Genesis 49:20
Genesis 49:20 in Multiple Translations
Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies.
¶ Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, And he shall yield royal dainties.
Asher's bread is fat; he gives delicate food for kings.
Asher will have delicious food—he'll produce fancy food for royalty.
Concerning Asher, his bread shalbe fat, and he shall giue pleasures for a king.
Out of Asher his bread [is] fat; And he giveth dainties of a king.
“Asher’s food will be rich. He will produce royal dainties.
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
Aser, his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield dainties to kings.
Asher, your descendants will eat good-tasting food; they will produce food that is delicious enough for kings to eat.
Then Jacob said, “Asher’s land will grow really good food. That food will be so good, rich bosses will pay a lot of money to eat it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 49:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ/אָשֵׁ֖ר
שְׁמֵנָ֣ה
לַחְמ֑/וֹ
וְ/ה֥וּא
יִתֵּ֖ן
מַֽעֲדַנֵּי
מֶֽלֶךְ
מֵ/אָשֵׁ֖ר
ʼÂshêr
H836
Asher
Prep | N-proper
שְׁמֵנָ֣ה
shâmên
H8082
rich
Adj
לַחְמ֑/וֹ
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יִתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מַֽעֲדַנֵּי
maʻădân
H4574
delicacy
N-cp
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:20
מֵ/אָשֵׁ֖ר
ʼÂshêr
H836
"Asher"
Prep | N-proper
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and one of the twelve tribes of Israel, mentioned in Genesis 30:13. The tribe of Asher was known for its happy and blessed people. Asher is also the name of a region in Palestine.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.13; son of: Israel (H3478) and Zilpah (H2153); brother of: Gad (H1410); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Imnah (H3232), Ishvah (H3438), Ishvi (H3440), Beriah (H1283) and Serah (H8294); also translated "pine" or "cypress wood" at Ezk.27.6(?); Ashurite at 2Sa.2.9(?); § Asher = "happy" 1) son of Jacob and Zilpah 2) the tribe descended from Asher 3) a city east of Shechem in Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asher See also: Genesis 30:13; Joshua 17:11; Ezekiel 48:34.
שְׁמֵנָ֣ה
shâmên
H8082
"rich"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone as rich or fat, implying a sense of abundance or prosperity. It can also describe food that is rich or plentiful, or people who are strong and healthy. In the Bible, it is used to describe fertile land and abundant resources.
Definition: 1) fat, rich, robust 1a) fat, rich (of food) 1b) stout, robust (of men)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: fat, lusty, plenteous. See also: Genesis 49:20; Nehemiah 9:35; Isaiah 30:23.
לַחְמ֑/וֹ
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מַֽעֲדַנֵּי
maʻădân
H4574
"delicacy"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a delicacy or something that brings pleasure, like a favorite food. It can also mean delight or joy. The KJV translates it as dainty or delight.
Definition: dainty (food), delight
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dainty, delicately, delight. See also: Genesis 49:20; Proverbs 29:17; Lamentations 4:5.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
18I await Your salvation, O LORD.
19Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.
20Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies.
21Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. 22Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 33:24–25 | And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil. May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.” |
| 2 | Genesis 30:13 | Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:17 | The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. |
| 4 | Joshua 19:24–31 | The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher: Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath, then turned eastward toward Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, passing Cabul on the left. It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. The border then turned back toward Ramah as far as the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah, and came out at the Sea in the region of Achzib, Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Asher, including these cities and their villages. |
Genesis 49:20 Summary
Genesis 49:20 tells us that Asher's food will be rich and that they will provide royal delicacies. This means that the tribe of Asher will be blessed with an abundance of food and resources, similar to the promises given to other tribes in Genesis 49. This blessing is not just about physical food, but also about trusting in God's provision and promises, as seen in verses like Philippians 4:19. By trusting in God's goodness and generosity, we can experience a sense of spiritual abundance and nourishment, just like Asher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Asher's food will be rich in Genesis 49:20?
This prophecy indicates that the tribe of Asher will be blessed with an abundance of food and resources, as seen in the promise that they will provide royal delicacies, similar to the blessings given to other tribes in Genesis 49.
How does Asher's blessing relate to the overall theme of Genesis 49?
The blessing of Asher is part of the larger theme of Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses each of his sons and prophesies their future, as seen in verses such as Genesis 49:8-12 for Judah and Genesis 49:22-26 for Joseph.
