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Deuteronomy 33:16

Deuteronomy 33:16 in Multiple Translations

with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers.

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

And for the precious things of the earth and the fulness thereof, And the good will of him that dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, And upon the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

The good things of the earth and all its wealth, the good pleasure of him who was seen in the burning tree: may they come on the head of Joseph, on the head of him who was prince among his brothers.

with the best gifts of the land and everything in it, along with the appreciation of the one who was in the burning bush. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph like a crown for this prince among his brothers.

And for the sweetenesse of the earth, and abundance thereof: and the good will of him that dwelt in the bushe, shall come vpon the head of Ioseph, and vpon the toppe of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

And by precious things — of earth and its fulness, And the good pleasure Of Him who is dwelling in the bush, — Let it come for the head of Joseph, And for the crown of him Who is separate from his brethren.

for the precious things of the earth and its fullness, the good will of him who lived in the bush. Let this come on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who was separated from his brothers.

And for the precious things of the earth and fullness of it, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush; let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

And of the fruits of the earth, and of the fulness thereof. The blessing of him that appeared in the bush, come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of the Nazarite among his brethren.

and that their land will be have many good crops, blessed by Yahweh, the one who appeared to me in a burning bush. I desire/hope that Yahweh will bless the tribes of Joseph in all those ways, because he was the leaders of his older brothers when they were in Egypt.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:16

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 33:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִ/מֶּ֗גֶד אֶ֚רֶץ וּ/מְלֹאָ֔/הּ וּ/רְצ֥וֹן שֹׁכְנִ֖י סְנֶ֑ה תָּב֨וֹאתָ/ה֙ לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ יוֹסֵ֔ף וּ/לְ/קָדְקֹ֖ד נְזִ֥יר אֶחָֽי/ו
וּ/מִ/מֶּ֗גֶד meged H4022 excellence Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֶ֚רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
וּ/מְלֹאָ֔/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 fullness Conj | N-ms | Suff
וּ/רְצ֥וֹן râtsôwn H7522 acceptance Conj | N-ms
שֹׁכְנִ֖י shâkan H7931 to dwell V-Qal
סְנֶ֑ה çᵉneh H5572 bush N-ms
תָּב֨וֹאתָ/ה֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms
יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
וּ/לְ/קָדְקֹ֖ד qodqôd H6936 crown Conj | Prep | N-ms
נְזִ֥יר nâzîyr H5139 Nazirite N-ms
אֶחָֽי/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 33:16

וּ/מִ/מֶּ֗גֶד meged H4022 "excellence" Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes something excellent or of high value, like a precious fruit or a valuable product. It is used in the Bible to describe the best things in life, like in Genesis 27:15 where it talks about Esau's precious things.
Definition: excellence
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: pleasant, precious fruit (thing). See also: Deuteronomy 33:13; Deuteronomy 33:16; Song of Solomon 7:14.
אֶ֚רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וּ/מְלֹאָ֔/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 "fullness" Conj | N-ms | Suff
Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.
Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.
וּ/רְצ֥וֹן râtsôwn H7522 "acceptance" Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
שֹׁכְנִ֖י shâkan H7931 "to dwell" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
סְנֶ֑ה çᵉneh H5572 "bush" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a thorny bush, like a blackberry bush. It is famously used to describe the burning bush that Moses encountered. The word is translated as bush in the KJV and appears in the story of Moses in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a bush, thorny bush 1a) the burning bush of Moses 1b) perhaps a blackberry bush
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bush. See also: Exodus 3:2; Exodus 3:4; Deuteronomy 33:16.
תָּב֨וֹאתָ/ה֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
יוֹסֵ֔ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
וּ/לְ/קָדְקֹ֖ד qodqôd H6936 "crown" Conj | Prep | N-ms
Qodqod means the crown of the head, referring to the top or scalp. It describes the upper part of the head, often translated as crown or scalp in the KJV Bible.
Definition: head, crown of head, top of head, hairy crown, scalp
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crown (of the head), pate, scalp, top of the head. See also: Genesis 49:26; Job 2:7; Psalms 7:17.
נְזִ֥יר nâzîyr H5139 "Nazirite" N-ms
A Nazirite is a person who is consecrated or devoted to God, often taking a vow to abstain from certain things. This word is used in the Bible to describe someone who is set apart for God's service. It is a term used to describe a person's spiritual commitment.
Definition: 1) consecrated or devoted one, Nazarite 1a) consecrated one 1b) devotee, Nazarite 1c) untrimmed (vine) Also named: ne.zer (נֵ֫זֶר ": consecration" H5145)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Nazarite (by a false alliteration with Nazareth), separate(-d), vine undressed. See also: Genesis 49:26; Numbers 6:21; Amos 2:12.
אֶחָֽי/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 7:35 This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
2 Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
3 Exodus 3:2–4 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
4 Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it.
5 Genesis 37:36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
6 Psalms 89:11 The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.
7 Genesis 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
8 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
9 Genesis 43:32 They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.
10 Genesis 39:2–3 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

Deuteronomy 33:16 Summary

[This verse is a beautiful expression of God's love and blessing for Joseph and his family, as He promises to give them the best of the land and His own special favor, just as He did for Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3. It reminds us that God is a generous and faithful God who wants to bless His people and provide for their needs, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can trust in God's goodness and provision, and how we can be a blessing to those around us, just as Joseph was to his family and community.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush rests on Joseph?

This refers to the special blessing and presence of God that was first experienced by Moses in Exodus 3:2, where God spoke to him from a burning bush, and is now being bestowed upon Joseph, as a symbol of God's favor and guidance in his life, much like God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3.

