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◄ Genesis 49:26►

New International Version
Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

New Living Translation
May my fatherly blessings on you surpass the blessings of my ancestors, reaching to the heights of the eternal hills. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, who is a prince among his brothers.

English Standard Version
The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.

Berean Standard Bible
The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.

King James Bible
The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

New King James Version
The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.

New American Standard Bible
“The blessings of your father Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors Up to the furthest boundary of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the top of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.

NASB 1995
“The blessings of your father Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.

NASB 1977
“The blessings of your father Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.

Legacy Standard Bible
The blessings of your father Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, And on the top of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.

Amplified Bible
“The blessings of your father Are greater than the blessings of my ancestors [Abraham and Isaac] Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; They shall be on the head of Joseph, Even on the crown of the head of him who was the distinguished oneand the one who is prince among (separate from) his brothers.

Christian Standard Bible
The blessings of your father excel the blessings of my ancestors and the bounty of the ancient hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The blessings of your father excel the blessings of my ancestors and the bounty of the eternal hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the prince of his brothers.

American Standard Version
The blessings of thy father Have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Contemporary English Version
My son, the blessings I give are better than the promise of ancient mountains or eternal hills. Joseph, I pray these blessings will come to you, because you are the leader of your brothers.

English Revised Version
The blessings of thy father Have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The blessings of your father are greater than the blessings of the oldest mountains and the riches of the ancient hills. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the prince among his brothers.

Good News Translation
Blessings of grain and flowers, Blessings of ancient mountains, Delightful things from everlasting hills. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, On the brow of the one set apart from his brothers.

International Standard Version
Your father's blessings will prove to be stronger than blessings from the eternal mountains or bounties from the everlasting hills. May they come to rest on Joseph's head, May they be set upon the brow of the one who was separated from his own brothers."

NET Bible
The blessings of your father are greater than the blessings of the eternal mountains or the desirable things of the age-old hills. They will be on the head of Joseph and on the brow of the prince of his brothers.

New Heart English Bible
The blessings of your father are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, and the bounty of the everlasting hills. They will be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

Webster's Bible Translation
The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.

World English Bible
The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my ancestors, above the boundaries of the ancient hills. They will be on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Your father’s blessings have been mighty "" Above the blessings of my progenitors, "" To the limit of the perpetual heights "" They are for the head of Joseph, "" And for the crown of the one "" Separate [from] his brothers.

Young's Literal Translation
Thy father's blessings have been mighty Above the blessings of my progenitors, Unto the limit of the heights age-during They are for the head of Joseph, And for the crown of the one Separate from his brethren.

Smith's Literal Translation
The blessings of thy father were strong above the blessings of the everlasting mountains; the delight of the eternal hills, they shall be upon the head of Joseph and upon the crown of the head of him separated from his brethren.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The blessings of thy father are strengthened with the blessings of his fathers: until the desire of the everlasting hills should come; may they be upon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of the Nazarite among his brethren.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The blessings of your father are strengthened by the blessings of his fathers, until the desire of the hills of eternity shall arrive. May they be at the head of Joseph, and at the summit of the Nazarite, among his brothers.

New American Bible
the blessings of fresh grain and blossoms, the blessings of the everlasting mountains, the delights of the eternal hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

New Revised Standard Version
The blessings of your father are stronger than the blessings of the eternal mountains, the bounties of the everlasting hills; may they be on the head of Joseph, on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my forbears to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who is the prince of his brothers.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The blessing of your father prevailed over the blessings of my forefathers unto the hope of the hills of eternity; let them be on the head of Yoseph and on the head and crown of his brothers.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The blessings of thy father Are mighty beyond the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of the prince among his brethren.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the blessings of thy father and thy mother - it has prevailed above the blessing of the lasting mountains, and beyond the blessings of the everlasting hills; they shall be upon the head of Joseph, and upon the head of the brothers of whom he took the lead.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jacob Blesses His Sons
…25by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb.26The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills.May they rest on the head of Joseph,on the brow of the prince of his brothers.27Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 33:13-16
Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, / with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, / with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, ...

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 133:2
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.

Isaiah 61:9
Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.

Isaiah 65:23
They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD—they and their descendants with them.

Ezekiel 34:26
I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing.

Ezekiel 37:25
They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever.

Hosea 14:5-7
I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. / His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. / They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

Zechariah 8:12
“For the seed will be prosperous, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will yield its produce, and the skies will give their dew. To the remnant of this people I will give all these things as an inheritance.

John 1:16
From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

Romans 15:29
I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

Treasury of Scripture

The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brothers.

have prevailed.

Genesis 27:27-29,39,40
And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my sonis as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: …

Genesis 28:3,4
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; …

Ephesians 1:3
Blessedbe the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenlyplaces in Christ:

everlasting hills.

Deuteronomy 33:15
And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,

Psalm 89:36
His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

they shall.

Deuteronomy 33:16
And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, andfor the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: letthe blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of himthat was separated from his brethren.

