Deuteronomy 33 9

Deuteronomy 33:9 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.

Deuteronomy 33:9 nkjv

Who says of his father and mother, 'I have not seen them'; Nor did he acknowledge his brothers, Or know his own children; For they have observed Your word And kept Your covenant.

Deuteronomy 33:9 niv

He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them.' He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant.

Deuteronomy 33:9 esv

who said of his father and mother, 'I regard them not'; he disowned his brothers and ignored his children. For they observed your word and kept your covenant.

Deuteronomy 33:9 nlt

The Levites obeyed your word
and guarded your covenant.
They were more loyal to you
than to their own parents.
They ignored their relatives
and did not acknowledge their own children.

Deuteronomy 33 verses

Deuteronomy 33 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 33:9 describes the defining characteristic and basis for the tribe of Levi's sacred role. It proclaims their unparalleled devotion to God's word and covenant, demonstrating this allegiance by prioritizing divine command above even the most intimate family bonds – father, mother, brothers, and children. This extreme commitment to God's ways, specifically exemplified in acts of impartial judgment and unwavering obedience, set them apart for priestly service and justified their unique blessing.

Deuteronomy 33 9 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 33 records Moses' final blessing upon the twelve tribes of Israel before his death. This particular blessing for the tribe of Levi follows the blessings for Reuben, Judah, and Benjamin. Historically, the Levites were distinguished from other tribes by their unique dedication to the LORD. This distinction was forged most prominently during the crisis of the golden calf in Exodus 32. While the other tribes quickly apostatized and participated in idol worship, the Levites alone answered Moses’ call to stand with the LORD, executing divine judgment impartially against the idolaters, even if it meant striking down family members. This decisive act of supreme loyalty, where they put God’s command and covenant above all human relationships, cemented their perpetual role as priests and mediators, having no land inheritance but instead having the LORD as their inheritance and sustenance. This blessing therefore validates and explains their specialized service, priesthood, and position within Israel, which was in stark contrast to the surrounding cultures where familial and tribal loyalty universally outweighed individual or spiritual conviction.

Deuteronomy 33 9 Word analysis

• He: This refers to the collective tribe of Levi. The singular pronoun emphasizes the tribe's unified action and distinct identity as a single, dedicated entity within Israel.
• said of his father and mother: Refers to the most foundational and sacred human relationships. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, loyalty to parents was paramount. The Levites' willingness to act against familial ties highlights the extreme nature of their devotion to God.
• ‘I regard them not’: From the Hebrew lō’ rā’â (literally, "he did not see them"). This signifies intentional disregard, a deliberate choice to overlook or disassociate from these relationships in the face of God's command. It suggests an absence of recognition based on personal sentiment.
• he disowned his brothers: From the Hebrew lō’ yĕdā‘ām (literally, "he did not know them"). To "not know" in this context implies a forceful disavowal or denial of the relationship, refusing to acknowledge familial claims over divine commands, especially in a context of judgment.
• and ignored his children: From the Hebrew wĕ‘et-bānāw lō’ yidda‘ (literally, "and his children he did not acknowledge/know"). Similar to "disowned," this phrase underscores a conscious decision to set aside natural paternal affection and duty when God's holiness and covenant were at stake.
• For: The Hebrew word kî functions as a causal conjunction, introducing the reason or explanation for the Levites' radical actions. It links their supreme detachment from family directly to their spiritual faithfulness.
• they observed your word: From the Hebrew šāmĕrû ’imrātĕkā. "Observed" (šāmar) means to keep, guard, watch over, preserve, or adhere diligently. "Your word" (’imrātĕkā) refers to God's divine utterance, instruction, or decree. It emphasizes active, careful adherence to God's spoken commands.
• and kept your covenant: From the Hebrew wĕbərîtĕkā yinnṣōrû. "Kept" (nāṣar) also means to guard, preserve, or protect. "Covenant" (bərît) signifies the solemn, binding agreement between God and Israel, outlining mutual responsibilities and blessings. The Levites’ adherence to God's word was fundamentally an adherence to the terms and spirit of God’s covenant.

Words-group Analysis:

• "He said of his father and mother, ‘I regard them not’; he disowned his brothers and ignored his children.": This powerful litany uses parallel expressions to describe an all-encompassing detachment from kinship ties. It speaks to a prioritization so extreme that common human affections are set aside. This is not about being generally heartless, but about supreme loyalty to God in a crisis, demonstrating that when human and divine loyalties clash, divine loyalty must always prevail, especially for those called to represent God.
• "For they observed your word and kept your covenant.": This phrase provides the divine rationale for their otherwise shocking behavior. Their radical actions were not out of malice but out of perfect obedience and faithfulness to God’s explicit commands and the terms of His holy covenant. This righteousness and undivided allegiance qualified them for their special consecrated role.

Deuteronomy 33 9 Bonus section

The seemingly harsh language of the verse ('regard them not,' 'disowned,' 'ignored') should not be misunderstood as a general command for Christians to neglect their families. Instead, it illustrates a fundamental spiritual truth that when allegiance to God and obedience to His direct commands come into conflict with human loyalties—especially concerning sin, judgment, or divine calling—God's authority must always take precedence. For the Levites, this radical loyalty led to their privilege of bearing the ark, ministering at the altar, teaching the Law, and judging Israel. This verse implicitly highlights that true reverence for God sometimes necessitates a radical re-evaluation of all other relationships, echoing the New Testament call to discipleship where following Christ might mean setting aside everything else. Their singular focus made them fitting conduits for divine holiness.

Deuteronomy 33 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:9 profoundly articulates the foundational principle behind the tribe of Levi's unique priestly function: their unreserved and unyielding dedication to God above all earthly loyalties. This verse encapsulates the spirit of the Levites as guardians of God's word and covenant, referencing their definitive act of faithfulness during the golden calf incident. There, they displayed unwavering obedience to God's command by executing judgment on the idolaters, irrespective of their familial relations. This willingness to sever even the most sacred human bonds—father, mother, brothers, and children—when divine holiness was compromised, underscored their absolute impartiality and zealous commitment. Their fidelity was not merely passive belief, but active, even punitive, conformity to God's justice. Consequently, this radical obedience consecrated them for perpetual service, making God Himself their inheritance and affirming that true service requires complete and undivided allegiance. This principle serves as a perennial challenge for those called to ministry and indeed for every believer: to prioritize God's word and will above all else.