Deuteronomy 33:21
New International Version
He chose the best land for himself; the leader’s portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the LORD’s righteous will, and his judgments concerning Israel.”

New Living Translation
The people of Gad took the best land for themselves; a leader’s share was assigned to them. When the leaders of the people were assembled, they carried out the LORD’s justice and obeyed his regulations for Israel.”

English Standard Version
He chose the best of the land for himself, for there a commander’s portion was reserved; and he came with the heads of the people, with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments for Israel.”

Berean Standard Bible
He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”

King James Bible
And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.

New King James Version
He provided the first part for himself, Because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people; He administered the justice of the LORD, And His judgments with Israel.”

New American Standard Bible
“Then he selected the choicest part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.”

NASB 1995
“Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.”

NASB 1977
“Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the heads of the people; He did the righteousness of Yahweh, And His judgments with Israel.”

Amplified Bible
“He selected the best [land] for himself, For there the leader’s portion was reserved; Yet he came with the leaders of the people; He carried out the justice (righteous will) of the LORD, And His ordinances (judgments) with Israel.”

Christian Standard Bible
He chose the best part for himself, because a ruler’s portion was assigned there for him. He came with the leaders of the people; he carried out the LORD’s justice and his ordinances for Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He chose the best part for himself, because a ruler’s portion was assigned there for him. He came with the leaders of the people; he carried out the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.

American Standard Version
And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver's portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people; He executed the righteousness of Jehovah, And his ordinances with Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Your leaders met together and chose the best land for your tribe, but you obeyed the LORD and helped the other tribes.

English Revised Version
And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver's portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people, He executed the justice of the LORD, And his judgments with Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They chose the best land for themselves. Indeed, a commander's piece of land was reserved for them. They were leaders of the people and did for Israel what the LORD considers fair and honorable."

Good News Translation
They took the best of the land for themselves; A leader's share was assigned to them. They obeyed the LORD's commands and laws When the leaders of Israel were gathered together."

International Standard Version
He chose the best part for himself, when the leader's portion was assigned. He came at the head of the people, carrying out the LORD'S justice and his ordinances concerning Israel."

Majority Standard Bible
He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”

NET Bible
He has selected the best part for himself, for the portion of the ruler is set aside there; he came with the leaders of the people, he obeyed the righteous laws of the LORD and his ordinances with Israel.

New Heart English Bible
He provided the first part for himself, for there was the lawgiver's portion reserved. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of the LORD, his ordinances with Israel."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated: and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.

World English Bible
He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he provides the first part for himself, "" For there the portion of the lawgiver is covered, "" And he comes [with] the heads of the people; He has done the righteousness of YHWH, "" And His judgments with Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
And he provideth the first part for himself, For there the portion of the lawgiver is covered, And he cometh with the heads of the people; The righteousness of Jehovah he hath done, And His judgments with Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will see the first-fruits to himself, for there the portion of the ruler he covered: and he will mark out the heads of the people; he did the justice of Jehovah, and his judgments with Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he saw his pre-eminence, that in his portion the teacher was laid up: who was with the princes of the people, and did the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he has seen his own pre-eminence, which his teacher has stored up as his portion. He was with the princes of the people, and he accomplished the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel.”

New American Bible
He saw that the best should be his, for there the commander’s portion was assigned; he came at the head of the people. He carried out the justice of the LORD and his ordinances for Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
He chose the best for himself, for there a commander’s allotment was reserved; he came at the head of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his ordinances for Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he provided the first part of the spoil for himself, out of which he set aside the portion of the lawgiver; he went out at the head of the people; he executed the justice of the LORD and his judgments with Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he saw the First Himself, because there the portion of the Prophet was buried who was proceeding with the Head of the people; He performed the righteousness of LORD JEHOVAH and his judgments with Israel.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he chose a first part for himself, For there a portion of a ruler was reserved; And there came the heads of the people, He executed the righteousness of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he saw his first-fruits, that there the land of the princes gathered with the chiefs of the people was divided; the Lord wrought righteousness, and his judgment with Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
20Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head. 21He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.” 22Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”…

Cross References
Numbers 32:29-32
And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. / But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” / The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. ...

