Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he sees how good is his resting place and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor. New Living Translation When he sees how good the countryside is and how pleasant the land, he will bend his shoulder to the load and submit himself to hard labor. English Standard Version He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor. Berean Standard Bible He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant. Berean Literal Bible And he saw rest, that its was good, and the land, that it was pleasant, and he extended his shoulder to bear a burden, and he became a servant at forced labor. King James Bible 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. New King James Version He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves. New American Standard Bible “When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to carry burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. NASB 1995 “When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. NASB 1977 “When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. Legacy Standard Bible And he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, So he bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor. Amplified Bible “When he saw that the resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear [burdens], And became a servant at forced labor. Berean Annotated Bible He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant. Christian Standard Bible He saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, so he leaned his shoulder to bear a load and became a forced laborer. Holman Christian Standard Bible He saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, so he leaned his shoulder to bear a load and became a forced laborer. American Standard Version And he saw a resting-place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under taskwork. Contemporary English Version You found them so pleasant that you worked too hard and became a slave. English Revised Version And he saw a resting place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under taskwork. GOD'S WORD® Translation When he sees that his resting place is good and that the land is pleasant, he will bend his back to the burden and will become a slave laborer. Good News Translation But he sees that the resting place is good And that the land is delightful. So he bends his back to carry the load And is forced to work as a slave. International Standard Version He observed that his resting place was excellent, and that the land was pleasant; he bent down, picked up his burdens, and became a slave at forced labor." NET Bible When he sees a good resting place, and the pleasant land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and become a slave laborer. New Heart English Bible When he sees a good resting place, that the land is pleasant, he will bend his back to the burden, and become a slave doing forced labor. Webster's Bible Translation And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant. World English Bible He saw a resting place, that it was good, the land, that it was pleasant. He bows his shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he sees rest, that [it is] good, "" And the land, that [it is] pleasant, "" And he inclines his shoulder to bear, "" And is a servant for tribute. Berean Literal Bible And he saw rest, that its was good, and the land, that it was pleasant, and he extended his shoulder to bear a burden, and he became a servant at forced labor. Young's Literal Translation And he seeth rest that it is good, And the land that it is pleasant, And he inclineth his shoulder to bear, And is to tribute a servant. Smith's Literal Translation And he will see the rest that it was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and he extended his shoulder to bear, and he will be a servant to tribute. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe saw rest that it was good: and the land that it was excellent: and he bowed his shoulder to carry, and became a servant under tribute. Catholic Public Domain Version He saw that rest would be good, and that the land was excellent. And so he bent his shoulder to carry, and he became a servant under tribute. New American Bible When he saw how good a settled life was, and how pleasant the land, He bent his shoulder to the burden and became a toiling serf. New Revised Standard Version he saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant; so he bowed his shoulder to the burden, and became a slave at forced labor. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he saw that his dwelling place was good, and his land fertile; and he bowed his shoulder to servitude, and became a servant to tribute. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he saw his dwelling, that it is beautiful, and his land is good, and he bowed his shoulder to servitude and it was for tribute. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For he saw a resting-place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under task-work Brenton Septuagint Translation And having seen the resting place that it was good, and the land that it was fertile, he subjected his shoulder to labour, and became a husbandman. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Blesses His Sons…14Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. 15He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant. 16Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel.… Cross References He saw that his resting place was good Psalm 132:14 “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home. Deuteronomy 12:10 When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell securely, Joshua 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. and that his land was pleasant, Jeremiah 3:19 Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me. Psalm 106:24 They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise. Ezekiel 20:6 On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands. so he bent his shoulder to the burden Psalm 81:6 “I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket. Exodus 1:11-14 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly … 2 Chronicles 2:18 Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors. and submitted to labor as a servant. 1 Kings 9:21 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 2 Chronicles 8:8 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. Joshua 9:27 On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. Deuteronomy 33:18-19 Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.” Judges 5:15-16 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. 1 Chronicles 12:32 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. Hosea 10:11 Ephraim is a well-trained heifer that loves to thresh; but I will place a yoke on her fair neck. I will harness Ephraim, Judah will plow, and Jacob will break the hard ground. Treasury of Scripture And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute. rest. Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. Judges 3:11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. 2 Samuel 7:1 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; bowed. Psalm 81:6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots. Ezekiel 29:18 Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Jump to Previous Bear Bowed Bows Burden Forced Good Inclineth Labor Pleasant Pleasing Rest Resting Resting-Place Servant Shoulder Slave Task-Work Tributary Tribute WeightsJump to Next Bear Bowed Bows Burden Forced Good Inclineth Labor Pleasant Pleasing Rest Resting Resting-Place Servant Shoulder Slave Task-Work Tributary Tribute WeightsGenesis 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 saw that his resting place was good This phrase reflects the tribe of Issachar's contentment with their inheritance in the Promised Land. The land allotted to Issachar was fertile and productive, located in the Jezreel Valley, which was known for its agricultural richness. This contentment can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual rest and satisfaction found in God's provision. The idea of a "resting place" also connects to the broader biblical theme of rest, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-10, where believers are encouraged to enter God's rest through faith. and that his land was pleasant so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant Persons / Places / Events 1. IssacharThe verse is part of Jacob's blessing to his sons, specifically addressing Issachar. Issachar is described metaphorically as a strong donkey, indicating strength and endurance. 