King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 33:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 33:14 in the King James Version says “And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, put: Heb. thrus...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, put: Heb. thrust moon: Heb. moons”

Deuteronomy 33:14 · KJV

Context

12

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

13

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,

14

And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, put: Heb. thrust moon: Heb. moons

15

And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,

16

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

Read Deuteronomy 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon. Moses continues enumerating Joseph's blessings with cosmic imagery. Meged (מֶגֶד, "precious things") repeats, emphasizing excellence. Tevuoth shemesh (תְּבוּאוֹת שֶׁמֶשׁ, "fruits/produce of the sun") invokes solar blessing on crops—photosynthesis wasn't understood scientifically, but agricultural dependence on sunlight was obvious. Different crops required varying sun exposure; this blessing promises optimal growing conditions.

Precious things put forth by the moon (meged geresh yerachim, מֶגֶד גֶּרֶשׁ יְרָחִים) is puzzling. Geresh can mean "produce" or "what is thrust forth." The moon's agricultural influence was recognized anciently—planting calendars followed lunar cycles, and some plants were thought to flourish under specific moon phases. The blessing may also reference seasonal cycles marked by lunar calendar, ensuring appropriate crops for each season.

The pairing of sun and moon echoes Genesis 1:14-18, where celestial bodies were appointed to govern seasons and times. Joseph's blessing thus invokes the created order's entire rhythm blessing his land. Spiritually, this comprehensive provision points to Christ, the "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2) and light of the world (John 8:12), under whose reign all kingdom fruitfulness grows. The church, reflecting His light like the moon, participates in producing spiritual harvest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite agriculture was deeply attuned to seasonal rhythms and celestial patterns. The agricultural calendar regulated by lunar months determined planting, harvesting, and festival cycles. The blessing of sun and moon invoked reliable seasonal progression—no disruptive climate anomalies, no missed growing seasons.

Joseph's territories experienced varied climatic zones from Jordan Valley (subtropical) to central highlands (Mediterranean climate) to trans-Jordan plateaus (semi-arid). This diversity enabled multiple crop types and extended growing seasons—barley, wheat, grapes, olives, figs, and dates all flourished in different sub-regions and seasons. The blessing's comprehensive nature suited this agricultural diversity.

The mention of sun and moon also contrasts with pagan worship. Deuteronomy 4:19 and 17:3 condemn worshiping celestial bodies, common in Canaanite and Mesopotamian religion. Moses's blessing affirms these are created servants of God's purposes, not deities. Their benefit comes through YHWH's sovereign ordering, not inherent divine power. This theological distinction became crucial during syncretistic periods when Israelites adopted astral worship (2 Kings 23:5, Jeremiah 8:2). True blessing flows from Creator, not creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does attributing agricultural blessing to God rather than natural forces shape our understanding of creation?
  2. What modern equivalents exist to ancient tendencies toward 'worshiping' creation rather than Creator?
  3. How should Christians understand the relationship between natural laws/processes and God's sovereign providence?
  4. In what ways does seasonal rhythm and cyclical fruitfulness provide spiritual lessons about growth and rest?
  5. How does Christ as the 'Sun of righteousness' fulfill and transcend Old Testament blessing imagery?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּמִמֶּ֖גֶד1 of 6

“And for the precious”

H4022

properly, a distinguished thing; hence something valuable, as a product or fruit

תְּבוּאֹ֣ת2 of 6

“fruits”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֑מֶשׁ3 of 6

“brought forth by the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וּמִמֶּ֖גֶד4 of 6

“And for the precious”

H4022

properly, a distinguished thing; hence something valuable, as a product or fruit

גֶּ֥רֶשׁ5 of 6

“put forth”

H1645

produce (as if expelled)

יְרָחִֽים׃6 of 6

“by the moon”

H3391

a lunation, i.e., month

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 33:14 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 33:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 104:191 Timothy 6:17Deuteronomy 28:82 Samuel 23:4Leviticus 26:4Acts 14:17

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