Deuteronomy 33:23
Deuteronomy 33:23 in Multiple Translations
Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”
¶ And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, And full with the blessing of Jehovah, Possess thou the west and the south.
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, made glad with grace and full of the blessing of the Lord: the sea and its fishes will be his.
To Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is really favored, full of the Lord's blessing. He shall take over the land to the west and south.”
Also of Naphtali he sayd, O Naphtali, satisfied with fauour, and filled with the blessing of the Lord, possesse the West and the South.
And of Naphtali he said: — O Naphtali, satisfied with pleasure, And full of the blessing of Jehovah, West and south possess thou.
About Naphtali he said, “Naphtali, satisfied with favor, full of the LORD’s blessing, Possess the west and the south.”
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.
And to Nephtali he said: Nephtali shall enjoy abundance, and shall be full of the blessings of the Lord: he shall possess the sea and the south.
“ say this about the tribe of Naphtali: The people of the tribe of Naphtali have been blessed by Yahweh, who has been very kind to them; their land extends far south from Lake Galilee.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:23
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 33:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/נַפְתָּלִ֣י
אָמַ֔ר
נַפְתָּלִי֙
שְׂבַ֣ע
רָצ֔וֹן
וּ/מָלֵ֖א
בִּרְכַּ֣ת
יְהוָ֑ה
יָ֥ם
וְ/דָר֖וֹם
יְרָֽשָׁ/ה
וּ/לְ/נַפְתָּלִ֣י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
Naphtali
Conj | Prep | N-proper
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נַפְתָּלִי֙
Naphtâlîy
H5321
Naphtali
N-proper
שְׂבַ֣ע
sâbêaʻ
H7649
sated
Adj
רָצ֔וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
N-ms
וּ/מָלֵ֖א
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Conj | Adj
בִּרְכַּ֣ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
N-fs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יָ֥ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
וְ/דָר֖וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
south
Conj | N-ms
יְרָֽשָׁ/ה
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 33:23
וּ/לְ/נַפְתָּלִ֣י
Naphtâlîy
H5321
"Naphtali"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.
אָמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
נַפְתָּלִי֙
Naphtâlîy
H5321
"Naphtali"
N-proper
Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.
שְׂבַ֣ע
sâbêaʻ
H7649
"sated"
Adj
This word means being sated or satisfied, either in a good or bad way. It can describe being full from eating or having too much of something. The KJV translates it as full or satisfied.
Definition: 1) sated, satisfied, surfeited 1a) sated, abounding, satisfied 1b) surfeited (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: full (of), satisfied (with). See also: Genesis 25:8; Job 10:15; Proverbs 19:23.
רָצ֔וֹן
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
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.
וּ/מָלֵ֖א
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Conj | Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
בִּרְכַּ֣ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יָ֥ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וְ/דָר֖וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
"south"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction south or the south wind. It is used to describe geographical locations or the movement of air. The south was an important direction in ancient Israel, often associated with warmth and sunshine.
Definition: south
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: south. See also: Deuteronomy 33:23; Ezekiel 40:28; Ezekiel 42:18.
יְרָֽשָׁ/ה
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 33:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:23
Context — Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
21He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”
22Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”
23Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”
24And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil. 25May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:21 | Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. |
| 2 | Psalms 36:8 | They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. |
| 3 | Matthew 4:16 | the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:14 | I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Matthew 4:13 | Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, |
| 6 | Psalms 90:14 | Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. |
| 7 | Joshua 19:32–39 | The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali: Their border started at Heleph and the great tree of Zaanannim, passing Adami-nekeb and Jabneel as far as Lakkum and ending at the Jordan. Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and ran from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun on the south side, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan on the east. The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Naphtali, including these cities and their villages. |
| 8 | Matthew 11:28 | Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. |
| 9 | Isaiah 9:1–2 | Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. |
Deuteronomy 33:23 Summary
This verse is saying that the tribe of Naphtali is very blessed by God and will have many good things. It's like what Psalm 23:1 says, 'The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.' Naphtali will have a special place to live and will be able to enjoy the blessings of the sea and the south. This is a reminder that God wants to bless His people and give them good things, just like a good father wants to give good gifts to his children (Matthew 7:11). We can trust that God will give us what we need and bless us in amazing ways if we follow Him and obey His commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Naphtali is 'abounding with favor'?
This phrase suggests that Naphtali has received a special blessing from the Lord, similar to what is described in Psalm 84:11, where it is written that God 'withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly'.
Why is the sea and the south mentioned as a possession for Naphtali?
The sea and the south likely refer to the geographical regions that the tribe of Naphtali would inhabit, as seen in Joshua 19:32-39, where the borders of Naphtali are described, and this possession is a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:8.
How does this blessing relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?
The blessing of Naphtali is part of the larger theme of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes God's covenant with His people and the importance of obedience to His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where the blessings for obedience are outlined.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse reveals that God is a God of abundance and blessing, who desires to give good things to His people, as seen in Matthew 7:11, where it is written that God gives good gifts to those who ask Him.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Naphtali, abound with favor and experience the blessing of the Lord in my life?
- How can I trust God to give me the possessions and blessings that He has promised, even when I don't see them yet?
- What are some ways that I can 'take possession' of the spiritual blessings that God has given me, and how can I use them to glorify Him?
- How does the concept of 'abounding with favor' relate to my own walk with God, and what are some areas where I can seek more of His blessing?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:23
And of Naphtali he said,.... The tribe of Naphtali, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem: O Naphtali, satisfied with favour; with the favour of men, which to have is a great blessing; and as he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:23
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south. Of Naphtali he said.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
With favour; either, 1. With God’ s favour, as it follows; or, 2. With men’ s favour or good-will, his carriage being peaceable, courteous, and obliging, as is intimated, , according to the common translation: see the notes there. Full with the blessing of the Lord, i.e. seated in a pleasant, and fertile, and happy soil; such as Galilee (in which their share lay) eminently was, as Josephus and others report. The west and the south, or, the sea and the south. This is not to be understood of the places, that his lot should fall there, for he was rather in the east and north of the land; but of the pleasures and commodities of the west, or of the sea, which were conveyed to him from his neighbour Zebulun; and of the south, i.e. from the southern tribes and parts of Canaan, which were brought to him down the river Jordan, and both sorts of commodities were given him in exchange for the fruits of his rich soil, which he had in great abundance.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
Deuteronomy 33:23 And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.Ver. 23. Satisfied with favour, and full, &c.] Fulness of blessing is then only a mercy, when the soul of a man is satisfied with favour: when from a full table and a cup running over, a man can comfortably infer with David, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." One may have outward things by God’ s providence, and not out of his favour. Esau had the like blessing as Jacob, but not with a "God give thee the dew of heaven," as he. Or, God may give temporals to wicked men, to furnish their indictment out of them; as Joseph put his cup into their sack to pick a quarrel with them, and to lay theft to them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
Verse 23. O Naphtali, satisfied with favour] Though this may refer to the very great fertility of the country that fell to this tribe, yet certainly something more is intended. Scarcely any of the tribes was more particularly favoured by the wondrous mercy and kindness of God, than this and the tribe of Zebulun. The light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shone brightly here, Matthew 4:13; Matthew 4:15-16. Christ's chief residence was at Capernaum in this tribe, Matthew 9:1; Mr 2:1; and this city, through Christ's constant residence, and the mighty miracles he wrought in it, is represented as being exalted unto heaven, Matthew 11:23. And it is generally allowed that the apostles were principally of the tribe of Naphtali, who were to possess the west and the south-to dispense the Gospel through all the other tribes. The word yam, which we here translate west, literally signifies the sea, and probably refers to the sea of Gennesareth, which was in this tribe.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:23
23And of Naphtali he said: Naphtali sated with favour, And full of the blessing of the Lord, Sea and South shall he hold. 23. The first two lines reflect the extraordinary fertility of mount Naphtali (Joshua 20:7) i.e. Upper Galilee between the Lake on the E. and the territory of Asher on the W., ‘an undulating tableland arable and everywhere tilled, with swelling hills … covered with shrubs and trees’ (Robinson); along with the still more exuberantly fertile plain of Gennesaret (HGHL, 417–421, 446 f. with citations in proof from Josephus, etc.). satisfied with favour] Cp. Psalms 145:16. the sea] Not the Mediterranean (Sam. the West) but the sea of Kinnéreth, Deuteronomy 3:17. the south] Heb. Darom (so Sam.), a late poetic word, Ezekiel 40:27 f., Job 37:17, LXX ëéâÜ, the S.W. wind, a happy conjecture, for no wind brings more moisture to Mount Naphtali. Geddes: South because Naphtali’s land lay S. of that of Dan; Graf and Dillm. the hot land in the deep trench of the Jordan valley and upon the Lake where the vegetation is tropical. Driver: ‘so styled it seems partly in contrast to the main possessions of the tribe (which were farther N.), partly with allusion to the sunny warmth which prevails there’; Berth. emends, ‘the sea and the way of the sea’ (derek yam), cp. Isa. 8:23. hold thou] So Heb. Sam. LXX read he shall hold.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:23
Satisfied with favor - Compare Genesis 49:21 and note. The west and the south - i.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:23
23. O Naphtali, satisfied with favour — In the blessing of Jacob, Naphtali is compared to a gazelle. Here Moses speaks of the tribe as having favour with Jehovah.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Prayer 02 Promises Provoke Prayer by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab during a time of drought. Elijah receives a message from God to show himself to Ahab and |
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-07 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life. He uses the example of Joseph from the Bible, who went through many trials but was ult |
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Addressing the Spirit of Poverty - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the yearning in a person's heart for a place where everything is alright, like the Jubilee mentioned in the Bible. He shares a story of a you |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 15 the Delights of the Paradise of God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the delights of the city as described in the book of Revelation. The sermon begins by highlighting the incredible foundations and structure o |
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He Is Our Food and Drink by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perceiving and tasting the presence of God in our lives. He encourages the audience to draw nearer to God, as He will draw |
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The Free Gospel-Call by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches a powerful message on the invitation to all thirsty souls and the poor and needy to come and share in the water of salvation's well. He emphasizes the freedo |