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Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/33-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/05_Deu_33_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 33:17 - Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. 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With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim; such are the thousands of Manasseh.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/33.htm">New Living Translation</a> Joseph has the majesty of a young bull; he has the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, even to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/33.htm">English Standard Version</a> A firstborn bull—he has majesty, and his horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall gore the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth; they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/33.htm">King James Bible</a> His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/33.htm">New King James Version</a> His glory is like a firstborn bull, And his horns like the horns of the wild ox; Together with them He shall push the peoples To the ends of the earth; They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/33.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his, And his horns are the horns of the wild ox; With them he will gore the peoples All at once, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And those are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/33.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his, And his horns are the horns of the wild ox; With them he will push the peoples, All at once, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And those are the thousands of Manasseh.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/33.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “As the first-born of his ox, majesty is his, And his horns are the horns of the wild ox; With them he shall push the peoples, All at once, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And those are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> As the firstborn of his ox, splendor is his, And his horns are the horns of the wild ox; With them he will push the peoples, All at once, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And those are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/33.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “His majesty is like a firstborn young bull, And his horns like the horns of the wild ox; With them he will gore the peoples, All of them together, to the ends of the earth. And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And those are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> His firstborn bull has splendor, and horns like those of a wild ox; he gores all the peoples with them to the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> His firstborn bull has splendor, and horns like those of a wild ox; he gores all the peoples with them to the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/33.htm">American Standard Version</a> The firstling of his herd, majesty is his; And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox: With them he shall push the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth: And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/33.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The armies of Ephraim and Manasseh are majestic and fierce like a bull or a wild ox. They will run their spears through faraway nations. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/33.htm">English Revised Version</a> The firstling of his bullock, majesty is his; And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox: With them he shall push the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth: And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/33.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They will be as majestic as a firstborn bull. Their horns will be like the horns of a wild ox. They will use them to push away nations including those at the ends of the earth. The tens of thousands from the tribe of Ephraim and the thousands from the tribe of Manasseh will be like this." <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/33.htm">Good News Translation</a> Joseph has the strength of a bull, The horns of a wild ox. His horns are Manasseh's thousands And Ephraim's ten thousands. With them he gores the nations And pushes them to the ends of the earth." <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/33.htm">International Standard Version</a> May the firstborn of his bull be honorable to him, and may his horns be those of a wild ox. With them may he push people all together, to the ends of the earth. These are the myriads of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh." <a href="/net/deuteronomy/33.htm">NET Bible</a> May the firstborn of his bull bring him honor, and may his horns be those of a wild ox; with them may he gore all peoples, all the far reaches of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/33.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> A firstborn bull, majesty is his. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he shall push all of the peoples, to the farthest parts of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/33.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/web/deuteronomy/33.htm">World English Bible</a> Majesty belongs to the firstborn of his herd. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/33.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> His splendor [is] a firstling of his ox, "" And his horns [are] horns of a wild ox; With them he pushes the peoples "" Altogether to the ends of the earth; And they [are] the myriads of Ephraim, "" And they [are] the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/33.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> His honour is a firstling of his ox, And his horns are horns of a reem; By them peoples he doth push together To the ends of earth; And they are the myriads of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/33.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The honor to him the first-born of the bullock, his horns the horns of the unicorn: with them he will thrust the peoples together to the extremity of the earth: these the ten thousands of Ephraim, and these the thousands of Manasseh<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> His beauty as of the firstling of a bullock, his horns as the horns of a rhinoceros: with them shall he push the nations even to the ends of the earth These are the multitudes of Ephraim and these the thousands of Manasses. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/33.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> His excellence is like that of a first-born bull. His horns are like the horns of a rhinoceros; he shall brandish these against the Gentiles, even to the ends of the earth. These are the multitudes of Ephraim, and these the thousands of Manasseh.” <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/33.htm">New American Bible</a> His firstborn bull, majesty is his! His horns are the horns of a wild ox; With them he gores the peoples, attacks the ends of the earth. These are the myriads of Ephraim, and these the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/33.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> A firstborn bull—majesty is his! His horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he gores the peoples, driving them to the ends of the earth; such are the myriads of Ephraim, such the thousands of Manasseh.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/33.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> His glory is like the firstlings of the bullocks, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns; with them he shall push the peoples together to the ends of the earth; and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/33.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The first born of an ox is excellency to him and the horns of a wild ox are his horns; by them he shall gore the nations as one unto the Hebrews of the land, these the ten thousands of Aphreim and these the thousands of Menasheh.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/33.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> His firstling bullock, majesty is his; And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox; With them he shall gore the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth; And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/33.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> His beauty is as the firstling of his bull, his horns are the horns of a unicorn; with them he shall thrust the nations at once, even from the end of the earth: these are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and these are the thousands of Manasse. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=9601" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/33.htm">Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes</a> …16with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. 17<a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">His</a> <a href="/hebrew/1926.htm" title="1926: hā·ḏār (N-ms) -- An ornament, honor, splendor. From hadar; magnificence, i.e. Ornament or splendor.">majesty is like</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">a firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·w·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">bull,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7161.htm" title="7161: wə·qar·nê (Conj-w:: N-fdc) -- From qaran; a horn; by implication, a flask, cornet; by resembl. An elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray; figuratively, power.">and his horns</a> <a href="/hebrew/7161.htm" title="7161: qar·nāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- From qaran; a horn; by implication, a flask, cornet; by resembl. An elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray; figuratively, power.">are like those</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7214.htm" title="7214: rə·’êm (N-ms) -- A wild ox. Or rieym; or reym; or rem; from ra'am; a wild bull.">of a wild ox.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5055.htm" title="5055: yə·nag·gaḥ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To push, thrust, gore. A primitive root; to but with the horns; figuratively, to war against.">With them he will gore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: yaḥ·dāw (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mîm (N-mp) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the nations,</a> <a href="/hebrew/657.htm" title="657: ’ap̄·sê- (N-mpc) -- From 'aphec; cessation, i.e. An end; often used adverb, no further; also the ankle, as being the extremity of the leg or foot.">even to the ends</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the earth.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">Such</a> <a href="/hebrew/7233.htm" title="7233: riḇ·ḇō·wṯ (Number-fpc) -- Multitude, myriad, ten thousand. From rabab; abundance, i.e. a myriad.">are the myriads</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">and such</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’al·p̄ê (Number-mpc) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">are the thousands</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Manasseh.”</a> 18Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Genesis 49:22-26</a> Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. / The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. / Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, ... <a href="/numbers/23-22.htm">Numbers 23:22</a> God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Numbers 24:8</a> God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1-2</a> These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. <a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Psalm 44:5</a> Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. <a href="/psalms/92-10.htm">Psalm 92:10</a> But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed. <a href="/psalms/132-17.htm">Psalm 132:17</a> There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one. <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Isaiah 28:1</a> Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. <a href="/isaiah/49-20.htm">Isaiah 49:20</a> Yet the children of your bereavement will say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; make room for us to live here.’ <a href="/ezekiel/34-29.htm">Ezekiel 34:29</a> And I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. <a href="/ezekiel/37-22.htm">Ezekiel 37:22</a> I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms. <a href="/daniel/8-4.htm">Daniel 8:4</a> I saw the ram charging toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no deliverance from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. <a href="/zechariah/10-3.htm">Zechariah 10:3-5</a> “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle. / The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together. / They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.the firstling<a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a> Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.his horns<a href="/numbers/23-22.htm">Numbers 23:22</a> God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.