Deuteronomy 33:1
New International Version
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced on the Israelites before his death.

New Living Translation
This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave to the people of Israel before his death:

English Standard Version
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death.

Berean Standard Bible
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

King James Bible
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

New King James Version
Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

New American Standard Bible
Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

NASB 1995
Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

NASB 1977
Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

Amplified Bible
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

Christian Standard Bible
This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave the Israelites before his death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave the Israelites before his death.

American Standard Version
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Contemporary English Version
Moses was a prophet, and before he died, he blessed the tribes of Israel by saying:

English Revised Version
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites with this blessing before he died.

Good News Translation
These are the blessings that Moses, the man of God, pronounced on the people of Israel before he died.

International Standard Version
This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelis before his death.

NET Bible
This is the blessing Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

New Heart English Bible
This is the blessing, with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Webster's Bible Translation
And this is the with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the children of Israel before his death.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

World English Bible
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And this [is] the blessing [with] which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death,

Young's Literal Translation
And this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death,

Smith's Literal Translation
And this the blessing which Moses the man of God praised the sons of Israel before his death.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the blessing, wherewith the man of God Moses blessed the children of Israel, before his death.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is the blessing, with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the sons of Israel before his death.

New American Bible
This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites before he died.

New Revised Standard Version
This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites before his death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the servant of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And this is the blessing with which Moshe the Servant of God blessed the children of Israel before he was to die.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And this is the blessing wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
1This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death. 2He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.…

Cross References
Genesis 49:1
Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:

Numbers 24:14
Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

Exodus 18:4
The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

Numbers 23:7
And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’

Numbers 23:18
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.

Numbers 24:3
and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

Numbers 24:15
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

Numbers 24:20
Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”

Numbers 24:23
Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?

Joshua 13:22
The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword.

1 Samuel 9:9
(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)

1 Kings 22:7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

2 Chronicles 18:6
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

Isaiah 41:27
I was the first to tell Zion: ‘Look, here they are!’ And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.

Isaiah 44:26
who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’


Treasury of Scripture

And this is the blessing, with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

the blessing

Genesis 27:4,27-29
And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die…

Genesis 49:1,28
And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days…

Luke 24:50,51
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them…

the man

Joshua 14:6
Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Jeremiah 13:6
And it came to pass after many days, that the LORD said unto me, Arise, go to Euphrates, and take the girdle from thence, which I commanded thee to hide there.

1 Samuel 2:27
And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

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Deuteronomy 33
1. The majesty of God
6. The blessings of the twelve tribes
26. The excellence of Israel














This is the blessing
In the biblical tradition, blessings are significant as they convey God's favor and purpose. This particular blessing is a formal declaration, similar to those given by patriarchs like Jacob in Genesis 49. It serves as a prophetic and authoritative statement over the tribes of Israel.

that Moses the man of God
Moses is referred to as "the man of God," a title that underscores his unique role as a prophet, leader, and mediator between God and Israel. This title is used for individuals who have a special relationship with God and are chosen to deliver His messages, as seen in other figures like Elijah and Elisha.

pronounced upon the Israelites
The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, are the recipients of this blessing. This act of pronouncement is a continuation of the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the chosen status of Israel as God's people. It also reflects the communal nature of blessings in the ancient Near Eastern context, where leaders would often bless their people.

before his death
The timing of this blessing is significant as it occurs at the end of Moses' life, similar to the blessings given by Jacob to his sons. It marks a transition of leadership and serves as a final act of guidance and encouragement. This moment is pivotal as it precedes the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, highlighting the continuity of God's promises despite the change in leadership.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
Known as the "man of God," Moses is the central figure in this passage. He is the leader and prophet who guided the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Here, he is giving his final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death.

2. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. They are the recipients of Moses' blessings and are about to enter the Promised Land.

3. The Blessing
This event is significant as it represents Moses' final act of leadership and care for the people he has led for forty years. It is a prophetic and pastoral moment, where Moses speaks God's favor over each tribe.
Teaching Points
The Role of a Leader
Moses exemplifies the heart of a godly leader who cares deeply for his people. Leaders today can learn from his example of blessing and guiding those under their care.

The Power of Blessing
Words spoken in faith and under God's guidance have the power to shape destinies. Believers are encouraged to speak blessings over their families, communities, and nations.

Legacy of Faith
Moses' blessings remind us of the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. Consider how your actions and words today can impact future generations.

Preparation for Transition
As Moses prepares the Israelites for a new chapter, we are reminded of the importance of preparing ourselves and others for transitions in life, trusting in God's continued guidance.

God's Faithfulness
The blessings underscore God's faithfulness to His promises. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and how you can trust Him for the future.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 33:1?

