Definition: Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 49:27. It’s a pretty powerful and slightly unsettling verse about a young boy named Benjamin. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Benjamin’s wild and aggressive nature as he grows up. He’s destined to be a ruthless, predatory person, particularly when it comes to food. Let’s unpack the parts: “Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf…” : This is a metaphorical description. "Ravin" means to devour or destroy. So, Benjamin is being described as consuming things – prey like animals – with a ferocious hunger and disregard for morality. It’s comparing him to a wolf, which carries a strong connotation of violence and destruction. “in the morning he shall devour the prey…” : This means he'll be incredibly efficient at hunting and killing animals in the early hours of the day. He will be a swift and deadly predator. “…and at night he shall divide the spoil.” : This is where it gets really significant. After a long, hard hunt, Benjamin will eat the rest of what he’s caught. He'll take the best parts – the meat, the bones, everything – and consume them completely. It suggests a complete and ruthless exploitation of his bounty. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a boy who is naturally inclined toward violence and greed. It speaks to the potential for darkness within him. It’s not necessarily about his actions, but rather a tendency born from his inherent nature – perhaps a predisposition towards aggression or a desire for power. Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be taken as a literal prophecy of Benjamin becoming a villain. It's a symbolic representation of his character and potential for destructive behavior. It’s about his destiny, and it highlights the importance of controlling one’s own impulses. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in relation to other stories or biblical figures? Talk about what Joseph interpreted this passage about?