Gen 49:17 | NETfull | STEP | May Dan be a snake beside the road, a viper by the path, that bites the heels of the horse so that its rider falls backward.

Genesis 49:17

17 May Dan be a snake beside the road,
a viper by the path,
that bites the heels of the horse
so that its rider falls backward. ^{▼▼ The comparison of the tribe of Dan to a venomous serpent is meant to say that Dan, though small, would be potent, gaining victory through its skill and shrewdness. Jewish commentators have linked the image in part with Samson. That link at least illustrates the point: Though a minority tribe, Dan would gain the upper hand over others.}