2. How does Deuteronomy 33:1 highlight Moses' role as a leader and prophet?

3. What blessings does Moses impart to the tribes in Deuteronomy 33:1?

4. How does Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:1 connect to Genesis 49 blessings?

5. How can we seek God's blessing for our community, like Moses did?

6. What qualities of Moses should we emulate in our spiritual leadership today?

7. What is the significance of Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:1 for Israel's future?

8. How does Deuteronomy 33:1 reflect Moses' role as a prophet?

9. Why is Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:1 important for understanding Israel's identity?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 33?

11. What does God's favor mean?

12. What defines a man of God?

13. Who was Gad in the Bible?

14. In Deuteronomy 33:7, what historical proof supports Judah's deliverance as proclaimed, given the absence of direct records?
What Does Deuteronomy 33:1 Mean
This is the blessing

Moses is about to convey something more than pleasant wishes—he is delivering a divinely sanctioned impartation of goodness. Throughout Scripture, blessings carry weight because they invoke God’s active favor (Genesis 12:2; Numbers 6:24-26). Here, the definite article (“This”) signals a specific, comprehensive blessing that will shape Israel’s future, much like Jacob’s prophetic blessings over the tribes in Genesis 49.

• Blessing as covenant affirmation: God had already promised prosperity and protection if Israel remained faithful (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Moses’ words echo and personalize those broader covenant promises.

• Blessing as prophetic forecast: In the chapters that follow, each tribe receives a tailored word, showing that God cares for the collective and the individual (cf. Revelation 21:12, where the tribal names appear on the gates of the New Jerusalem).


that Moses

The human instrument matters. Moses has walked with Israel from slavery to the brink of the Promised Land, so his words carry unparalleled authority (Exodus 3:10-12; Deuteronomy 34:10-12).

• Proven leadership: Forty years of shepherding a difficult nation give Moses experiential insight into each tribe’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Mediator role: Just as he once stood between sinning Israel and a holy God on Sinai (Exodus 32:30-32), he now stands between God’s promises and Israel’s future, articulating divine intent for them.


the man of God

This title highlights Moses’ divine commissioning and intimate relationship with the LORD (Psalm 90 superscription; 1 Samuel 9:6; 2 Timothy 3:17).

• Authority rooted in God: The term “man of God” underscores that what follows originates in heaven, not merely in human sentiment (cf. 2 Peter 1:21).

• Model for ministry: Later prophets and leaders will bear the same designation, linking them to Moses’ pattern of obedience and intercession (1 Kings 17:24).


pronounced upon the Israelites

The blessing is corporate, covering all twelve tribes (Deuteronomy 33:6-25). While individuals matter, God’s plan unfolds through a redeemed community (Romans 9:4-5).

• Unity in diversity: Each tribe receives a unique word, yet all are enveloped in a single blessing—anticipating Paul’s picture of one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

• Missional purpose: By blessing Israel, God intends them to be a conduit of blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6).


before his death

Final words carry special weight in biblical narrative (Genesis 49:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Moses’ impending departure heightens the solemnity and urgency.

• Legacy moment: Like a spiritual father, Moses ensures that Israel remembers both God’s faithfulness and their calling once he is gone (Joshua 1:1-2).

• Transition of leadership: The timing prepares Israel to receive Joshua’s guidance, anchoring the new era in God’s spoken blessing (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).


summary

Deuteronomy 33:1 frames Moses’ final act not as a mere farewell but as a divinely charged bestowal of favor. The phrase-by-phrase breakdown shows (1) a specific, powerful blessing, (2) delivered by God’s seasoned servant, (3) invested with prophetic authority, (4) intended for the entire covenant people, and (5) spoken at a decisive turning point. As believers today, we see in this verse a template for godly leadership: anchor others in God’s promises, speak life that aligns with Scripture, and trust the Lord to carry His people forward long after our earthly work is done.

XXXIII.

MOSES' LAST BLESSING.

(1) Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel.--The title man of God is here used for the first time. Its counterpart is to be found in Deuteronomy 34:5 : "Moses the servant of Jehovah died." The more any man is a "servant to Jehovah," the more is he a "man of Elohim" to his fellow-men. After Moses, Elijah and Elisha are more especially described by this title ("man of God ") in the Old Testament.

Blessed . . . Israel before his death.--"And if not then, when should he?" (Rashi.)

Verse 1. - Moses the man of God. This appellation is applied to Moses only here and in Joshua 14:6 and the heading of Psalm 90. The phrase, "man of God," indicates one favored with Divine communications, and employed as God's messenger to men (cf. 1 Samuel 9:6; 1 Kings 12:22). In this heading, the author of the blessing is clearly distinguished from the person by whom it was inserted in this place.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This
וְזֹ֣את (wə·zōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

is the blessing
הַבְּרָכָ֗ה (hab·bə·rā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293: Benediction, prosperity

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֛ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

the man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

pronounced
בֵּרַ֥ךְ (bê·raḵ)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

upon the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

before
לִפְנֵ֖י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

his death.
מוֹתֽוֹ׃ (mō·w·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:1 This is the blessing with which Moses (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 32:52
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