Why is Joseph called the prince of his brothers?

This title signifies Joseph's position of leadership and authority among his brothers, as seen in his role in Genesis 37:2 and his rise to power in Egypt in Genesis 41:40-44, where he was given responsibility to care for his family and the nation.

What are the choice gifts of the land and everything in it?

These gifts refer to the abundant blessings and resources that God provides, such as fertile soil, abundant harvests, and rich natural resources, as described in Deuteronomy 8:7-10 and Leviticus 26:4-5, which are given to His people as a demonstration of His love and care.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?

This verse is part of Moses' final blessing to the tribes of Israel in Deuteronomy 33, where he reminds them of God's faithfulness and promises, and encourages them to trust in His goodness and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to have the favor of God rest on your life, and how can you experience this in your own circumstances?
  2. How does Joseph's story demonstrate the truth of Genesis 50:20, that God works all things together for good for those who love Him?
  3. In what ways can you, like Joseph, be a blessing to your family and community, and how can you use your gifts and resources to serve others?
  4. What are some ways that you can trust in God's goodness and provision, even in difficult or uncertain times, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:16

And for the precious things of the earth, and fulness thereof,.... Corn of all sorts produced out of the earth, and grass that grows out of it, and cattle that feed upon it; for all which some part

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:16

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:16

For the precious things of the earth; and in general for all the choice fruits which the land produceth in all the parts of it, whether hills or valleys. Fulness thereof, i.e. the plants and cattle, and all creatures that grow, increase, and flourish in it. For the good will of him that dwelt in the bush; for all other effects of the good will and kindness of God, who not long since did for a time dwell or appear in the bush to me in order to the relief of his people, . Of Joseph, i.e. of Joseph’ s posterity.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:16

Deuteronomy 33:16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren.Ver. 16. And for the good will of him, &c.] The burning bush - the persecuted Church - was not consumed, because the good will of God, whereof David speaks, was in the bush. So it is still with his in the fiery trial, in any affliction. That was separated from his brethren.] To be a choice and chief man amongst them. Nobilis fuit inter fratres, saith Augustine, vel in malis quae pendit, vel in bonis quae rependit. De Doct. Christ., lib. iv. cap. 6.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:16

(16) The good will of him that dwelt in the bush—is a blessing peculiar to Moses. It contains an exquisite piece of interpretation. From the fact that Jehovah revealed Himself to Moses in a flame of fire in a bush, the man of God drew the thought that He presented Himself as dwelling in it; and thus he has furnished God’s Church with this comfort for all ages, that His human temple, although it burn with fire, can never be consumed. The last part of Deu 33:16 is taken direct from Genesis 49:26. Separated from his brethren.—Heb., nâzîr. Is it altogether unreasonable to suppose that this particular feature in Joseph’s history, when he was “sold into Egypt,” and “separated from his brethren,” may be part of the meaning of “Nazarene” when applied to our Lord in Matthew 2:23?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:16

Verse 16. The good will of him that dwelt in the bush] The favour of him who appeared in the burning bush on Mount Sinai, who there, in his good will - mere love and compassion, took Israel to be his people; and who has preserved and will preserve, in tribulation and distress, all those who trust in him, so that they shall as surely escape unhurt, as the bush, though enveloped with fire, was unburnt. The top of the head, &c.] The same words are used by Jacob in blessing this tribe, Genesis 49:26. The meaning appears to be that God should distinguish this tribe in a particular way, as Joseph himself was separated, נזיר nazir, a Nazarite, a consecrated prince to God, from among and in preference to all his brethren. See Clarke on Genesis 49:25, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:16

16. good will] Or favour, from same root as accept in Deuteronomy 33:11. that dwelt in the bush] See Exodus 3:2-4. As there bush is seneh, tempting some to read instead Sinai (Wellh., Steuern.). The name Sinai used to be derived from seneh, LXX βάτος, a blackberry or bramble bush, according to some the rubus fructuosus, which however is not found in Sinai, cp. Palest. under the Moslems, 73. More probably thorn-bush as in Aram. apparently from a root signifying to sharpen. ‘the thing with points, spines or teeth.’ This bush God does not merely let Himself be seen in as in Exodus 3:2, but He inhabits it. The LXX τῷὀφθέντι does not accept this, but harks back to Exodus 3:2. The next two lines are as in Genesis 49:26, except that for let them be we have let … come(?) an impossible form, which we may emend to let them come, i.e. the blessings stated in the previous lines. that was separate] Heb. nazξr, set apart solemnly as a Nazarite or as a Prince (Lamentations 4:7 R.V. nobles). So Sam. nesek or nasξk, devoted (to God). More probably the crowned one, from nezer, crown (Zechariah 9:16). But see Skinner’s and Ryle’s notes on Genesis 49:26. LXX there ὦνἡγήσατοἀδελφῶν, but here Δοξασθεὶςἐπʼ ? (or ἐν) ἀδελφοῖς.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:16

16. The good will — The special favour. Of him that dwelt in the bush — Of Jehovah himself. A reference to the manifestation of Jehovah (Exodus 3:2) to Moses.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:16

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Dwelling With Everlasting Burnings (Tamil) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a dwelling place for God, focusing on the need for holiness rather than grandeur. It highlights the concept of God's dwelling place b
T. Austin-Sparks Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g
Art Katz Apostolic Commission by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what
Francois Carr God's Man by Francois Carr This sermon focuses on the transformation and journey of Moses, drawing parallels to personal experiences and the need for surrender, faith, and trust in God. It emphasizes the imp
St. John Chrysostom Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasize
Alan Redpath Battling With God by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p
Alan Redpath Treasures of Darkness by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p

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