And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

DEUTERONOMY 33:24KJV
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Deuteronomy 33:24 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 33:24 mean?

Deuteronomy 33:24 records a blessing spoken over the tribe of Asher, asking that Asher be blessed with many children, be well-liked by his fellow Israelites, and enjoy abundant resources, pictured as dipping his foot in oil. This verse uses vivid language to express hopes for Asher’s prosperity, favor, and fruitfulness among the tribes of Israel.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving final blessings to each tribe before his death. Here, Moses speaks specifically to Asher, one of Jacob’s sons, and wishes him both family growth and acceptance among his brothers. The image of “dipping his foot in oil” points to a region rich in olive oil, suggesting material abundance and a good life.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 33:24

  • בָּרַךְ (barakh, “blessed”): This word means to bestow favor or good things. Here, it highlights Moses’ desire for Asher to receive tangible blessings, not just spiritual ones.
  • בֵּן (ben, “children”): The word refers to sons or descendants, emphasizing the wish for Asher’s family line to grow strong and numerous.
  • רָצָה (ratsah, “acceptable”): This word is about being pleasing or favored. Moses is asking that Asher be well-regarded and welcomed by the other tribes, not just tolerated.
  • טָבַל (taval, “dip”): This verb means to immerse or plunge. The phrase “dip his foot in oil” is a colorful way of saying Asher’s land will be so rich in olive oil that it will be as if he is walking in it.
  • שֶׁמֶן (shemen, “oil”): This refers to olive oil, a valuable product in ancient Israel. The mention of oil points to both wealth and the fertility of Asher’s territory.

Why Deuteronomy 33:24 matters

  • This verse clears up that the “oil” is not about anointing or religious ritual, but about the natural abundance of Asher’s land, which was known for its olive groves.
  • The blessing for Asher to be “acceptable to his brethren” shows that relationships and unity among the tribes were important, not just material success.
  • Deuteronomy 33:24 fits into a larger pattern where Moses gives each tribe a unique blessing, often tied to their future territory or role in Israel, highlighting the diversity and unity of the nation.

Where else these words appear

“dip” Hebrew H2881 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 37:31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
  • Leviticus 14:6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:
  • Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

“Asher” Hebrew H836 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Numbers 26:46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.
  • Judges 5:17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

“acceptable” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.