Deuteronomy 33:9

Deuteronomy 33:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

King James Version KJV

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

American Standard Version ASV

Who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him; Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, Nor knew he his own children: For they have observed thy word, And keep thy covenant.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Who said of his father, Who is he? and of his mother, I have not seen her; he kept himself separate from his brothers and had no knowledge of his children: for they have given ear to your word and kept your agreement.

Free Bible Version FBV

Levi said that he didn't pay attention to his father and mother, that he didn't acknowledge his brothers, and that he didn't recognize his children. The Levites did what you said and kept your agreement.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Who said vnto his father and to his mother, I haue not seene him, neither knewe he his brethren, nor knewe his owne children: for they obserued thy word, and kept thy couenant.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Who is saying of his father and his mother, I have not seen him; And his brethren he hath not discerned, And his sons he hath not known; For they have observed Thy saying, And Thy covenant they keep.

World English Bible WEB

He said of his father, and of his mother, ‘I have not seen him.’ He didn’t acknowledge his brothers, nor did he know his own children; for they have observed your word, and keep your covenant.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Who said to his father and to his mother, I have not seen him, neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who hath said to his father, and to his mother: I do not know you; and to his brethren: I know you not: and their own children they have not known. These have kept thy word, and observed thy covenant,

Translation for Translators T4T

The tribe of Levi did what you told them to do and obeyed the agreement that you made with the Israeli people; those laws were more important to them [HYP] than their siblings and parents and children.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:9

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 33:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הָ/אֹמֵ֞ר לְ/אָבִ֤י/ו וּ/לְ/אִמּ/וֹ֙ לֹ֣א רְאִיתִ֔י/ו וְ/אֶת אֶחָי/ו֙ לֹ֣א הִכִּ֔יר וְ/אֶת בנ/ו בָּנָ֖י/ו לֹ֣א יָדָ֑ע כִּ֤י שָֽׁמְרוּ֙ אִמְרָתֶ֔/ךָ וּ/בְרִֽיתְ/ךָ֖ יִנְצֹֽרוּ

הָ/אֹמֵ֞ר ʼâmar H559 to say Art | V-Qal

לְ/אָבִ֤י/ו ʼâb H1 father Prep | N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/אִמּ/וֹ֙ ʼêm H517 mother Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

רְאִיתִ֔י/ו râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אֶחָי/ו֙ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

הִכִּ֔יר nâkar H5234 to recognize V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

בנ/ו bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

בָּנָ֖י/ו bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3ms

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

שָֽׁמְרוּ֙ shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אִמְרָתֶ֔/ךָ ʼimrâh H565 word N-fs | Suff

וּ/בְרִֽיתְ/ךָ֖ bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Conj | N-fs | Suff

יִנְצֹֽרוּ nâtsar H5341 to watch V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 33:9

הָ/אֹמֵ֞ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Art | V-Qal

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.

לְ/אָבִ֤י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וּ/לְ/אִמּ/וֹ֙ ʼêm H517 "mother" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.

Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

רְאִיתִ֔י/ו râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

אֶחָי/ו֙ 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.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

הִכִּ֔יר nâkar H5234 "to recognize" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.

Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

בנ/ו bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

בָּנָ֖י/ו bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

Definition: : child/son

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

שָֽׁמְרוּ֙ shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

אִמְרָתֶ֔/ךָ ʼimrâh H565 "word" N-fs | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.

Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.

וּ/בְרִֽיתְ/ךָ֖ bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Conj | N-fs | Suff

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

יִנְצֹֽרוּ nâtsar H5341 "to watch" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.

Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:9
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:9
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9
Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:9

Context — Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes

7And concerning Judah he said: “O LORD, hear the cry of Judah and bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause, but may You be a help against his foes.” 8Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah.

9He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

10He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. 11Bless his substance, O LORD, and accept the work of his hands. Smash the loins of those who rise against him, and of his foes so they can rise no more.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 10:37	Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;
2	Exodus 32:25–29	Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”
3	Matthew 12:48	But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”
4	Jeremiah 18:18	Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
5	Luke 14:26	“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
6	Leviticus 21:11	He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.
7	2 Corinthians 5:16	So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
8	Genesis 29:32	And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”
9	Galatians 1:10	Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
10	1 Chronicles 17:17	And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O God, You have spoken about the future of the house of Your servant and have regarded me as a man of great distinction, O LORD God.

Deuteronomy 33:9 Summary

[Deuteronomy 33:9 talks about the Levites, a group of priests, who were so dedicated to serving God that they put Him above their own families. This doesn't mean they didn't love their families, but they loved God more, similar to what Jesus teaches in Luke 14:26. By keeping God's word and maintaining His covenant, they were able to fulfill their roles as priests, as described in Numbers 3:12-13. This is a powerful reminder for us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, just as the apostle Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 9:27.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to not consider father and mother in Deuteronomy 33:9?

In this context, it means prioritizing obedience to God over family ties, as seen in the example of the Levites who were devoted to serving the Lord, similar to the call to follow Jesus in Luke 14:26, where He says to hate one's family in comparison to loving Him.

Is Deuteronomy 33:9 promoting neglect of family?

No, it's about putting God first, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:37, where loving Him more than family is a condition of being His disciple; this doesn't mean neglecting family but rather keeping them in proper perspective.

How does keeping God's word relate to disregarding family in this verse?

Keeping God's word means obeying His commands and maintaining His covenant, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 33:9, which sometimes requires making difficult choices, like the Levites did, to fulfill their priestly duties as described in Numbers 3:12-13.

What is the significance of the Levites not knowing their own sons in this context?

