What does Genesis 49:16 mean?

Jacob is giving a deathbed blessing or prophesy about each of his sons and their descendants (Genesis 49:1–2). He now comes to Dan (Genesis 30:5–6), declaring Dan will "judge"—or, possibly, "vindicate"—his people alongside the other tribes of Israel. Not everything will be honorable in Dan's future, however. Jacob's prediction will include some uncomfortable descriptions (Genesis 49:17).

Though the tribe of Dan will be smaller than the others, they will remain an independent group. In fact, Dan's people will play significant roles in fighting for Israel. This was especially true in the time of the judges before Israel had a king. Samson, from the tribe of Dan, perhaps the most famous of those judges, fought for Israel against the Philistines (Judges 13—16). However, not long after Samson, the tribe of Dan will be associated with idolatry (Judges 18:27–31).