Psalm 132:18
His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

was separate.

Genesis 37:28
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twentypieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Numbers 6:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separatethemselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separatethemselves unto the LORD:

Psalm 105:17-22
He sent a man before them,even Joseph,who was sold for a servant: …

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Genesis 49

1.Jacob calls his sons to bless them.
3.Their blessing in particular.
29.He charges them about his burial.
33.He dies.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains
This phrase highlights the immense and enduring nature of the blessings Jacob bestows upon Joseph. In biblical context, mountains often symbolize strength, stability, and permanence. The "ancient mountains" could refer to the longstanding and unchanging nature of God's promises and blessings. Jacob's blessings are portrayed as even greater than these, emphasizing their divine origin and significance. This reflects the patriarchal tradition where blessings are passed down and are seen as powerful and prophetic, as seen in the blessings given by Isaac to Jacob and Esau inGenesis 27.

and the bounty of the everlasting hills.
The "everlasting hills" further emphasize the eternal and abundant nature of the blessings. Hills and mountains in the ancient Near East were often associated with fertility and divine presence. The use of "everlasting" suggests a connection to God's eternal covenant with His people, reminiscent of the promises made to Abraham inGenesis 12:2-3. This phrase underscores the idea that Joseph's blessings are not only abundant but also enduring, reflecting God's unchanging faithfulness.

May they rest on the head of Joseph,
Joseph, as the recipient of these blessings, is highlighted as a key figure in the narrative of Israel. His life story, marked by trials and triumphs, exemplifies God's providence and favor. The imagery of blessings resting on his head signifies honor and leadership, aligning with his role as a savior figure for his family during the famine (Genesis 45:7). This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of blessing and salvation for humanity.

on the brow of the prince of his brothers.
Joseph is referred to as the "prince of his brothers," indicating his preeminence and leadership among the tribes of Israel. This title reflects his elevated status, both in Egypt and within his family, as seen inGenesis 37:3-4 andGenesis 41:41-44. The term "prince" also foreshadows the future leadership roles of the tribes of Israel, with Joseph's descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh, playing significant roles in the history of Israel. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God's chosen leaders, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who leads and blesses His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, who is giving his final blessings to his sons in this chapter.

2.Joseph
Jacob's favored son, who receives a special blessing that surpasses those given to his brothers.

3.Ancient Mountains and Everlasting Hills
Symbolic representations of enduring strength and stability, used to describe the magnitude of the blessings.

4.Brothers of Joseph
The other sons of Jacob, who receive their own blessings and prophecies in this chapter.

5.Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob's family resided during the famine.

Teaching Points

The Power of Blessing
Jacob's blessing over Joseph highlights the power and importance of speaking blessings over others. As believers, we are called to bless and encourage those around us, recognizing the potential impact of our words.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Joseph's life was marked by trials and triumphs. His account reminds us that God is sovereign and can use our hardships for His greater purpose and glory.

Enduring Legacy
The reference to "ancient mountains" and "everlasting hills" suggests a legacy that endures beyond one's lifetime. We should strive to leave a legacy of faith and righteousness that impacts future generations.

Favor and Responsibility
Joseph's blessing came with great favor but also great responsibility. As recipients of God's favor, we are called to steward our gifts and blessings for His kingdom.

Unity Among Believers
Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers is a powerful example of forgiveness and unity. As Christians, we are called to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 49:26?

2.How do "blessings of your father" in Genesis 49:26 apply to us today?

3.What does "ancient mountains" symbolize in Genesis 49:26, and why is it significant?

4.How can we emulate Joseph's faithfulness to receive God's abundant blessings?

5.Compare Genesis 49:26 with Deuteronomy 33:13-16. What similarities do you find?

6.How can we ensure our actions align with receiving God's "everlasting hills" blessings?

7.How do the blessings in Genesis 49:26 relate to Joseph's life and legacy?

8.What is the significance of the "ancient mountains" and "everlasting hills" in Genesis 49:26?

9.How does Genesis 49:26 reflect God's covenant with the patriarchs?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49?

11.Who was Judah in the Bible?

12.Joshua 17:14-15: If the tribe's population was huge, why was their allotment so limited, and is this numerically believable?

13.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?

14.What is the significance of the Tribe of Asher?

What Does Genesis 49:26 Mean

The blessings of your father

Jacob is speaking as Joseph’s father and as the covenant bearer after Abraham and Isaac. In earlier moments (Genesis 48:15-16) he already invoked God’s name over Joseph’s sons; now he crowns that blessing. By “blessings” he means every good gift God has promised:

• A continuing walk with “the God who has been my shepherd” (Genesis 48:15).

• Fruitful offspring that will spread “to the ends of the earth” (Genesis 28:14).

• Material prosperity like Joseph already tasted in Egypt (Genesis 41:52).

These fatherly words are more than well-wishes; they are Spirit-directed declarations (Hebrews 11:21) that cannot fail.

