Genesis 49:5

Genesis 49:5

Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.

a. NLT: “Simeon and Levi are two of a kind; their weapons are instruments of violence. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. ASV: Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords.

  [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. YLT: Simeon and Levi are brethren! Instruments of violence -- their espousals! [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

d. Classic Amplified: Simeon and Levi are brothers [equally headstrong, deceitful, vindictive, and cruel]; their swords are weapons of violence. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

e. Septuagint: Symeon and Levi, brethren, accomplished the injustice of their cutting off. 

f. Stone Edition Torah/Prophets/ Writings: Simeon and Levi are comrades, their weaponry is a stolen craft. [The Artscroll Series/Stone Edition, THE TANACH--STUDENT SIZE EDITION Copyright 1996, 1998 by Mesorah Publications, Ldt.]

1. “Simeon and Levi are brethren…”

a. Simeon [Strong: 8095 Shim`own shim-one' from 8085; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him:--Simeon.]

1). Simeon was the second son born to Jacob and Leah.

a). Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.

b. [and] Levi [Strong: 3878 Leviy lay-vee' from 3867; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob:--Levi.]

1). Levi was the third son born to Jacob and Leah.

a). Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.

c. [are] brethren [Strong: 251 'ach awkh a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.] 

1). William Varner, Jacob’s Dozen: Since all of the sons were brothers, something more must be meant by this. 

2). I could not agree more with Mr. Varner, and I believe the more is revealed in the next phrase. 

2. “...instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.”

a. instruments [Strong: 3627 kliy kel-ee' from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour ((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.]

b. [of] cruelty [Strong: 2555 chamac khaw-mawce' from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.]

c. [are in their] habitations [Strong: 2555 chamac khaw-mawce' from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong.]

1). The King James reads, “Simeon and Levi were brethren”, the New Living Translation reads, “Simeon and Levi are two of a kind.” Their cruelty is revealed in what they did to the Hivites. After making a covenant with them over the marriage of Dinah their sister, and Shechem, and after the whole group agreed to be circumcised, Simeon and Levi waited until the third day after the  Covenant procedure, when the person is the most in pain and incopacitated. The two brothers went into the city and killed all the males and spoiled the city.

a). Genesis 34:25-29   And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

34:26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.

34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.

34:28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,

34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.