20 The name Dan (דָּן, dan) means “judge” and forms a wordplay with the following verb.
21 Or “govern.”
22 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.

In other versions

“Dan shall judge his people

as one of the tribes of Israel.

Dan shall be a serpent in the way,

a viper by the path,

that bites the horse’s heels

so that his rider falls backward.

“Dan will provide justice for his people

as one of the tribes of Israel.

Dan will be a snake by the roadside,

a viper along the path,

that bites the horse’s heels

so that its rider tumbles backward.

Dan will judge his people

as one of the tribes of Israel.

Dan will be a snake by the road,

a viper beside the path,

that bites the horse’s heels

so that its rider falls backward.

“Dan will govern his people,

like any other tribe in Israel.

Dan will be a snake beside the road,

a poisonous viper along the path

that bites the horse’s hooves

so its rider is thrown off.

Dan shall judge his people

as one of the tribes of Israel.

Dan shall be a serpent on the way,

a viper on the road

that bites the heels of a horse,

so that its rider falls backward.

Dan shall judge his people,

As one of the tribes of Israel.

Dan shall be a serpent by the way,

An adder in the path,

That biteth the horse heels,

So that his rider shall fall backward.

Public Domain