King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 33:24 Mean?

Deuteronomy 33:24 in the King James Version says “And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foo...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.”

Deuteronomy 33:24 · KJV

Context

22

And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.

23

And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.

24

And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

25

Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. Thy shoes: or, Under thy shoes

26

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Read Deuteronomy 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let Asher be blessed with children—Barukh mibanim Asher (blessed from/among sons) can mean blessed with many sons or blessed/favored among his brothers. Given the context emphasizing fraternal acceptance, the latter seems primary. Asher's demographic prosperity would make him influential and welcome.

Let him be acceptable to his brethren—Retzu echav (accepted/pleasing to his brothers) addresses potential tribal jealousy. Asher's coming abundance shouldn't breed resentment but harmony. Let him dip his foot in oil—Toval bashemen raglo is hyperbolic imagery of extraordinary olive oil production. Asher's Mediterranean coastal territory in northern Israel became famous for olive cultivation. Oil so abundant you could bathe feet in it! Oil symbolizes anointing, blessing, prosperity, and the Spirit—all flowing from Asher's inheritance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Asher's territory stretched along the Mediterranean coast from Mount Carmel northward to Phoenicia—ideal for olive cultivation. Ancient sources confirm this region's legendary olive oil production, which became a major export commodity. Asher's prosperity through agriculture and trade with Phoenician cities fulfilled this blessing. The tribe's acceptance among brothers despite wealth suggests they avoided the pride that often accompanies prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can prosperity ('oil') be stewarded in ways that generate 'acceptance among brothers' rather than envy and division?
  2. What spiritual 'anointing' does material abundance enable you to pour out on others in service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָשֵׁ֑ר1 of 11

“And of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

אָמַ֔ר2 of 11

“he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּר֥וּךְ3 of 11

“be blessed”

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

מִבָּנִ֖ים4 of 11

“with children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָשֵׁ֑ר5 of 11

“And of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

יְהִ֤י6 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

רְצוּי֙7 of 11

“let him be acceptable”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

אֶחָ֔יו8 of 11

“to his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְטֹבֵ֥ל9 of 11

“and let him dip”

H2881

to dip, to immerse

בַּשֶּׁ֖מֶן10 of 11

“in oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

רַגְלֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“his foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 33:24 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 33:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:20Romans 14:18Job 29:6Proverbs 3:3-4Psalms 128:6Psalms 128:3

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