<a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Numbers 24:8</a> God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.<a href="/job/39-9.htm">Job 39:9,10</a> Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? … unicorns [heb] an unicorn <a href="/1_kings/22-11.htm">1 Kings 22:11</a> And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.<a href="/2_chronicles/18-10.htm">2 Chronicles 18:10</a> And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.<a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Psalm 44:5</a> Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.the ten thousands<a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Genesis 48:19</a> And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.<a href="/numbers/26-34.htm">Numbers 26:34,37</a> These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred… <a href="/hosea/5-3.htm">Hosea 5:3</a> I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hid from me: for now, O Ephraim, thou committest whoredom, and Israel is defiled.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Buffalo</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Bull</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">Bullock</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-16.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-4.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/numbers/34-24.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-21.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/numbers/31-6.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/exodus/15-7.htm">Majesty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-8.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Myriads</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-22.htm">Once</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-31.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-17.htm">Push</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Reem</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Unicorns</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Wild-Ox</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/39-9.htm">Buffalo</a> <a href="/judges/6-25.htm">Bull</a> <a href="/judges/6-25.htm">Bullock</a> <a href="/joshua/2-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/joshua/16-3.htm">Ends</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-2.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-5.htm">Herd</a> <a href="/joshua/7-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/joshua/6-4.htm">Horns</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-26.htm">Majesty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-2.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">Myriads</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">Once</a> <a href="/joshua/6-21.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/joshua/23-5.htm">Push</a> <a href="/job/39-9.htm">Reem</a> <a href="/joshua/15-57.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/joshua/22-14.htm">Thousands</a> <a href="/joshua/4-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/psalms/22-21.htm">Unicorns</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/job/39-9.htm">Wild-Ox</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 33</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/33-1.htm">The majesty of God</a> 6. <a href="/deuteronomy/33-6.htm">The blessings of the twelve tribes</a> 26. <a href="/deuteronomy/33-26.htm">The excellence of Israel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/33.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/33.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>His majesty is like a firstborn bull This phrase highlights the strength and preeminence of Joseph's descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn held a place of honor and authority, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance. The bull symbolizes strength, power, and fertility, common attributes associated with leadership and dominance. This imagery reflects the blessing Jacob gave to Joseph in <a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Genesis 49:22-26</a>, where Joseph is described as a fruitful vine. The bull's majesty signifies the prominence and influence that Ephraim, in particular, would have among the tribes of Israel.and his horns are like those of a wild ox Horns in biblical symbolism often represent power and might. The wild ox, or aurochs, was a powerful and untamable animal, emphasizing the formidable strength and military prowess of Joseph's descendants. This imagery suggests that Ephraim and Manasseh would be strong and capable in battle, able to defend themselves and assert their influence. The wild ox's horns also symbolize the ability to push forward and conquer, aligning with the blessings of prosperity and victory given to Joseph's line.With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth This phrase indicates the expansive influence and military success of Ephraim and Manasseh. The act of goring suggests aggressive and decisive action against adversaries. Historically, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh were significant in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, with Ephraim often leading in military campaigns. The reference to "the ends of the earth" can be seen as hyperbolic, emphasizing the far-reaching impact and dominance they would have. This also foreshadows the eventual spread of Israel's influence and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham about his descendants being a blessing to all nations (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>).Such are the myriads of Ephraim Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, was blessed by Jacob to be greater than his older brother Manasseh (<a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Genesis 48:19</a>). The term "myriads" suggests a vast number, indicating Ephraim's significant growth and influence. Historically, Ephraim became one of the most powerful tribes in Israel, often representing the entire Northern Kingdom. This aligns with the prophetic nature of Jacob's blessing and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the multiplication and prosperity of Joseph's descendants.and such are the thousands of Manasseh While Manasseh was the firstborn, his descendants are described as "thousands," indicating a substantial but comparatively smaller number than Ephraim. Manasseh's territory was large, spanning both sides of the Jordan River, which allowed for significant growth and influence. The