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 27:12KJV
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Deuteronomy 27:12 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 27:12 mean?

Deuteronomy 27:12 lists six tribes—Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin—who are to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings over the people of Israel after they cross the Jordan River. This instruction sets up a ceremony where the tribes are divided between two mountains, with one group declaring blessings and the other declaring curses.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The ceremony described is meant to remind the people of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Mount Gerizim is chosen as the place for the blessings, highlighting a physical and symbolic division between blessing and curse as the people reaffirm their covenant.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 27:12

  • גְּרִזִּים (Gerizim, transliteration: Gerizim): This is the name of the mountain where the blessings are to be spoken. Its mention sets a specific, real-world location for the ceremony, emphasizing the tangible nature of the covenant.
  • בָּרַךְ (barak, transliteration: bless): This word means "to bless" and is used here to describe what the selected tribes are to do for the people. The act of blessing is public and communal, not just private or individual.
  • עָמַד (amad, transliteration: stand): This word means "to stand" and implies a formal, deliberate action. The tribes are not just present; they are taking a visible, active role in the ceremony.

Why Deuteronomy 27:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the blessings and curses were not abstract ideas but were to be spoken aloud in a dramatic, public event, reinforcing the seriousness of the covenant.
  • The division of tribes between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (mentioned in the following verse) shows the importance of communal participation and shared responsibility in Israel’s relationship with God.
  • Understanding which tribes were chosen for blessing helps readers see patterns in Israel’s history, as these tribes are mostly descended from Leah and Rachel, the primary wives of Jacob, which may reflect their central role in the nation’s identity.

Where else these words appear

“Gerizim” Hebrew H1630 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:29 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
  • Joshua 8:33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.
  • Judges 9:7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

“Simeon” Hebrew H8095 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
  • Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
  • Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 26:25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.