JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Genesis 49:10.

Although several alternative translations for the phrase "until Shiloh come" have been suggested, the one found in the King James Version best fits the Hebrew construction. Until modern times, the majority of both Christian and Jewish scholars translated this passage the same way and also applied it to the Messiah.

The traditional understanding is that Shiloh comes from the root word peace. With this in mind, the passage could be phrased to read, "until the man of peace comes." Please compare this with the last part of Isaiah 9:6.

We hope you will let us know whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT