The archers attacked him with bitterness;This phrase metaphorically describes the adversaries of Joseph, who faced significant opposition and betrayal from his brothers. The imagery of "archers" suggests those who launch attacks from a distance, indicating the calculated and deliberate nature of the hostility Joseph experienced. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual battles faced by believers, where adversaries may attack with malice and intent to harm. The bitterness highlights the deep-seated resentment and envy that Joseph's brothers harbored against him, as seen in
Genesis 37:4, where they could not speak peaceably to him. This bitterness is a recurring theme in Scripture, warning against the destructive nature of envy and hatred (
James 3:14-16).
they aimed at him in hostility.
The phrase "aimed at him in hostility" underscores the intentional and targeted nature of the attacks against Joseph. This hostility is not random but directed, reflecting the personal vendetta his brothers had due to their jealousy of his favored status and dreams (Genesis 37:5-11). Historically, this enmity led to Joseph being sold into slavery, a pivotal event that God used to fulfill His greater plan for Joseph and the nation of Israel. This aligns with the biblical theme of God using human evil for divine purposes (Genesis 50:20). Theologically, Joseph is often seen as a type of Christ, who also faced hostility and rejection from His own people (John 1:11), yet through His suffering, brought about salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JosephThe primary subject of this verse, Joseph is one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He is known for his dreams, his coat of many colors, and his rise to power in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers.
2.
ArchersSymbolically represents those who opposed or attacked Joseph. In a broader sense, they can be seen as adversaries or challenges that Joseph faced throughout his life.
3.
JacobThe father of Joseph, who is giving his final blessings and prophecies to his sons in
Genesis 49. This chapter is often referred to as Jacob's blessings or prophecies over his sons.
4.
EgyptThe place where Joseph rose to power and where he faced many of his trials and triumphs. It serves as the backdrop for much of Joseph's account.
5.
Bitterness and HostilityThese terms describe the nature of the attacks against Joseph, highlighting the emotional and relational challenges he faced.
Teaching Points
Endurance Through TrialsJoseph's life exemplifies enduring faith and integrity despite facing severe opposition and hostility. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith when facing adversities.
God's SovereigntyDespite the bitterness and hostility Joseph faced, God's sovereign plan was at work. This teaches us to trust in God's overarching plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.
Forgiveness and ReconciliationJoseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers demonstrates the power of forgiveness. Christians are called to forgive those who have wronged them, following Joseph's example.
Spiritual WarfareThe "archers" can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual attacks. Believers are reminded to put on the full armor of God to withstand such attacks.
Faithfulness in LeadershipJoseph's rise to leadership in Egypt, despite his trials, shows the importance of faithfulness and integrity in positions of influence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 49:23?
2.How does Genesis 49:23 illustrate God's protection amid adversity and challenges?
3.What can we learn from Joseph's resilience in Genesis 49:23 for our lives?
4.How does Genesis 49:23 connect with Romans 8:31 on overcoming opposition?
5.In what ways can we trust God when facing "archers" in our lives?
6.How can Joseph's experience in Genesis 49:23 inspire us to remain steadfast today?
7.What is the significance of Genesis 49:23 in Joseph's life story?
8.How do the "archers" in Genesis 49:23 symbolize Joseph's struggles?
9.What historical context supports the events described in Genesis 49:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49?
11.Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham's transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23?
12.In Genesis 49:22-26, Joseph receives extraordinary blessings, yet historical records of his descendants (Ephraim and Manasseh) show decline--can this be viewed as a failed prophecy?
13.Where is the archaeological evidence for the field and cave Abraham purchased in Genesis 23:17-20?
14.What are the seven deadly sins?What Does Genesis 49:23 Mean
The archers“The archers” points to the human agents who harmed Joseph—his jealous brothers and later Potiphar’s wife and the cupbearer who forgot him (Genesis 37:4, 28; 39:19-20; 40:23). Scripture often uses military imagery for personal opposition;Psalm 64:3 says, “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows”. Joseph really did face flesh-and-blood people whose actions felt like arrows.
Attacked himThe hostility was active, not accidental.
• His brothers stripped him of his robe and threw him into a pit (Genesis 37:23-24).
• They sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:28).
• Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation landed him in prison (Genesis 39:17-20).
Acts 7:9 summarizes, “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him”. The attack is undeniable, yet so is God’s presence.
With bitternessThe attackers’ hearts were poisoned by envy and spite.Genesis 37:11 notes, “His brothers were jealous of him.” Bitterness colors motives and methods, asHebrews 12:15 warns. Joseph never returned that bitterness; he maintained integrity in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:4-6) and in prison (Genesis 39:22-23), foreshadowingRomans 12:17-21’s call to overcome evil with good.
They aimed at him in hostilityThe phrase underlines deliberate, sustained pressure.
• The Midianite traders’ chains (Genesis 37:28).
• The prison’s iron shackles (Psalm 105:18).
• Two full years forgotten after interpreting the cupbearer’s dream (Genesis 41:1).
Every arrow seemed to find its mark, yetPsalm 105:19 says, “The word of the LORD proved him true.” God used the very hostility to shape Joseph for leadership (Genesis 45:5-8; 50:20).
summaryGenesis 49:23 vividly recalls Joseph’s past: real people, real wounds, real malice. Archers (his opponents) relentlessly fired arrows of betrayal, false accusation, and neglect, all fueled by bitterness. Yet the verse sits between promises of fruitfulness (49:22) and strength (49:24), showing that hostile arrows cannot cancel God’s purpose. Joseph’s story invites us to trust the Lord who turns every assault into an avenue for His saving plan.
(23)
The archers.--Naturally Jacob next describes the sorrows of Joseph's youth, but in poetical terms, so as not to wound the feelings of his brethren, or rouse up thoughts of vengeance in Joseph's own mind. Thus be compares him to a warrior, too mighty for his enemies to close with in open conflict, but whom they harass from a distance. "Hated him" would be better translated,
laid snares for him,were guilty of treachery and deceit.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The archersבַּעֲלֵ֥י(ba·‘ă·lê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, ownerattacked him with bitterness,וַֽיְמָרֲרֻ֖הוּ(way·mā·ră·ru·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4843:To be, bitterand aimedוָרֹ֑בּוּ(wā·rōb·bū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7232:To multiply ten thousand timesin hostility.וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֻ֖הוּ(way·yiś·ṭə·mu·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7852:To bear a grudge or cherish animosity against
Links
Genesis 49:23 NIVGenesis 49:23 NLTGenesis 49:23 ESVGenesis 49:23 NASBGenesis 49:23 KJV
Genesis 49:23 BibleApps.comGenesis 49:23 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 49:23 Chinese BibleGenesis 49:23 French BibleGenesis 49:23 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him shot (Gen. Ge Gn) 
