King James Version
Deuteronomy 33:6 in the King James Version says “Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.”
Deuteronomy 33:6 · KJV
Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.
And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.
Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.
And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“and let not his men”
H4962properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
“be few”
H4557a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
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.
Deuteronomy 33:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Deuteronomy 33:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge