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

DEUTERONOMY 33:22KJV
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Deuteronomy 33:22 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 33:22 mean?

Deuteronomy 33:22 describes the tribe of Dan as being like a young lion, suggesting strength and boldness, and says that Dan will "leap from Bashan," hinting at sudden action or movement from that region. This verse is part of Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death, using vivid imagery to speak about Dan's future character and actions.

In this setting, Moses is addressing each of the tribes of Israel individually, giving a poetic blessing or prophecy about their future. For Dan, the comparison to a lion's whelp (a young lion) points to potential and fierceness, while the mention of Bashan, a region known for its strength and resources, adds a layer of geographical and symbolic meaning to Dan's expected impact or movements.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 33:22

  • דָּן (Dan, transliterated "Dan"): This is the name of the tribe, and it means "judge." The focus here is on the tribe's identity and role among Israel.
  • גּוּר (gur, transliterated "whelp"): This word means a young lion, emphasizing youth, potential, and developing strength rather than a fully mature lion.
  • יְזַנֵּק (yezanneq, transliterated "leap"): This verb means to leap or spring, often understood as a sudden or forceful movement, highlighting Dan's energetic or surprising actions.
  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan, transliterated "Bashan"): Bashan was a fertile and powerful region east of the Jordan River, known for its strong animals and rich land. Mentioning Bashan connects Dan's "leap" to a place associated with strength and abundance.

Why Deuteronomy 33:22 matters

  • The verse uses the image of a young lion to highlight Dan's potential for strength and courage, not just its current state, which helps clarify that this is about promise and future action.
  • The reference to Bashan, a region not originally settled by Dan, has led to various interpretations about Dan's movements or influence, showing that the tribe's history involved migrations and unexpected developments.
  • Placing this blessing among the other tribal blessings in Deuteronomy 33 shows that each tribe had a unique role and destiny, and the poetic language invites readers to consider the character and future of each group within Israel.

Where else these words appear

“whelp” Hebrew H1482 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • Ezekiel 19:2 And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
  • Ezekiel 19:5 Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
  • Joshua 13:11 And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
  • 1 Chronicles 6:62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“lion's” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.