Is Asher's blessing only about physical food, or is there a spiritual component?
While the verse does mention physical food, the idea of providing royal delicacies may also hint at a spiritual abundance, similar to the concept of feasting on God's word in Jeremiah 15:16 or the promise of spiritual nourishment in Matthew 4:4.
How can we apply the principle of Asher's blessing to our own lives?
We can apply the principle of Asher's blessing by trusting in God's provision and promises, as seen in verses like Philippians 4:19, and by being generous with the resources we have, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced God's provision and abundance in my life, and how can I be more thankful for these blessings?
- How can I use the resources I have been given to provide for others and bring joy to those around me?
- What does it mean to 'feast' on God's word, and how can I make this a regular part of my spiritual practice?
- In what ways can I trust in God's promise to provide for my needs, as seen in verses like Genesis 49:20 and Matthew 6:33?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:20
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat,.... Which signifies that this tribe would have a sufficiency of food out of their own land, without being obliged to others, and that it would be of the best
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:20
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties. Out of Asher his bread shall be fat.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
i.e. Out of the land of Asher. Or, As for or concerning Asher, his bread-corn shall be fuller and sweeter and better than ordinary; and he shall yield royal dainties; not only oil for ointments, but also delicious and excellent fruits, fit to be presented to a king. See ,25.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
Genesis 49:20 Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.Ver. 20. Out of Asher his bread shall be fat.] The "heart of the wheat," as the psalmist hath it. Or, choicest bread corn. Moses expoundeth this; Asher shall "dip his foot in oil." That is, he shall dwell in "the horn of the son of oil," as the expression is. Or in a very fruitful corn country, which was a singular blessing, according to his name, which signifieth bliss and happiness. He shall yield dainties for a king.] Kings use to feed of the finest. Yet of Augustus we read, that he was never elaborate in his diet; but content with ordinary and common food. He never drank but thrice at one meal, and lived near fourscore years. Queen Elizabeth of England did seldom eat but one sort of meat, rose ever with an appetite, and lived about seventy years: King Edward VI called her by no other name than his "sweet sister Temperance." Contrarily, Sulla the Roman dictator, by surfeiting and banqueting, at last got a most miserable disease, and died full of lice. Surfeiters either dig their graves with their own teeth (the Grecians called the intemperate, ασωτους quasi ασωστους, as wanting health), or else they come to some untimely end, by the just judgment of God; as those monstrous epicures, Caligula, Heliogabalus, Geta the Emperor, who was served in with dainties by the alphabet.
One while he would have anserem, anatem, aprum; another time he would have phasianum, farra, ficus; sometime again, pullum, pavonem, perdicem, porcellum, piscem, perham, &c. This was one of those Caesars who got nothing by their honour, but ut citius interficerentur. Newlander’ s Cure, by Sir Edward Vaughan. Camd., Elisab. Sabellic. Aenead., ii. Plures pereunt gula quam gladio, lancibus quam lanceis, crapula quam capulo, &c. - Heidfeld. Bauson., lib. iii. cap. 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
(20) Asher.—The territory of this tribe, extending along the coast from Mount Carmel to Lebanon, was very productive. Zebulun, the trading tribe, could reach the sea only through their possessions.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:20
20. Out of Asher] Almost certainly the marg. gives the right reading, Asher, his bread &c. The preposition rendered “out of” is the letter m, which is superfluous here, but is required for the pronoun “their,” in the words “their heel” at the close of the preceding verse. The name of the tribe will then open the verse as a kind of nominativus pendens, i.e. “As for Asher, his bread, &c.” Cf. Deuteronomy 32:4, “The Rock, his work is perfect.” So the versions, LXX, Lat., Syr. bread shall be fat] Cf. Deuteronomy 33:24, “Blessed be Asher … and let him dip his foot in oil.” yield royal dainties] The fertility of Asher’s land will supply the wants of the kings of Tyre and Sidon. In Judges 5:17 Asher rests on the sea coast. There is a play intended on the name of the tribe Asher, and the Hebrew word for “happy” (cf. Genesis 30:13), referring to the “happiness” of its fertility. Cf.
Arabia Felix.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:20
20. Fat his bread — Grammatically, bread is in apposition with fat. The tribe of Asher occupied the rich and fertile region along the Mediterranean, north of Mount Carmel.