This signifies the Levites' dedication to their priestly role, similar to the apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 9:27, where he talks about disciplining his body to ensure he doesn't fail in his service to God; it's about prioritizing spiritual duties over personal relationships for the sake of serving the Lord.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of prioritizing God's word in my own life, even when it's difficult?
In what ways can I, like the Levites, dedicate myself fully to serving the Lord, despite potential personal costs?
What are some areas where I might need to re-evaluate my priorities to ensure I'm keeping God's word above all else?
How does the concept of maintaining God's covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:9, influence my daily decisions and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him,.... Which some understand of the high priests who were of this tribe, and according to the law were not to defile themselves, or mourn

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:9

And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; Of Levi he said.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9

I have not seen him, i.e. I have no respect unto them, for so knowledge is oft used, as ,11 . The sense is, who followed God and his command fully, and executed the judgment enjoined by God without any respect of persons, ,27. This seems better than to refer it either to their not mourning for their next kindred, for that was allowed to all but the high priest in case of the death of father or mother, and that was only a ceremonial rite, and no matter of great commendation; or to their impartiality in executing the judgments committed to them, , of which they had as yet given no considerable proof. Kept thy covenant, i.e. when the rest broke their covenant with God by that foul sin of idolatry with the calf, that tribe kept themselves more pure from that infection, and adhered to God and his worship and service, as appears from ,28. Compare ,7.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9

Deuteronomy 33:9 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.Ver. 9. Who said unto his father.] In that heroical fact, in that terrible crisis about the golden calf. Not to be wryed or biassed by respect to carnal friends, is a high and hard point of self-denial. Mark was Barnabas’ s sister’ s son; hence he stood so stiff for him against Paul, his faithful fellow traveller. Moses, to please Zipporah, displeased God, and it went hard with him. Eli was too indulgent to his wicked sons; and so perhaps was Samuel too. How many of the holy martyrs denied themselves utterly in their dearest wives and children, either at the stake, or going thither! It is well observed, that the married martyrs, parents of many children, as Rogers, Watts, Guest, Rawlins, suffered with most alacrity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9

Verse 9. Who said unto his father, c.] There are several difficulties in this and the following verses. Some think they are spoken of the tribe of Levi others, of all the tribes; others, of the Messiah, c. but several of the interpretations founded on these suppositions are too recondite, and should not be resorted to till a plain literal sense is made out. I suppose the whole to be primarily spoken of Aaron and the tribe of Levi. Let us examine the words in this way, Who said unto his father, c. The law had strictly enjoined that if the father, mother, brother, or child of the high priest should die, he must not mourn for them, but act as if they were not his kindred see Leviticus 21:11-12. Neither must Aaron mourn for his sons Nadab and Abihu, c., though not only their death, but the circumstances of it, were the most afflicting that could possibly affect a parent's heart. Besides, the high priest was forbidden, on pain of death, to go out from the door of the tabernacle, Leviticus 10:2-7, for God would have them more to regard their function (as good Mr. Ainsworth observes) and duty in his service, than any natural affection whatever. And herein Christ was figured, who, when he was told that his mother and brethren stood without, and wished to speak with him, said: "Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? whosoever shall do the will of my father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" Matthew 12:46-50. It is likely also that Moses may refer here to the fact of the Levites, according to the command of Moses, killing every man his brother, friend, neighbour, and even son, who had sinned in worshipping the golden calf, Exodus 32:26; and in this way the Chaldee paraphrast understands the words.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:9

9. Above all claims of kindred the tribe set their duty to the oracles and covenant of Jehovah (cp. Deuteronomy 13:6 (7) ff., Matthew 10:37, Luke 14:26). ‘It is not blood but abnegation of blood that constitutes the priest. He must act for Jehovah’s sake as if he had neither father, nor mother, neither brothers nor children’ (Wellh. loc. cit.). Some interpret this specifically of the impartiality of the priests as ministers of justice, they did not respect persons (cp. Deuteronomy 1:16 f., Deuteronomy 17:9 ff.); others see an allusion to Exodus 32:17-29; but both these interpretations are too particular. Note that, as in D, the whole tribe of Levi are priests, and that in contrast to Genesis 49:7 the tribe is consolidated. See Ryle’s note there. ‘The priests appear as a strictly close corporation, so close that they are mentioned only exceptionally in the plural number and for the most part are spoken of collectively in the singular as an organic unity which embraces not merely the contemporary members but also their ancestors and which begins its life with Moses, the friend of Jehovah, who as its beginning is identified with the continuation just as the man is identified with the child out of whom he has grown’ (Wellh. Hist. 135). For may be rendered but.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother - Compare Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:9

9. Who said unto his father… I have not seen him — The sacred character of the high priest, his entire consecration to his holy duties, are implied in these words. He was not to pay the last duties of affection to his parents.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:9

	Sermon	Description
	Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward	In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
	Do We Really Believe in Hell? by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the billions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus and are on their way to hell. He encourages l
	What Is a Christian by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a businessman who was torn between pursuing worldly success and following God's calling. He emphasizes the impor
	Becoming Familiar With the Presence of God by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He encourages the audience to make the decision to follow Christ and assures them
	1996 Christian Youth Conference - Question and Answer by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of surrendering his life to God and his decision to attend Bible school. He emphasizes the importance of counting the cost b
	Must I Live by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three verses from the Bible that present a challenge to believers. The first verse is from Luke 14:26, where Jesus says that anyone who does
	The Lordship of Jesus Christ by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and comfort found in the name of Jesus. He encourages the audience to believe in Jesus and rely on him to overcome their fears and