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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Deuteronomy 33  › Deuteronomy 33:20

Deuteronomy 33:20

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Deuteronomy 33:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head.

King James Version KJV

¶ And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

American Standard Version ASV

And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: He dwelleth as a lioness, And teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Of Gad he said, A blessing be on him who makes wide the limits of Gad: he takes his rest like a she-lion, taking for himself the arm and the crown of the head.

Free Bible Version FBV

To Gad he said: “Blessed is he who makes Gad's territory larger! Gad is like a lion lying in wait, ready to rip off an arm or a head.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also of Gad he said, Blessed be hee that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, that catcheth for his praye the arme with the head.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And of Gad he said: — Blessed of the Enlarger [is] Gad, As a lioness he doth tabernacle, And hath torn the arm — also the crown!

World English Bible WEB

About Gad he said, “He who enlarges Gad is blessed. He dwells as a lioness, and tears the arm and the crown of the head.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And of Gad he said: Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And to Gad he said: Blessed be Gad in his breadth: he hath rested as a lion, and hath seized upon the arm and the top of the head.

Translation for Translators T4T

“ say this about the tribe of Gad: Praise Yahweh, the one who made their territory large. The people of their tribe will attack their enemies fiercely [SIM] like a lion that crouches, waiting to tear off the arm or the scalp of some animal.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:20

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 33:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְ/גָ֣ד אָמַ֔ר בָּר֖וּךְ מַרְחִ֣יב גָּ֑ד כְּ/לָבִ֣יא שָׁכֵ֔ן וְ/טָרַ֥ף זְר֖וֹעַ אַף קָדְקֹֽד
וּ/לְ/גָ֣ד Gâd H1410 Gad Conj | Prep | N-proper
אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּר֖וּךְ bârak H1288 to bless V-Qal-Inf-c
מַרְחִ֣יב râchab H7337 to enlarge V-Hiphil
גָּ֑ד Gâd H1410 Gad N-proper
כְּ/לָבִ֣יא lâbîyʼ H3833 lion Prep | N-cs
שָׁכֵ֔ן shâkan H7931 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/טָרַ֥ף ṭâraph H2963 to tear Conj | V-Qal-3ms
זְר֖וֹעַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm N-cs
אַף ʼaph H637 also DirObjM
קָדְקֹֽד qodqôd H6936 crown N-ms
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 33:20

וּ/לְ/גָ֣ד Gâd H1410 "Gad" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
אָמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בָּר֖וּךְ bârak H1288 "to bless" V-Qal-Inf-c
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
מַרְחִ֣יב râchab H7337 "to enlarge" V-Hiphil
To enlarge or grow wide, as in making something bigger or more spacious, like a room or a path. This word is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in descriptions of God's power and promises. It appears in books like Isaiah and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be or grow wide, be or grow large 1a) (Qal) to be widened, be enlarged 1b) (Niphal) broad or roomy pasture (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make large 1c2) to enlarge
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be an en-(make) large(-ing), make room, make (open) wide. See also: Genesis 26:22; Psalms 119:32; Psalms 4:2.
גָּ֑ד Gâd H1410 "Gad" N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
כְּ/לָבִ֣יא lâbîyʼ H3833 "lion" Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for lion, this term refers to a fierce lioness. It's used in the Bible to describe powerful animals, like the ones in the stories of Daniel and David. The word is about strength and power.
Definition: lion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (great, old, stout) lion, lioness, young (lion). See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 57:5.
שָׁכֵ֔ן shâkan H7931 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
וְ/טָרַ֥ף ṭâraph H2963 "to tear" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tear or pull something apart, and it can also mean to provide food. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 22:13 and Proverbs 30:14. It describes an act of violence or providing for someone.
Definition: 1) to tear, rend, pluck 1a) (Qal) to tear, rend 1b) (Niphal) to be torn in pieces 1c) (Poal) to be torn in pieces 1d) (Hiphil) to provide food
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces). See also: Genesis 37:33; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 7:3.
זְר֖וֹעַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" N-cs
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
אַף ʼaph H637 "also" DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
קָדְקֹֽד qodqôd H6936 "crown" N-ms
Qodqod means the crown of the head, referring to the top or scalp. It describes the upper part of the head, often translated as crown or scalp in the KJV Bible.
Definition: head, crown of head, top of head, hairy crown, scalp
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crown (of the head), pate, scalp, top of the head. See also: Genesis 49:26; Job 2:7; Psalms 7:17.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 49:19 Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.
2 Genesis 9:26–27 He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.”
3 1 Chronicles 5:18–21 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives,
4 1 Chronicles 12:8–14 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbanai the eleventh. These Gadites were army commanders, the least of whom was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.
5 Micah 5:8 Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.
6 Joshua 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites;
7 Joshua 13:8 The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them:
8 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted the request of Jabez.
9 1 Chronicles 12:37–38 And from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh there: 120,000 armed with every kind of weapon of war. All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.
10 Psalms 18:36 You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.

Deuteronomy 33:20 Summary

This verse is talking about the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and how they were blessed by God. It says that anyone who helps Gad grow and expand their territory will be blessed, and that Gad is strong and powerful like a lion, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20. This reminds us that God wants us to be strong and courageous, just like a lion, and to trust Him to give us the power to overcome any challenges we face, just as He did for the Israelites in Exodus 14:14. It also encourages us to be a blessing to those around us, and to use our unique gifts and talents to serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for someone to 'enlarge the domain of Gad'?

To enlarge the domain of Gad means to increase or expand the territory or influence of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20. This can be understood in the context of Deuteronomy 19:8-9, where God promises to enlarge the borders of Israel if they follow His commandments.

Why is Gad compared to a lion in this verse?

Gad is compared to a lion because of its strength and ferocity, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20. This comparison is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 30:29-31, where the lion is described as a powerful and majestic creature.

What does it mean for Gad to 'tear off an arm or a head'?

The phrase 'tear off an arm or a head' is a metaphorical expression of the tribe of Gad's strength and military prowess, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20. It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a symbol of their ability to overcome their enemies, much like the way God fought for Israel in Exodus 14:14.

How does this verse relate to the rest of Deuteronomy 33?

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy 33 where Moses is blessing each of the twelve tribes of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:1-29. Each tribe has its own unique characteristics and strengths, and Moses is acknowledging and celebrating these differences in his blessings, much like Jacob's blessings in Genesis 49:1-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can 'enlarge the domain' of God's kingdom in my own life, and what role can I play in spreading His influence?
  2. How can I, like the tribe of Gad, be a source of strength and courage for those around me, and what are some ways that I can demonstrate this in my daily life?
  3. What are some 'arms or heads' that I need to 'tear off' in my own life, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and power to overcome them, just as He did for the Israelites in Joshua 23:1-16?
  4. How can I, like the tribe of Gad, be a blessing to those around me, and what are some ways that I can use my unique gifts and talents to serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:20

And of Gad he said,.... The tribe of Gad, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem: blessed [be] he that enlargeth Gad; that is, the Lord, to whom the praise and glory were to be given, who had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:20

And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:20

By praising God for enlarging Gad he supposeth the ground of these praises, that God would enlarge Gad, i.e. either. 1. Enlarge his territories; which seems needless, because they had a very large portion now when Moses uttered these words. Or, 2. Bring him out of his straits and troubles, which he was likely to be oft engaged in, because he was encompassed with potent enemies. And in this sense the phrase is used : compare 118:5. One instance of the fulfilling hereof we have Jude 11. He dwelleth as a lion, i.e. safe and secure from his enemies, and terrible to them when they rouse and molest him. See , &c.; . Teareth the arm with the crown of the head, i.e. utterly destroys his enemies; both the head, the seat of the crown, their dignity and principality, and the arm, the subject of strength and instrument of action; both chief princes, and their instruments and subjects.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:20

Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said, Blessed [be] he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.Ver. 20. He dwelleth as a lion.] That should make his party good with the enemy, upon whom he bordereth, and by whom he is often invaded. See Genesis 49:19 Judges 11:5; Judges 11:13 1 Chronicles 12:8.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:20

(20) Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad.—The mountains of Gilead shut him in. He dwelleth as a lion.—See 1 Chronicles 12:8, for eleven Gadites, “whose faces were as the faces of lions.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:20

Verse 20. Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad] As deliverance out of distress is termed enlarging, (see Psalms 4:1), this may refer to God's deliverance of the tribe of Gad out of that distress mentioned Genesis 49:19, and to the enlargement obtained through means of Jephthah, Judges 11:33, and probably also to the victories obtained by Gad and Reuben over the Hagarites, 1 Chronicles 5:18-20. He dwelleth as a lion] Probably the epithet of lion or lion-like was applied to this tribe from their fierce and warlike disposition. And on this supposition, 1 Chronicles 12:8, will appear to be a sufficient comment: And of the Gadites there were-men of might, men of war for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were LIKE THE FACES OF LIONS, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains. Tearing the arm or shoulder with the crown of the head seems simply to mean that no force should be able to prevail over them, or stand against them; as the arm or shoulder signifies dominion, and the crown of the head, sovereign princes.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:20

20And of Gad he said: Blessed be the Broadener of Gad, Like a lion he haunts And tears the arm, yea the scalp. 21And he saw to the best for himself, [For there was the lot of the leader (?)] Yet he went with the heads of the people, He wrought the just will of the Lord, And his judgements along with Israel. On Gad’s territory see Deuteronomy 3:16 f. (mingled with that of Reuben); and Joshua 13:24-28, where he extends from Aroer on Arnon northward through Moab and all the cities of Gilead to Lidebir (just S. of the Yarmϋk) unto the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth: truly the broadest of the tribal territories, the lot of the leader(?), as this oracle describes it. On the obscure oracle upon Gad in Genesis 49:19, little more than a play upon his name, see Ryle’s notes in this series. It is not possible to deduce a date from this oracle; see on Deuteronomy 33:20. 20. he that enlargeth, etc.] Jehovah. The reference is usually interpreted of the recovery of Gad’s territory from the Syrians, 2 Kings 14:25 f., and as proof of a date for the poem between that and the conquest by Tiglath Pileser (1 Chronicles 5:26). But it may as well be a reference to the original allotment of so vast a territory to Gad, Joshua 13:24 ff. dwelleth] So Sam. Haunts is more appropriate. LXX ἀνεπαύσατο. as a lioness] Cp. 1 Chronicles 12:8 : Gadites … whose faces were like the faces of lions.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:20

i. e., Blessed be God who shall grant to Gad a spacious territory. Compare the blessing of Shem Genesis 9:26. With the crown - Rather, yea, the crown.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:20

20, 21. Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad — The territory of Gad was east of the Jordan. At the time of the pronouncing of this blessing the warlike character of the tribe was seen. It had gained a broad territory.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:20

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon Wait for the Finals by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, drawing parallels between the tribe of Gad and the struggles faced by believers. He acknowledges t
Joe Focht (Genesis) Genesis 10-11 by Joe Focht In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the Bible. He highlights how the people of Babel were united in language and purpose, seeking to build a
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - 1 & 2 Chronicles by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of understanding the times and knowing what God's people ought to do, drawing insights from the Books of Chronicles compiled by Ezra. Chron
Leonard Ravenhill The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 5 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and restoration in the Christian faith. He highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and se
John Piper Learning to Pray in the Spirit and the Word (Part One) by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of corporate prayer and encourages the audience to participate in it. He shares his personal experience of attending prayer me
John Phillips Jabez a Lonely Man by John Phillips In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a cartoon that appeared in an American newspaper during the time of the moon landing. The cartoon depicts two astronauts on Mars,
Gerhard Du Toit (The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 10 by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as portrayed by Luke, who was a doctor. The speaker highlights the compassion, sensitivity, and reality of Jesus' chara
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