distinction between "myriads" and "thousands" underscores the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy that Ephraim would be greater than Manasseh, yet both would be blessed and prosperous. This reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty in choosing and blessing according to His purposes, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> The younger son of Joseph, blessed by Jacob to become a multitude of nations. Ephraim's descendants became one of the prominent tribes of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/m/manasseh.htm">Manasseh</a> The elder son of Joseph, also blessed by Jacob. Manasseh's descendants formed another significant tribe in Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Deuteronomy, who is giving his final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to whom Moses is speaking, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob's sons. 5. <a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a> Refers to the surrounding peoples and nations that Israel would encounter and sometimes battle against.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_strength_and_leadership.htm">Symbolism of Strength and Leadership</a> The imagery of a firstborn bull and wild ox signifies strength, leadership, and authority. Believers are called to recognize the strength that God provides to lead and protect His people. <a href="/topical/g/god's_blessing_and_favor.htm">God's Blessing and Favor</a> The prominence of Ephraim and Manasseh highlights God's sovereign choice and blessing. We should seek to understand and align ourselves with God's purposes and blessings in our lives. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_and_victory.htm">Spiritual Warfare and Victory</a> The goring of nations symbolizes spiritual victory. Christians are reminded of the spiritual battles they face and the assurance of victory through Christ. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_multiplication.htm">Unity and Multiplication</a> The mention of "ten thousands of Ephraim" and "thousands of Manasseh" emphasizes growth and unity. The church is called to grow in number and unity, working together for God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_33.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 33</a> <a href="/q/how_is_deut._33_17's_metaphor_explained.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 promises Joseph a strength likened to “horns of a wild ox”; how do we address this metaphor scientifically or literally? </a> <a href="/q/why_exalt_israel's_horn,_not_others.htm">Why is God said to exalt “the horn of his people” only for Israel, excluding other nations? (Psalm 148:14)</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_unicorns.htm">What does the Bible mention about unicorns?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_job_39_9's_'wild_ox'_explained.htm">In Job 39:9, the text mentions a “wild ox” (sometimes “unicorn”); how can this be reconciled with any known species or historical evidence? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/33.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.--Rashi refers this to the ten thousands slain by Joshua, the Ephraimite leader, and the thousands slain by Gideon, who was of the tribe of Manasseh. He expounds nearly the whole of the verse in reference to Joshua and the conquest of Canaan. There is an obvious similarity in the song of the Israelitish women after the defeat of the Philistines, "Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." The people "pushed to the ends of the earth" are taken to be the thousands and ten thousands of conquered Canaanites and Midianites. For a similar metaphor, see <a href="/1_kings/22-11.htm" title="And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus said the LORD, With these shall you push the Syrians, until you have consumed them.">1Kings 22:11</a>. Otherwise the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh would be the two-horned power of Joseph. (Comp. <a href="/daniel/8-3.htm" title="Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.">Daniel 8:3</a>; <a href="/daniel/8-20.htm" title="The ram which you saw having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.">Daniel 8:20</a> for a simile of the same kind.) <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>His ל֗וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> majesty [is like] הָדָ֣ר (hā·ḏār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1926.htm">Strong's 1926: </a> Magnificence, ornament, splendor a firstborn בְּכ֨וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief bull שׁוֹר֜וֹ (šō·w·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) and his horns וְקַרְנֵ֤י (wə·qar·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7161.htm">Strong's 7161: </a> A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power like those קַרְנָ֔יו (qar·nāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7161.htm">Strong's 7161: </a> A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power of a wild ox. רְאֵם֙ (rə·’êm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7214.htm">Strong's 7214: </a> A wild bull With them he will gore יְנַגַּ֥ח (yə·nag·gaḥ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5055.htm">Strong's 5055: </a> To butt with the horns, to war against the nations, עַמִּ֛ים (‘am·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock even to the ends אַפְסֵי־ (’ap̄·sê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_657.htm">Strong's 657: </a> Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot of the earth. אָ֑רֶץ (’ā·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land Such וְהֵם֙ (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They are the myriads רִבְב֣וֹת (riḇ·ḇō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7233.htm">Strong's 7233: </a> Multitude, myriad, ten thousand of Ephraim, אֶפְרַ֔יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory and such וְהֵ֖ם (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They are the thousands אַלְפֵ֥י (’al·p̄ê) Number - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand of Manasseh.” מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃ (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">Deuteronomy 33:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-17.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:17 The firstborn of his herd majesty (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 33:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 33:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 33:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 33:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>