And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,

DEUTERONOMY 33:14KJV
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Deuteronomy 33:14 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 33:14 mean?

Deuteronomy 33:14 describes a blessing for the land, highlighting the value of its crops that grow under the sun and the special produce that comes forth with the moon. The verse expresses gratitude for the abundance and variety of agricultural blessings that the people would receive.

In this chapter, Moses is giving blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death. Here, he is speaking about Joseph’s descendants, wishing them prosperity in their land. The verse uses poetic language to point out how both daytime and nighttime cycles—sun and moon—bring about different kinds of precious produce, showing the fullness of God’s provision.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 33:14

  • "precious" (מֶגֶד, meged): This word refers to something excellent or valuable, emphasizing the high quality and desirability of the fruits and things mentioned.
  • "fruits" (תְּבוּאָה, tevu’ah): This word often means produce or yield, especially the harvest from the land, highlighting the agricultural context.
  • "sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh): The use of "sun" points to crops that ripen and flourish under sunlight, stressing the importance of natural cycles for abundance.
  • "moon" (יָרֵחַ, yareach): Mentioning the moon suggests crops or produce that are associated with different seasons or times, possibly hinting at things that grow or are gathered at night or in certain lunar phases.

Why Deuteronomy 33:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the blessing is not just about quantity but also about the richness and variety of what the land produces, showing a deep appreciation for the land’s natural cycles.
  • By mentioning both the sun and the moon, the verse emphasizes that God’s provision covers all times and seasons, not just the obvious or expected ones.
  • In the wider context of Moses’ blessings, this verse connects to the theme of God’s care for His people through the everyday gifts of nature, reinforcing the idea that even ordinary things like crops are seen as precious blessings.

Where else these words appear

“precious” Hebrew H4022 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:13 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,
  • Deuteronomy 33:16 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.
  • Song of Solomon 4:16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

“moon” Hebrew H3391 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
  • 1 Kings 8:2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.
  • Job 29:2 Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;

“fruits” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.