2. Jacob The patriarch who is blessing his sons before his death. His blessings are prophetic and reveal the future of the tribes of Israel. 3. Canaan The land that is described as "pleasant" and "good," which is the Promised Land where the tribes of Israel will eventually settle. 4. The Tribes of Israel Issachar's descendants become one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their labor and agricultural contributions. 5. Prophetic Blessing This event is part of Jacob's prophetic blessings over his sons, which have implications for the future of the nation of Israel. Teaching Points Contentment and ResponsibilityIssachar's willingness to "bend his shoulder to the burden" teaches us about the importance of contentment with our circumstances and the responsibility to work diligently. Discernment in Choices The decision to settle in a "pleasant" land reflects the need for discernment in choosing where and how we invest our efforts and resources. Service and Sacrifice The submission to "forced labor" can be seen as a call to serve others and sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good, reflecting Christ-like humility. Strength in Humility The metaphor of a "strong donkey" suggests that true strength is found in humility and service, aligning with Jesus' teaching on servant leadership. Understanding the Times Like the men of Issachar, we are called to understand the times and act wisely, applying biblical principles to contemporary challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 49:15?2. How does Genesis 49:15 illustrate the importance of hard work and diligence? 3. What does "saw that his resting place was good" teach about contentment? 4. How can we apply the lesson of "bending his shoulder to bear" today? 5. What connections exist between Genesis 49:15 and Proverbs on work ethic? 6. How does Genesis 49:15 challenge us to embrace responsibilities in our lives? 7. What does Genesis 49:15 reveal about Issachar's character and role among the tribes of Israel? 8. How does Genesis 49:15 reflect the historical context of ancient Israelite society? 9. What theological implications arise from Issachar's willingness to bear burdens in Genesis 49:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49? 11. Is there work in Heaven? 12. How do we interpret the phrase 'the Israel of God' (Galatians 6:16) without contradicting Old Testament references to Israel's unique covenant? 13. In Genesis 8:7-9, how do ravens and doves survive and find food and rest if the land was still mostly flooded? 14. What role did Issachar play among Jacob's sons? What Does Genesis 49:15 Mean He saw that his resting place was goodJacob’s prophecy pictures Issachar (v. 14) pausing long enough to recognize the blessings God set before him. • Inheritances allotted later in Joshua 19:17–23 placed Issachar in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a territory renowned for rich soil and abundant crops, echoing the “good” rest spoken of here. • God repeatedly promises His people rest in a land of plenty (Deuteronomy 12:9–10; Joshua 21:44); Issachar enjoys an early glimpse of that assurance. • Recognition of God-given benefits calls for gratitude rather than complacency (Psalm 103:2); Issachar’s first response is simply to see and appreciate the goodness provided. and that his land was pleasant The prophecy moves from rest to land, underscoring physical delight and productivity. • “Pleasant” mirrors Moses’ later blessing over Issachar and Zebulun in Deuteronomy 33:18–19, where the tribes delight in treasures “of the sand.” • Pleasant land signals both beauty and bounty, aligning with Psalm 16:6, “Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me”. • God’s covenant design is tangible: He gifts spaces that nourish families, livestock, and worship (Leviticus 26:4–5). Issachar recognizes value beyond mere survival. so he bent his shoulder to the burden Perceiving blessing leads Issachar to work rather than idle comfort. • The image recalls a beast of burden willingly lowering itself to receive a load (Proverbs 14:4). Strength is placed under disciplined service. • Judges 5:15 records Issachar’s leaders partnering with Deborah in battle, illustrating readiness to shoulder national responsibility. • Willing labor transforms gratitude into stewardship (Colossians 3:23). The tribe accepts toil as the fitting response to God’s provision. and submitted to labor as a servant Issachar’s submission carries both reward and cost. • Historically, Issachar’s territory lay along major trade routes, and its people likely engaged in agricultural levies to surrounding powers, fulfilling the servant motif (1 Kings 9:15). • Voluntary service echoes the humble posture Christ later exemplifies (Mark 10:45). True greatness resides in obedient work. • By embracing servanthood, Issachar secures peace and ongoing fruitfulness, fulfilling Proverbs 12:24: “The hand of the diligent will rule”. summary Issachar’s prophecy in Genesis 49:15 celebrates a tribe that notices God’s good gifts, delights in them, and responds with willing, humble labor. Rest and pleasant land become catalysts for diligent service, proving that gratitude matures into faithful work. The passage invites believers to recognize blessings, thank God, and gladly shoulder whatever tasks advance His purposes. (15) A servant unto tribute.--Heb., task-work. It means service paid in actual labour, such as was exacted by Solomon of the descendants of the Canaanites (1Kings 9:21, where the phrase used here is translated "a tribute of bondservice;" and 2Chronicles 8:8). In the Middle Ages this forced labour--called" service without wages in Jeremiah 22:13Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He sawוַיַּ֤רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction his resting place מְנֻחָה֙ (mə·nu·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode was good ט֔וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good and that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction his land הָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land was pleasant, נָעֵ֑מָה (nā·‘ê·māh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5276: To be pleasant, delightful, or lovely so he bent וַיֵּ֤ט (way·yêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend his shoulder שִׁכְמוֹ֙ (šiḵ·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7926: The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill to the burden לִסְבֹּ֔ל (lis·bōl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5445: To carry, be burdensome, to be gravid and submitted וַיְהִ֖י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be to labor לְמַס־ (lə·mas-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4522: Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom as a servant. עֹבֵֽד׃ (‘ō·ḇêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave Links Genesis 49:15 NIVGenesis 49:15 NLT Genesis 49:15 ESV Genesis 49:15 NASB Genesis 49:15 KJV Genesis 49:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 49:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 49:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 49:15 French Bible Genesis 49:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 49:15 He saw a resting place that it (Gen. 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