Deuteronomy 33 17

Deuteronomy 33:17 kjv

His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 33:17 nkjv

His glory is like a firstborn bull, And his horns like the horns of the wild ox; Together with them He shall push the peoples To the ends of the earth; They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh."

Deuteronomy 33:17 niv

In majesty he is like a firstborn bull; his horns are the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim; such are the thousands of Manasseh."

Deuteronomy 33:17 esv

A firstborn bull ? he has majesty, and his horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall gore the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth; they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh."

Deuteronomy 33:17 nlt

Joseph has the majesty of a young bull;
he has the horns of a wild ox.
He will gore distant nations,
even to the ends of the earth.
This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim
and the thousands of Manasseh."

Deuteronomy 33 verses

Deuteronomy 33 17 Meaning

Deuteronomy 33:17 proclaims a powerful blessing upon the tribes descended from Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), foretelling their immense strength, military prowess, and vast multitude. The verse employs vivid animal imagery to convey their future might and dominion, likening their glory to the dignity and power of a firstborn bull, and their destructive capability to the formidable horns of a wild ox. This blessing anticipates their significant role in Israel's future conquests and widespread influence among nations, emphasizing the numerical supremacy of Ephraim.

Deuteronomy 33 17 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 33 records Moses' final prophetic blessings upon the tribes of Israel just before his death. These blessings served as a last testament, reaffirming God's covenant promises to His people and foretelling aspects of their future experiences and destinies in the Promised Land. Verse 17 is specifically part of the blessing pronounced upon Joseph, whose descendants formed two significant tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh. Moses speaks of their potential for dominion, military success, and population growth, particularly emphasizing the vast numbers of Ephraim, reflecting Jacob's earlier prophecy (Gen 48:19). This blessing looks forward to Israel's occupation of Canaan and their interaction with the surrounding nations.

Deuteronomy 33 17 Word analysis

• His glory: Hodô (הֹדֹו) in Hebrew, meaning majesty, splendor, dignity, or honor. This refers to the magnificent and majestic strength inherent in Joseph, divinely bestowed.
• is like the firstborn: K'bhekôr (כִּבְכ֣וֹר), "like the firstborn." The firstborn, especially of an animal, represents the prime strength and dignity, often inheriting a double portion and exercising leadership. This signifies Joseph's preeminent strength and noble status among the tribes.
• of his bull: Shôr (שׁ֥וֹר), referring to a bull or ox. A bull is a symbol of power, tireless strength, and productivity in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This imagery highlights Joseph's robust and formidable character.
• and his horns: W'qarnāw (וְקַרְנַ֤יִם), "and his horns." Horns are a widespread ancient symbol of power, might, strength, victory, and dominion. They can also represent authority and sovereignty, as seen in kingship.
• like the horns of unicorns: Qarnê-re'ēm (קַרְנֵ֣י רְאֵם); literally "horns of a re'em." The Hebrew re'em (רְאֵם) does not refer to a mythical unicorn but rather to a powerful, swift, and fierce wild ox (likely aurochs or similar bovine). Its singular horn-like strength is hyperbole for an animal of tremendous power and ferocity. This conveys the overwhelming force of Joseph's descendants in battle.
• with them: Referring to the power symbolized by the horns.
• he shall push: Yĕnaǵaḥ (יְנַגַּ֖ח), "he shall gore" or "push aside," often used in the context of attacking or scattering enemies. It depicts a violent and irresistible force against opposition.
• the people together: 'Ammîm (עַמִּ֖ים), meaning peoples or nations. This indicates that Joseph's tribes will confront and dominate various ethnic groups or nations in their vicinity.
• to the ends of the earth: This phrase signifies a vast and wide-reaching sphere of influence or conquest, not necessarily the literal geographical ends of the planet, but widespread dominion and overcoming all resistance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "His glory is like the firstborn of his bull": This phrase compares Joseph's inherent majesty and strength to the paramount power and dignity of a prime bull. It sets the tone for formidable capabilities.
• "and his horns like the horns of unicorns (wild ox)": This imagery further intensifies the description of Joseph's strength. Horns symbolize power and offense, and the comparison to the wild ox's powerful horns emphasizes irresistible force and the ability to conquer or disperse opponents.
• "with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth": This indicates the practical application of the aforementioned strength. Joseph's descendants will wield their power to conquer and scatter opposing nations across a wide territory, asserting dominion.
• "and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh": This specific numerical reference is the fulfillment and grounding of the prophecy. It identifies Ephraim and Manasseh as the tribes through whom this mighty power will be manifest, underscoring Ephraim's greater multitude and impact.

Deuteronomy 33 17 Bonus section

This verse carries a powerful prophetic weight, setting the stage for the later historical roles of Ephraim and Manasseh, especially Ephraim's significant leadership in the northern kingdom of Israel. The symbolism is not merely physical strength but also the inherent God-given blessing that enabled their numbers and military success during the conquest and throughout their history. The "pushing the people" finds its fulfillment in Israel's conquering Canaanite nations, establishing borders, and asserting dominance in the region. The imagery could also imply a defensive capability to ward off enemies, safeguarding Israel's inheritance. Spiritually, this passage illustrates the principle that God empowers His people for the tasks He calls them to, providing supernatural strength and abundance to fulfill His purposes in the world.

Deuteronomy 33 17 Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:17 is a vivid and potent prophecy within Moses' blessing to the tribes. It magnifies the tribe of Joseph, represented by his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, portraying them as an unstoppable force endowed with divine strength. The imagery of the "firstborn of his bull" signifies prime strength, dignity, and a double portion of power, alluding to Joseph's status among his brothers and his descendants' future prominence. The "horns of the wild ox" powerfully symbolize their overwhelming military prowess and the ability to violently overcome adversaries, echoing earlier declarations of Israel's strength. This pushing or goring of "the people" (nations) "to the ends of the earth" forecasts their extensive influence and conquests within and beyond the Promised Land. The distinct mention of "ten thousands of Ephraim" and "thousands of Manasseh" not only speaks to their immense population but also subtly reaffirms Jacob's earlier prophecy of Ephraim's greater multitude and leading role among the two. Ultimately, the verse serves as a powerful testament to the divinely appointed strength, fruitfulness, and dominion promised to Joseph's descendants for the establishment of God's people and kingdom.