“Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce” (Genesis 49:7). - God later redirects Levi’s zeal: at Sinai the tribe stands with Moses, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me” (Exodus 32:26), showing that passion can be purified for righteous purposes. - Simeon, by contrast, fades from prominence; in the wilderness census his tribe shrinks drastically (Numbers 26:14), illustrating long-term fallout from violence. - The verse warns that human vengeance opposes God’s will: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). - For believers today, the passage urges restraint, self-control, and the surrender of anger to the Lord (Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:19-20). summary Genesis 49:5 spotlights the inseparable bond of Simeon and Levi and the destructive force of their unchecked wrath. What should have been a brotherhood of mutual support became a partnership in violence. Jacob’s prophecy calls us to harness zeal under God’s authority, refusing to let anger steer our relationships or actions. (5) Simeon and Levi are brethren.--That is, they are alike in character and disposition. Despising the feeble Reuben, they seem to have been close friends and allies, and probably tried to exercise a tyrannical authority over their younger brethren, Judah being the only one near them in age.Their habitations.--This translation is universally abandoned, but there is much difference of opinion as to the real meaning of the word. The most probable explanation is that given by Jerome and Rashi, who render it swords. Apparently it is the Greek word machaera, a knife; and as neither the Hebrews nor the Canaanites were metallurgists, such articlesúwere imported by merchants from Ionia. Long before the days of Jacob, caravans of traders traversed the whole country, and the goods which they brought would carry with them their own foreign names. The sentence, therefore, should be translated, "weapons of violence are their knives." The other meaning given by some competent critics, namely, compacts, if the word could be formed at all from the supposed root, would mean marriage contracts, and this gives no intelligible sense. Verses 5-7. - Simeon and Levi are brethren (not in parentage alone, but also in their deeds; e.g. their massacre of the Shechemites (Genesis 34:25), to which undoubtedly the next words allude); instruments of cruelty are in their habitations - literally, instruments of violence their מְכֵדֹת, a ἅπαξ λεγόμ. which has been variously rendered(1) their dwellings, or habitations (Kimchi, A. V., Calvin, Ainsworth), in the land of their sojourning (Onkelos), for which, however, there does not seem to be much authority; (2) their machinations or wicked counsels, deriving from מָכַר, to string together, to take in a net, to ensnare (Nahum 3:4), the cognate Arabic root signifying to deceive or practice stratagems (De Dieu, Schultens, Castelli, Tayler Lewis, and others); (3) their betrothals, or compacts of marriage, connecting with the same root as the preceding in the sense of "binding together" (Dathius, Clericus, Michaelis, Knobel, Furst, et alii); . . . Hebrew Simeonשִׁמְע֥וֹן (šim·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8095: Simeon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite with a foreign wife and Levi וְלֵוִ֖י (wə·lê·wî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him are brothers; אַחִ֑ים (’a·ḥîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) their swords מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ (mə·ḵê·rō·ṯê·hem) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4380: (probably some kind of) weapon are weapons כְּלֵ֥י (kə·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus of violence. חָמָ֖ס (ḥā·mās) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain Links Genesis 49:5 NIVGenesis 49:5 NLT Genesis 49:5 ESV Genesis 49:5 NASB Genesis 49:5 KJV Genesis 49:5 BibleApps.com Genesis 49:5 Biblia Paralela Genesis 49:5 Chinese Bible Genesis 49:5 French Bible Genesis 49:5 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 49:5 Simeon and Levi are brothers (Gen. 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