Have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains

Jacob compares what he is pronouncing to the oldest, most immovable features of creation. Mountains, called “ancient” again inDeuteronomy 33:15, picture age-long strength and unshakable permanence. Jacob’s point:

• God’s covenant favor outlasts and outweighs even the planet’s oldest monuments (Psalm 90:2).

• Joseph’s line will enjoy a security as dependable as granite ridges yet even greater, because it is rooted in God’s oath (Genesis 22:16-17).

• This abundance will stretch far beyond Jacob’s lifetime, reaching down “to a thousand generations” (Exodus 20:6).

And the bounty of the everlasting hills

“Everlasting hills” adds the idea of fertile supply—green slopes, springs, and hidden treasures (Deuteronomy 33:13-16). Jacob envisions:

• Grain, wine, and livestock multiplied on the tribal lands of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 17:1-18).

• Strategic highlands that would shelter and enrich Joseph’s descendants (2 Chronicles 34:6-9).

• Blessings that never run dry, because their source is the eternal God (Isaiah 40:28).

May they rest on the head of Joseph

The blessing is now directed: it is to “rest” or settle permanently, not land briefly and fly away (James 1:17). It falls first on Joseph personally, then on:

• His two sons, adopted by Jacob as full heirs (Genesis 48:5).

• Generations who would bear Joseph’s name and reap the benefits (Numbers 26:28-37).

The history of Israel shows this prayer answered; Ephraim became the largest northern tribe, and Manasseh held territory on both sides of the Jordan (Judges 1:27-29).

On the brow of the prince of his brothers

Though fourth-from-last in birth order, Joseph is called “prince” because God exalted him (Genesis 45:8). His “brow”—the prominent part of the head—pictures leadership and honor. Scripture underlines that preeminence:

• Pharaoh set Joseph “over all Egypt” (Genesis 41:40-44).

• His bones were carried in triumph to Canaan (Exodus 13:19;Joshua 24:32).

• Even after the monarchy divided, the prophets still spoke of Ephraim as the representative of the northern kingdom (Hosea 11:3).

Jacob’s words therefore recognize God-given authority, hinting at the greater Prince who would one day come to save His people (Acts 3:15).

summary

Genesis 49:26 records Jacob’s Spirit-led declaration that God’s covenant blessings—stronger than the oldest mountains and richer than the verdant hills—will permanently rest on Joseph and his offspring. The promise covers spiritual favor, material abundance, and honored leadership. History confirms it, and the unchanging character of God guarantees it.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26)The blessings of thy father.--As the passage now stands, it means that the blessings which Jacob bestows upon Joseph are greater than those which he had himself received from his ancestors, Abraham and Isaac. This was scarcely the case, as the chief spiritual blessing was bestowed upon Judah, while for Joseph there was only earthly prosperity. For this reason most modern commentators adopt the reading of the Samaritan Pentateuch, supported by the Samaritan Targum and the LXX., "The blessings of thy father are mightier than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the desire (or beauty) of the everlasting hills." Not only is the parallelism of the poetry thus preserved, but the rendering is easy and natural, while the other translation is full of difficulties, especially as to the words, "my progenitors," and "the utmost bound." The sense thus given to them cannot be obtained by any ordinary philological process.

Him that was separate from his brethren.--This scarcely gives the force of the verb, which means,set apart, consecrated.Hence the Vulg. renders "Nazarite," the Hebrew word beingnezir.The Syriac and Samaritan Targum translate, "him that is the crown of his brethren;" and the LXX., "him who was the leader of his brethren." Many see in this an allusion to the sovereignty over the ten tribes being finally attained to by Ephraim, but probably the meaning is that Joseph was the noblest and highest in rank among Jacob's children.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The blessings
בִּרְכֹ֣ת(bir·ḵōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperity

of your father
אָבִ֗יךָ(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Father

have surpassed
גָּֽבְרוּ֙(gā·ḇə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1396:To be strong, to prevail, act insolently

the blessings
בִּרְכֹ֣ת(bir·ḵōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperity

of the ancient mountains
הוֹרַ֔י(hō·w·ray)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2029:To conceive, become pregnant

and the bounty
תַּאֲוַ֖ת(ta·’ă·waṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8379:A limit, full extent

of the everlasting
עוֹלָ֑ם(‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

hills.
גִּבְעֹ֣ת(giḇ·‘ōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1389:A hillock

May they rest
תִּֽהְיֶ֙ין֙‪‬(tih·yen)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on the head
לְרֹ֣אשׁ(lə·rōš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The head

of Joseph,
יוֹסֵ֔ף(yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

on the brow
וּלְקָדְקֹ֖ד(ū·lə·qā·ḏə·qōḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6936:Head, crown of the head

of the prince
נְזִ֥יר(nə·zîr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5139:Nazirite -- one consecrated, devoted

of his brothers.
אֶחָֽיו׃(’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )

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OT Law: Genesis 49:26 The blessings of your father have prevailed (Gen. Ge Gn)