Verse

Genesis 49:12

ESV His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.
NIV His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk.
NASB His eyes are dull from wine, And his teeth white from milk.
CSB His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
NLT His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
KJV His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

What does Genesis 49:12 mean?

This concludes Jacob's oracle about the future of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8–11). Jacob (Genesis 49:1–2) has described Judah's leadership over the other tribes, their military victory, and the rise of a line of kings. He has also hinted at the eventual arrival of the "lion of Judah," the Messiah Himself (Revelation 5:5). Jacob has pointed to a time, under the reign of a powerful king, when there will be unimaginable prosperity (Genesis 49:11).

Continuing the poetic language, Jacob compares the eyes of Judah's future descendants to wine. This may be a reference to attractiveness. Some believe this is better translated as "dark with wine," another reference to how wine is easily available in their land. Their teeth may be "whiter than milk" from drinking abundant amounts of milk or this may be another suggestion that Judah's descendants will be attractive, prosperous people.
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