Deuteronomy 33:3
New International Version
Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction,

New Living Translation
Indeed, he loves his people; all his holy ones are in his hands. They follow in his steps and accept his teaching.

English Standard Version
Yes, he loved his people, all his holy ones were in his hand; so they followed in your steps, receiving direction from you,

Berean Standard Bible
Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words—

King James Bible
Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

New King James Version
Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words.

New American Standard Bible
“Indeed, He loves the people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand, And they followed in Your steps; Everyone takes of Your words.

NASB 1995
“Indeed, He loves the people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand, And they followed in Your steps; Everyone receives of Your words.

NASB 1977
“Indeed, He loves the people; All Thy holy ones are in Thy hand, And they followed in Thy steps; Everyone receives of Thy words.

Legacy Standard Bible
Indeed, He loves the people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand, And they followed in Your steps; Everyone is bearing up Your words.

Amplified Bible
“Indeed, He loves His people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand. They followed in Your steps; They accept and receive direction from You.

Christian Standard Bible
Indeed he loves the people. All your holy ones are in your hand, and they assemble at your feet. Each receives your words.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Indeed He loves the people. All Your holy ones are in Your hand, and they assemble at Your feet. Each receives Your words.

American Standard Version
Yea, he loveth the people; All his saints are in thy hand: And they sat down at thy feet; Every one shall receive of thy words.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD loves the tribes of Israel, and he protects his people. They listen to his words and worship at his feet. *

English Revised Version
Yea, he loveth the peoples; All his saints are in thy hand: And they sat down at thy feet; Every one shall receive of thy words.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You certainly love your people. All your holy ones are in your hands. They bow at your feet to receive your instructions.

Good News Translation
The LORD loves his people and protects those who belong to him. So we bow at his feet and obey his commands.

International Standard Version
Indeed, lover of people, all of his holy ones are in your control. They gather at your feet to do as you have instructed.

Majority Standard Bible
Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words?

NET Bible
Surely he loves the people; all your holy ones are in your power. And they sit at your feet, each receiving your words.

New Heart English Bible
Yes, he loves the people. All his holy ones are in your hand. They sat down at your feet; each receives your words.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

World English Bible
Yes, he loves the people. All his saints are in your hand. They sat down at your feet. Each receives your words.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Indeed, He [is] loving the peoples; All His holy ones [are] in Your hand, "" And they sat down at Your foot, "" [Each] lifts up Your words.

Young's Literal Translation
Also He is loving the peoples; All His holy ones are in thy hand, And they -- they sat down at thy foot, Each He lifteth up at thy words.

Smith's Literal Translation
Surely, he loved the peoples; all his holy ones in thy hand: they lay down at thy foot; and he will take of thy words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He hath loved the people, all the saints are in his hand: and they that approach to his feet, shall receive of his doctrine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He loved the people; all the holy ones are in his hand. And those who approach his feet shall receive from his doctrine.

New American Bible
Indeed, lover of the peoples, all the holy ones are at your side; They follow at your heels, carry out your decisions.

New Revised Standard Version
Indeed, O favorite among peoples, all his holy ones were in your charge; they marched at your heels, accepted direction from you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Yea, he supplied their needs; he also made them to be beloved by the nations; he blessed all his saints; and they followed closely after his feet, every one receiving one of his words.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He gave to them also, He made them love the Gentiles and he blessed all His Holy Ones and they followed your feet and were receiving from your word.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Yea, He loveth the peoples, All His holy ones--they are in Thy hand; And they sit down at Thy feet, Receiving of Thy words.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he spared his people, and all his sanctified ones are under thy hands; and they are under thee; and he received of his words

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
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. 3Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words— 4the law that Moses gave us, the possession of the assembly of Jacob.…

Cross References
Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Psalm 147:19-20
He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel. / He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

Isaiah 41:8-10
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— / I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. / Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

Malachi 1:2
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved,

Psalm 103:7
He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Psalm 91:11
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

John 15:13-15
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

Ephesians 1:4-5
For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love / He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.


Treasury of Scripture

Yes, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand: and they sat down at your feet; every one shall receive of your words.

he loved

Deuteronomy 7:7,8
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: …

Exodus 19:5,6
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: …

Psalm 47:4
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

all his saints

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Psalm 31:15
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

they sat

Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luke 8:35
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Luke 10:39
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

shall receive

Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

1 Thessalonians 1:6
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Jump to Previous
Bow Consecrated Direction Hand Holy Indeed Instruction Love Loves Ones Peoples Receive Receives Receiveth Receiving Saints Sat Sit Steps Surely Words
Jump to Next
Bow Consecrated Direction Hand Holy Indeed Instruction Love Loves Ones Peoples Receive Receives Receiveth Receiving Saints Sat Sit Steps Surely Words
Deuteronomy 33
1. The majesty of God
6. The blessings of the twelve tribes
26. The excellence of Israel














