Deuteronomy 1:13
Deuteronomy 1:13 in Multiple Translations
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.
Take for yourselves men who are wise, far-seeing, and respected among you, from your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
You must choose for yourselves wise, experienced men with good judgment from each of your tribes, and I will put them in charge as your leaders.”
Bring you men of wisedome and of vnderstanding, and knowen among your tribes, and I will make them rulers ouer you:
Give for yourselves men, wise and intelligent, and known to your tribes, and I set them for your heads;
Take wise men of understanding who are respected among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.”
Take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
Let me have from among you wise and understanding men, and such whose conversation is approved among your tribes, that I may appoint them your rulers.
So choose some men from your tribes who are wise and who have good sense and who are respected. Then I will appoint them to be your leaders.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 1:13
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 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָב֣וּ
לָ֠/כֶם
אֲנָשִׁ֨ים
חֲכָמִ֧ים
וּ/נְבֹנִ֛ים
וִ/ידֻעִ֖ים
לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם
וַ/אֲשִׂימֵ֖/ם
בְּ/רָאשֵׁי/כֶֽם
הָב֣וּ
yâhab
H3051
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ֠/כֶם
Prep | Suff
אֲנָשִׁ֨ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
חֲכָמִ֧ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
וּ/נְבֹנִ֛ים
bîyn
H995
to understand
Conj | V-Niphal
וִ/ידֻעִ֖ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/אֲשִׂימֵ֖/ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/רָאשֵׁי/כֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 1:13
הָב֣וּ
yâhab
H3051
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To give means to provide or put something, and can also mean to come or set something, as seen in the Bible. It is used in various contexts, including giving glory to God or providing for others.
Definition: 1) to give, provide, ascribe, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give 1a2) to set, place 1a3) to provide (with reflexive) 1a4) to ascribe (glory) 1a5) to grant, permit, come now Aramaic equivalent: ye.hav (יְהַב "to give" H3052)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ascribe, bring, come on, give, go, set, take. See also: Genesis 11:3; Ruth 3:15; Psalms 29:1.
לָ֠/כֶם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנָשִׁ֨ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חֲכָמִ֧ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וּ/נְבֹנִ֛ים
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Conj | V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וִ/ידֻעִ֖ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וַ/אֲשִׂימֵ֖/ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בְּ/רָאשֵׁי/כֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 1:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 1:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 1:13
Context — Moses Appoints Leaders
11May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised.
12But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?
13Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
14And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” 15So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 18:21 | Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. |
| 2 | Acts 1:21–23 | Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. |
| 3 | Numbers 11:16–17 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. |
| 4 | Acts 6:2–6 | So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. |
Deuteronomy 1:13 Summary
In Deuteronomy 1:13, Moses asks the Israelites to choose wise, understanding, and respected men to be their leaders. This shows that Moses recognized the importance of having good leaders to help guide the people. Just like Moses, we need to surround ourselves with people who are wise and caring, as Proverbs 11:14 says, 'Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.' By choosing good leaders, the Israelites were able to work together and follow God's plan for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:15. This verse teaches us that we should seek out wise and understanding leaders to help us make good decisions and follow God's will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of leaders was Moses looking for to help him lead the Israelites?
Moses was looking for wise, understanding, and respected men from each of the tribes, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:13. This is similar to the kind of leaders described in Exodus 18:21, where Moses' father-in-law Jethro advised him to choose able and God-fearing men to help him lead the people.
Why did Moses need help leading the Israelites?
Moses needed help leading the Israelites because the burden of leadership was too great for him to bear alone, as he mentions in Deuteronomy 1:12. This is also seen in Numbers 11:14, where Moses complained to God about the weight of his responsibilities.
What was the role of these leaders in the Israelite community?
The leaders chosen by the Israelites were appointed by Moses to be in charge of the people, as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and as officers for their tribes, as described in Deuteronomy 1:15. This is similar to the leadership structure described in Exodus 18:25, where Moses appointed leaders to judge the people and help him with his responsibilities.
How did the Israelites respond to Moses' proposal to choose leaders?
The Israelites agreed with Moses' proposal, saying 'What you propose to do is good' in Deuteronomy 1:14. This shows that they recognized the need for additional leadership and were willing to work together to choose wise and capable leaders.
Reflection Questions
- What qualities do you think are most important for a leader to have, and how can you cultivate those qualities in your own life?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of seeking wise and understanding leaders to your own community or church?
- How does Deuteronomy 1:13 relate to the concept of teamwork and shared responsibility, and what can you learn from this verse about working with others?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of humility and recognizing one's own limitations, as Moses did in Deuteronomy 1:12?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 1:13
Take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes,.... Not only whose persons were well known, but their characters and qualifications, for their probity and integrity, for their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 1:13
And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: I spake unto you at that time - a little before their arrival in Horeb.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
Persons of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, men famous, and had in reputation, for ability and integrity; for to such they would more readily submit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
(9-18) In these words Moses appears to combine the recollection of two distinct things: (1) the advice of Jethro (Exodus 18), by following which he would be relieved from the ordinary pressure of litigation; (2) the still further relief afforded him by the appointment of the seventy elders. These last received the gift of prophecy, and were thus enabled to relieve Moses from some of the higher responsibilities of his office by representing his mind and reproducing his personal influence in many parts of the camp at once. Jethro’s advice was given on their first arrival in Horeb: when it was carried into effect we are not told. The seventy elder were appointed (Numbers 11) between Sinai and Kadesh-barnea, shortly after they left Sinai. It is quite possible that both institutions came into existence at the same time. The seventy elders would have been of great service in the selection of the numerous judges and officers who were required.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
Verse 13. Take you wise men] חכמים chachamim, such as had gained knowledge by great labour and study. Understanding נבנים nebonim, persons of discernment, judicious men. Known, ידעים yeduim, persons practised in the operations of nature, capable of performing curious and important works.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 1:13
13. Take you] Heb. Give yourselves: Joshua 18:4. The people themselves are to elect as in Deuteronomy 16:18, consistently with the emphasis, so frequent in D, on the judicial responsibilities of the whole people. In E, Exodus 18:25 (cp. Numbers 11:16), Moses chooses. wise men, and understanding, and known] With the LXX some take the last term as synonymous with the others; either reading as in the Heb. the pass. part. experienced, or the act. Part. knowing. The pass. part. is perhaps the better, but as meaning known: men reputed for their judicial gifts, as among the Arabs to-day. While here the emphasis is laid on intellectual gifts, which, however, in D always include the moral; E, Exodus 18:21, more definitely expresses the latter: men of power (Dri. capable, worthy), fearing God, men of troth, hating unjust gain. according to your tribes] E, Exodus 18:21; Exodus 18:25 : out of, all the people, all Israel. E and D use shebet for tribe, but P’s usual term is maṭ ?ṭ ?ah. make them heads over you] Rather, set them as your chiefs.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
THE OF JUDGES AND THE OF THEIR DUTIES, Deuteronomy 1:9-18.For a more particular statement see Exodus 18:13-26, where it is said Moses adopted this plan at the counsel of Jethro.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 1:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |
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The Meaning of Head in the Bible by Wayne Grudem | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of citing references in a way that makes them difficult to locate. He emphasizes that evangelical scholarship should |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |
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Give Me More, Give Me More - Part 1 by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the issue of coveting and its impact on society. He emphasizes that the greed and covetousness of individuals and nations are causing co |
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Keeping the Flock by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the vital role of soul-winners in nurturing and maintaining the faith of their converts, drawing parallels to Paul's dedication in strengthening bel |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |