King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:12 in the King James Version says “These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:”

Deuteronomy 27:12 · KJV

Context

10

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

11

And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,

12

These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:

13

And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. to curse: Heb. for a cursing

14

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people—The six tribes positioned on Gerizim (Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin) were descendants of Jacob's wives Rachel and Leah, representing covenant privilege. The Hebrew berakah (blessing) contrasts with qelalah (curse) in verse 13, creating a dramatic liturgical antiphony.

The choice of Gerizim and Ebal was divinely ordained (Deuteronomy 11:29) for this covenant ratification ceremony to be performed when ye are come over Jordan. Joshua 8:30-35 records the actual fulfillment. Geographically, these twin mountains flank ancient Shechem (modern Nablus), creating a natural amphitheater where the entire assembly could hear. Theologically, this ceremony placed Israel between blessing and curse, life and death—the two paths of covenant response that structure all of Deuteronomy (30:15-20).

The placement of Levi among the blessing tribes is significant, as verses 14-26 assign the Levites to pronounce the curses. This paradox shows that even those who declare judgment stand under the same covenant obligations, and that true priestly ministry includes prophetic denunciation of sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This ceremony occurred at Shechem, a site rich with patriarchal history—Abraham built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7), Jacob buried foreign gods there (Genesis 35:4), and Joseph's bones would later be interred there (Joshua 24:32). Shechem's location in the central hill country made it the geographical heart of the Promised Land. The ceremony likely occurred soon after the conquest of Ai (Joshua 8:30-35), demonstrating Israel's commitment to covenant obedience before continuing military campaigns. Archaeological evidence confirms significant Late Bronze Age occupation at Shechem, consistent with the biblical timeline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the physical positioning of tribes on mountains of blessing and cursing illustrate the spiritual reality that we all stand before God's judgment?
  2. What does the inclusion of Levi among both blessing-proclaimers and curse-pronouncers teach about the responsibilities of spiritual leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֠לֶּה1 of 17
H428

these or those

יַֽעַמְד֞וּ2 of 17

“These shall stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְבָרֵ֤ךְ3 of 17

“to bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת4 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָם֙5 of 17

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עַל6 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַ֣ר7 of 17

“upon mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גְּרִזִ֔ים8 of 17

“Gerizim”

H1630

gerizim, a mountain of palestine

בְּעָבְרְכֶ֖ם9 of 17

“when ye are come over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת10 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן11 of 17

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

שִׁמְעוֹן֙12 of 17

“Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

וְלֵוִ֣י13 of 17

“and Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה14 of 17

“and Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר15 of 17

“and Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

וְיוֹסֵ֥ף16 of 17

“and Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃17 of 17

“and Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 27:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 27:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 9:7Genesis 29:33-35Genesis 30:24Genesis 30:18Joshua 8:33-35Genesis 35:18

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Mount GerizimMountain · Modern: Mount Gerizim · 32.20°N, 35.27°E5 verses across 4 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 27 →

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