Deuteronomy 1:14
Deuteronomy 1:14 in Multiple Translations
And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”
And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.
And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.
And you made answer and said to me, It is good for us to do as you say.
You replied to me, saying, “Your proposal is a good one.”
Then ye answered me and said, The thing is good that thou hast commanded vs to doe.
and ye answer me and say, Good [is] the thing which thou hast spoken — to do.
You answered me, and said, “The thing which you have spoken is good to do.”
And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.
Then you answered me: The thing is good which thou meanest to do.
Your ancestors replied, ‘What you have suggested is good for us to do.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 1:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 1:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/תַּעֲנ֖וּ
אֹתִ֑/י
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
טֽוֹב
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
אֲשֶׁר
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
וַֽ/תַּעֲנ֖וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
אֹתִ֑/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 1:14
וַֽ/תַּעֲנ֖וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֹתִ֑/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וַ/תֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לַ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 1:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Moses Appoints Leaders
12But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?
13Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
14And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”
15So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. 16At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.Deuteronomy 1:14 Summary
In Deuteronomy 1:14, the people agreed with Moses' plan to appoint leaders to help him, showing that they recognized the importance of wise and respected leadership. This verse teaches us that it's okay to ask for help and seek guidance from others, just like Moses did. As seen in Exodus 18:13-26, shared leadership and responsibility can help us navigate challenges and follow God's plan for our lives. By trusting in God's provision and seeking wise counsel, we can move forward with confidence and humility, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the people to agree with Moses' proposal in Deuteronomy 1:14?
The people agreed with Moses because they saw the wisdom in his plan to appoint leaders to help him bear the burdens of the community, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:12 and Exodus 18:13-26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of wise and respected leaders, as also seen in Genesis 41:33 and Proverbs 11:14, and how they can help bear the burdens of the community.
What can we learn from the people's response to Moses' proposal?
We can learn the value of humility and recognizing our own limitations, as seen in Moses' acknowledgment of his inability to bear the burdens alone in Deuteronomy 1:12, and the importance of seeking wise counsel, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6.
How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey?
This verse is part of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, and it shows how God provided leaders to help Moses and the people navigate the challenges they faced, as seen in Numbers 11:16-30 and Deuteronomy 1:9-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to recognize my own limitations and seek help from others, just like Moses did?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and recognize the value of wise counsel in my decision-making?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of shared leadership and responsibility in my own community or church, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:14-15?
- How can I trust God to provide the right leaders and guidance for my life, just as He did for the Israelites?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 1:14
And ye answered me and said,.... As the speech of Moses to the people is not expressed before, so neither this answer of theirs to him: the thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do; to look
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 1:14
And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: I spake unto you at that time - a little before their arrival in Horeb.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:14
(9-18) In these words Moses appears to combine the recollection of two distinct things: (1) the advice of Jethro (Exodus 18), by following which he would be relieved from the ordinary pressure of litigation; (2) the still further relief afforded him by the appointment of the seventy elders. These last received the gift of prophecy, and were thus enabled to relieve Moses from some of the higher responsibilities of his office by representing his mind and reproducing his personal influence in many parts of the camp at once. Jethro’s advice was given on their first arrival in Horeb: when it was carried into effect we are not told. The seventy elder were appointed (Numbers 11) between Sinai and Kadesh-barnea, shortly after they left Sinai. It is quite possible that both institutions came into existence at the same time. The seventy elders would have been of great service in the selection of the numerous judges and officers who were required.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 1:14
9–18. The Institution of Tribal Heads (Judges?) At that time, Moses, declaring his inability to bear alone the greatly increased people (9–12), bade them choose men, wise, understanding, and known, according to their tribes, that he might make them heads over them (13). The people approved (14). Moses took such men (the text becomes obscure) and set them in graded ranks (15). At that time, too, he charged the judges to be patient and impartial, for their judgement was God’s; the harder cases to be brought to himself (16 f.). And he also charged the people (18).—The parallel passages are two: (a) E, Exodus 18:13-26 : before arrival at Sinai, Jethro advised Moses, as unable to bear the people alone, to reserve himself for them Godward and to provide men of power and troth, fearing God and hating unjust gain, to judge the people, but to bring the greater cases to him: Moses agreed and chose such; (b) JE?, Numbers 11:14; Numbers 11:16 f., 24b–30: Moses, confessing to God his inability to bear the people alone, was charged to choose seventy elders, who should receive the same spirit as he, to hear the people with him. With these two passages this section, besides showing some verbal coincidences (see 9b, 12, 15, 17b) and correspondences (13a, 18), agrees as to the motive for the new appointments, Moses’ inability to bear Israel alone, the lay character of the appointed, their grading in ranks, and the division of cases between them and Moses (these last two absent from Numbers 11). The differences of substance are three. On that of date see on Deuteronomy 1:9. In Exodus 18 Jethro starts the proposal, here Moses, in Numbers 11 the Deity on the prayer of Moses.
In Ex. and Num. Moses selects, here the people. On the apparent, but unreal, difference on the qualifications for the posts see on Deuteronomy 1:9. There are also differences of language; here the forms of words, turns of rhythm and phrases, are all characteristic of D. In P there is no parallel; P throughout assigns judicial functions to the priests (cf. D. Deuteronomy 17:11), but mentions certain nesî‘îm, chiefs of the clan, called to the Diet, who attend Moses and Aaron to hear petitions, and who represent Israel in foreign engagements.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:14
THE OF JUDGES AND THE OF THEIR DUTIES, Deuteronomy 1:9-18.For a more particular statement see Exodus 18:13-26, where it is said Moses adopted this plan at the counsel of Jethro.