Surely You love the people;
This phrase emphasizes God's covenantal love for His chosen people, Israel. The Hebrew word for "love" here conveys a deep, affectionate bond. This love is rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reflects the unconditional nature of God's commitment to His people, despite their frequent disobedience. This love is also a precursor to the New Testament revelation of God's love for all humanity through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

all the holy ones are in Your hand,
The "holy ones" likely refer to the Israelites, set apart by God as His chosen nation. Being "in Your hand" signifies protection and care, akin to a shepherd safeguarding his flock. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God's hand represents His power and provision (Isaiah 41:10). It also foreshadows the security believers find in Christ, who holds His followers securely (John 10:28-29).

and they sit down at Your feet;
Sitting at someone's feet is a posture of learning and submission, often associated with discipleship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, this was a common way for students to learn from their teachers. This phrase suggests that the Israelites are in a position to receive instruction and wisdom from God. It parallels the New Testament scene of Mary sitting at Jesus' feet, choosing the "better part" of learning from Him (Luke 10:39-42).

each receives Your words—
Receiving God's words implies acceptance and obedience to His commandments. In the context of Deuteronomy, this is particularly significant as Moses is reiterating the Law to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The importance of God's word is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting its role in guiding, correcting, and sustaining His people (Psalm 119:105). In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), embodying the ultimate revelation of God's will and character.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death.

2. The People of Israel
Referred to as "the people" whom God loves, representing the nation chosen by God.

3. The Holy Ones
Likely referring to the leaders or the people of Israel who are set apart for God's purposes.

4. God
The central figure who loves, protects, and instructs His people.

5. Mount Sinai
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where God gave the Law to Moses, symbolizing God's communication with His people.
Teaching Points
God's Love for His People
God’s love is foundational and unchanging. As believers, we are assured of His love and care, just as Israel was.

Security in God's Hand
Being in God's hand signifies protection and security. We can trust that God holds us securely, no matter the circumstances.

Receiving God's Word
Sitting at God's feet symbolizes a posture of learning and submission. We should prioritize receiving and obeying God's Word in our daily lives.

Holiness and Set-Apartness
As "holy ones," we are called to live lives that reflect our set-apart status, dedicated to God's purposes.

Community of Believers
The collective aspect of "all the holy ones" reminds us of the importance of community in our faith journey, encouraging and supporting one another.(3) Yea, he loved.--The connection appears to be this--

"From His right hand went a fire, a law for them (Israel).

Loving the peoples also;

(i.e., all who should hereafter become His people)

All His saints are in Thy hand:

(the hand of Him who spake on Sinai, and now "speaketh from heaven")

And they are seated at Thy feet;

(the feet of the same heavenly Prophet. Comp. Matthew 5:1-2)

Every one shall receive of Thy words."

Or, possibly, He, that prophet, will take of thy (i.e., of Moses') words, We know he did so. . . .

Verse 3. - Yea, he loved the people. The proper rendering is, he loveth peoples (עַמִּים). This is generally understood of the tribes of Israel; but some would understand it of nations in general, on the ground that such is the proper meaning of the word, as in Deuteronomy 32:8 and other places. A reference to nations at large, however, would seem incongruous here; and the use of the word in relation to Israel in such passages as Genesis 28:3; Judges 5:14; Isaiah 3:13; Hoe. 10:14; Zechariah 11:10, justifies the taking it so here. All his saints are in thy hand. The people of Israel are here called God's saints, or holy ones, because they were chosen by and consecrated to him. It is not probable, as some suggest, that the angels are here intended. The change from the third person to the second is not uncommon in Hebrew poetry (cf. Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 49:14, etc.). They sat down at thy feet. The verb rendered "sat down" here (תֻּכּוּ) is found only in this passage, and is of uncertain meaning. Kimchi explains it as "they united or assembled together to follow thy steps;" Knobel makes it "they wandered at thy feet," and understands it of Israel's following the lead of Jehovah in the wilderness, when the ark of the covenant preceded them in their march; Gesenius and Furst, "they lie down at thy feet." This last is accepted by Keil, and seems to have most in its favor. Every one shall receive of thy words. Some render here, they rise up at thy words; but though the verb נָשַׂא is sometimes used intransitively, it is properly an active verb, and there seems no reason why it should not be so regarded here: every one receives [the singular, יִשַּׂא, used distributively] thy words.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Surely
אַ֚ף (’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

You love
חֹבֵ֣ב (ḥō·ḇêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2245: To hide, to cherish

the people;
עַמִּ֔ים (‘am·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the holy ones [are]
קְדֹשָׁ֖יו (qə·ḏō·šāw)
Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6918: Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

in Your hand,
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ (bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

and they
וְהֵם֙ (wə·hêm)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

sit down
תֻּכּ֣וּ (tuk·kū)
Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8497: Perhaps to follow

at Your feet;
לְרַגְלֶ֔ךָ (lə·raḡ·le·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda

each receives
יִשָּׂ֖א (yiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

Your words—
מִדַּבְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (mid·dab·bə·rō·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1703: A word


Links
Deuteronomy 33:3 NIV
Deuteronomy 33:3 NLT
Deuteronomy 33:3 ESV
Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB
Deuteronomy 33:3 KJV

Deuteronomy 33:3 BibleApps.com
Deuteronomy 33:3 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 33:3 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 33:3 French Bible
Deuteronomy 33:3 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:3 Yes he loves the people (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 33:2
Top of Page
Top of Page