Genesis 49:22

22 Joseph is a wild donkey, a wild donkey by a spring, spirited donkeys on a hill.

Genesis 49:22 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 49:22

Joseph is a fruitful bough
Or as one, like the bough or branch of a tree laden with fruit, as he was with children; one of which he called Ephraim from his fruitfulness, and both his sons became numerous, and the heads of two tribes in Israel; and with other temporal fruits and blessings, as riches, honour and especially with the fruits of grace and righteousness: [even] a fruitful bough by a well;
those are the most fruitful that are near a well or fountain of water, as such trees are which are planted by rivers of water, see ( Psalms 1:3 ) this being repeated may have respect to the two boughs or branches of Joseph's family, or the two fruitful and numerous tribes that sprung from him: whose branches run over the wall;
as such trees that are set against one, and by the reflected heat of the sun grow the more, and become more fruitful. The word for "branches" is "daughters", which some refer to the daughters of Manasseh and Zelophehad, who received their inheritance on both sides of Jordan; and others interpret it of the cities of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, as cities are sometimes called.

Genesis 49:22 In-Context

20 Asher will become famous for rich foods, candies and sweets fit for kings.
21 Naphtali is a deer running free that gives birth to lovely fawns.
22 Joseph is a wild donkey, a wild donkey by a spring, spirited donkeys on a hill.
23 The archers with malice attacked, shooting their hate-tipped arrows;
24 But he held steady under fire, his bow firm, his arms limber, With the backing of the Champion of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.