Deuteronomy 1:13
New International Version
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

New Living Translation
Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’

English Standard Version
Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

Berean Standard Bible
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”

King James Bible
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

New King James Version
Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’

New American Standard Bible
Obtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

NASB 1995
‘Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

NASB 1977
‘Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Choose wise and understanding and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

Amplified Bible
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, experienced, and respected men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as heads (leaders) over you.’

Christian Standard Bible
Appoint for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will make them your leaders.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Appoint for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will make them your leaders.”

American Standard Version
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.

Contemporary English Version
Each tribe must choose some experienced men who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will make those men the official leaders of their tribes.

English Revised Version
Take you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From each of your tribes, choose some men who are wise, intelligent, and experienced, and I'll appoint them to be your leaders."

Good News Translation
Choose some wise, understanding, and experienced men from each tribe, and I will put them in charge of you.'

International Standard Version
Choose for yourselves wise and discerning men, known to your tribes, and appoint them as your leaders.

Majority Standard Bible
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”

NET Bible
Select wise and practical men, those known among your tribes, whom I may appoint as your leaders."

New Heart English Bible
Take wise men of understanding and well known according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

World English Bible
Take wise men of understanding who are respected among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Provide wise and understanding men for yourselves that are known to your tribes, and I set them for your heads;

Young's Literal Translation
Give for yourselves men, wise and intelligent, and known to your tribes, and I set them for your heads;

Smith's Literal Translation
Give to yourselves men wise and known to your tribes, and I will set them for your heads.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let me have from among you wise and understanding men, and such whose conversation is approved among your tribes, that I may appoint them your rulers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Offer, from among you, wise and experienced men, those whose conversation has been proven within your tribes, so that I may appoint them as your rulers.’

New American Bible
Provide wise, discerning, and reputable persons for each of your tribes, that I may appoint them as your leaders.”

New Revised Standard Version
Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Choose for yourselves wise men, who have understanding and are renowned among your tribes, and I will make them chiefs over you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Choose men for you that are wise and are understanding and known with your tribes, and I shall confirm them as your Leaders.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Get you, from each one of your tribes, wise men, and understanding, and full of knowledge, and I will make them heads over you.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Take to yourselves wise and understanding and prudent men for your tribes, and I will set your leaders over you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Appoints Leaders
12But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself? 13Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” 14And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”…

Cross References
Exodus 18:21-22
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

Numbers 11:16-17
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

1 Timothy 3:1-7
This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...

1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Titus 1:5-9
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ...

1 Corinthians 6:5
I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

1 Peter 5:1-3
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Romans 12:8
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

2 Chronicles 19:5-7
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”


Treasury of Scripture

Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

Take [heb] Give

Exodus 18:21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Numbers 11:16,17
And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee…

Acts 1:21-23
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, …

Jump to Previous
Appoint Chiefs Choose Discerning Experienced Heads Intelligent Provide Respected Rulers Tribes Understanding Wise Yourselves
Jump to Next
Appoint Chiefs Choose Discerning Experienced Heads Intelligent Provide Respected Rulers Tribes Understanding Wise Yourselves
Deuteronomy 1
1. Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year
6. briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb
14. of giving them officers
19. of sending the spies to search the land
34. of his anger for their incredulity
41. and disobedience














Choose for yourselves
The Hebrew word for "choose" is "בָּחַר" (bachar), which implies a deliberate and careful selection process. This reflects the importance of communal involvement in leadership decisions, emphasizing that the people were not passive recipients but active participants in governance. This participatory approach underscores the value of discernment and responsibility in leadership selection, a principle that resonates with the democratic ideals found in many modern societies.

wise
The Hebrew term "חֲכָם" (chakam) denotes wisdom that is both practical and spiritual. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). This wisdom is essential for leaders who must navigate complex social and spiritual issues, ensuring that their decisions align with God's will and the well-being of the community.

understanding
The word "נָבוֹן" (navon) refers to discernment and insight. It suggests an ability to perceive the underlying truths and complexities of situations. Leaders with understanding are able to see beyond the surface, making informed decisions that consider long-term consequences and the broader impact on the community.

respected
The Hebrew "יָדוּעַ" (yadu'a) implies being known or recognized, often for one's character and integrity. This respect is not merely about reputation but is earned through consistent, righteous behavior. Leaders must be individuals whose lives reflect the values and principles they are called to uphold, serving as role models for the community.

men
The term "אִישׁ" (ish) is used here, which can mean "man" or "person." In the historical context, leadership roles were typically held by men, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society. However, the qualities listed—wisdom, understanding, and respect—are universally applicable to all who are called to lead, regardless of gender.

from each of your tribes
This phrase emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusivity in leadership. By selecting leaders from each tribe, the governance structure ensured that all groups within the nation had a voice and stake in the decision-making process. This tribal representation helped maintain unity and cohesion among the diverse people of Israel.

I will appoint them
The Hebrew "וַאֲשִׂימֵם" (va'asimem) indicates a formal commissioning or installation into office. While the people were responsible for choosing their leaders, the final appointment was made by Moses, signifying divine approval and authority. This dual process highlights the balance between human agency and divine sovereignty in leadership.

as your leaders
The word "רָאשִׁים" (roshim) means "heads" or "chiefs," indicating those who are at the forefront of guiding and directing the community. Leaders are called to serve with humility and dedication, recognizing that their authority is a stewardship entrusted to them by God for the benefit of His people. This concept of servant leadership is central to the biblical understanding of authority.

Verse 13. - Take you; literally, give to you or for you, i.e. yourselves. The selection was to be made by the people themselves. Jethro, in giving Moses the advice on which he thus acted, described the men who were to be selected as "such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" (Exodus 18:21). Moses here describes them rather by qualities, indicating ability and fitness for such a post as that to which they were to be called; they were to be wise (which, indeed, may be regarded as comprehending all good moral qualities); understanding men, men of discernment and sagacity, as well as intelligence; and known among their tribes, men of good repute in the community ("quorum conversatio sit probata," Vulgate; comp. Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:7). And I will make them rulers over you; literally, will set them for your heads, i.e. will appoint them to act as superintendents, managers, and judges over you.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Choose
הָב֣וּ (hā·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3051: To give, to put, imperatively, come

for yourselves wise,
חֲכָמִ֧ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

understanding,
וּנְבֹנִ֛ים (ū·nə·ḇō·nîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

and respected men
וִידֻעִ֖ים (wî·ḏu·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

from each of your tribes,
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם (lə·šiḇ·ṭê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

and I will appoint them
וַאֲשִׂימֵ֖ם (wa·’ă·śî·mêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

as your leaders.”
בְּרָאשֵׁיכֶֽם׃ (bə·rā·šê·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7218: The head


Links
Deuteronomy 1:13 NIV
Deuteronomy 1:13 NLT
Deuteronomy 1:13 ESV
Deuteronomy 1:13 NASB
Deuteronomy 1:13 KJV

Deuteronomy 1:13 BibleApps.com
Deuteronomy 1:13 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 1:13 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 1:13 French Bible
Deuteronomy 1:13 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:13 Take wise men of understanding and well (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 1:12
Top of Page
Top of Page