Genesis 49:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Issachar is strong but content to bear heavy responsibilities.
The Context of Genesis 49:14
Issachar is described as strong but burdened.
What Does Genesis 49:14 Mean?
The image of a donkey crouching between two burdens depicts both strength and willingness to submit. Issachar is not portrayed as lazy but as a strong beast of burden, capable of carrying significant loads. The 'two burdens' suggest he will exist between competing demands or pressures.
Unlike Judah, who conquers and rules, or Zebulun, who enjoys maritime advantage, Issachar's character is defined by patient strength. His tribal identity involves endurance and the willingness to serve, carrying the weight placed upon him with steady reliability.
Genesis 49:14 in the Original Language
chamor (חֲמוֹר), 'ass'—a pack animal known for strength and utility; the comparison emphasizes practical strength over nobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 49:14
What does Genesis 49:14 mean?
Issachar is strong but content to bear heavy responsibilities.
What is the context of Genesis 49:14?
Issachar is described as strong but burdened.