Joshua 1:12-15
But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, / “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ / Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, ...

Joshua 22:1-6
Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ...

Genesis 49:19
Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels.

Judges 5:17
Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.

1 Chronicles 5:18-22
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. / They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. / And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. ...

1 Chronicles 12:8
Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

Jeremiah 50:19
I will return Israel to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead.

Ezekiel 48:27
And Gad will have one portion bordering the territory of Zebulun from east to west.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,


Treasury of Scripture

And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.

the first part

Numbers 32:1-6,16,17
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; …

a portion

Numbers 32:33
And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about.

Joshua 1:14
Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;

Joshua 22:4
And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

seated [heb] cieled

Numbers 32:16,21
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: …

Joshua 4:12,13
And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: …

Judges 5:2,11
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves…

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Deuteronomy 33
1. The majesty of God
6. The blessings of the twelve tribes
26. The excellence of Israel














He chose the best land for himself
This phrase refers to the tribe of Gad, which selected a fertile and strategic portion of land east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew root for "chose" (בָּחַר, bachar) implies a deliberate and discerning selection, indicating Gad's wisdom in securing a prosperous territory. Historically, this choice reflects the tribe's foresight and understanding of their needs, as the land was suitable for their large herds and flocks. This decision also underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in making choices that align with His provision and blessings.

for there a ruler’s portion was reserved
The "ruler's portion" signifies a place of honor and authority. In the Hebrew context, the word "ruler" (חֹקֵק, choqeq) can also mean "lawgiver," suggesting that Gad's territory was not only rich in resources but also significant in leadership and governance. This reservation of land highlights God's sovereign plan and the tribe's role in the broader narrative of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God allocates resources and responsibilities according to His divine purpose, and those who trust in Him will find their place in His kingdom.

He came with the leaders of the people
This phrase emphasizes Gad's unity and cooperation with the other tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "leaders" (רָאשִׁים, roshim) denotes heads or chiefs, indicating that Gad was not isolated but actively participated in the collective leadership of the nation. This collaboration is crucial in fulfilling God's mission for Israel, illustrating the strength found in unity and the importance of working together to achieve common goals.

he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel
Here, the focus is on Gad's role in upholding God's laws and ensuring justice within the community. The Hebrew word for "administered" (עָשָׂה, asah) conveys the idea of executing or carrying out, highlighting Gad's commitment to implementing divine justice. This responsibility reflects the tribe's dedication to maintaining righteousness and order according to God's commandments. It serves as an inspiration for believers to actively pursue justice and adhere to God's statutes in their own lives, recognizing that true justice is rooted in His divine will.

(21) The first part.--The first territory conquered by Moses was distributed between Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

A portion of the lawgiver is interpreted by Rashi as the field of the "burial-place" of the lawgiver. But this can hardly have been in the mind of Moses.

He came with the heads of the people.--The Gadites with their companion tribes passed over Jordan to the conquest of Canaan by Moses' order.

Verse 21 refers to Gad's obtaining an inheritance for himself from Moses beyond Jordan. And he provided the first part for himself; literally, and he saw for himself (i.e. chose) the first, i.e. either the most excellent part or the firstfruits of the conquest. Because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; rather, for there the portion of the leader was reserved. The word rendered t, lawgiver," or "leader" (מְחֹקֵק), signifies primarily one who ordains or appoints, and is used in both the above senses (cf. Exodus 33:22; Judges 5:14); it is here applied to Gad, because that tribe displayed such promptitude and energy at the head of the tribes in the conquest of the land, that it might be regarded as their leader. An entirely different view of the passage has been taken by some, who by the mechokek understand Moses as the lawgiver, and his portion as the place of his grave, which was concealed, but was within the inheritance of Gad. But it is a fatal objection to this view that not only is the word rendered "portion" (חֶלְקַת) nowhere used of a grave, but the grave of Moses on Mount Nebo was in the territory of Reuben, not in that of Gad. Gesenius renders, "The portion of (assigned by) the lawgiver was preserved." But this does not tally with the immediately preceding statement, that Gad chose his portion for himself; at any rate, it could not be because of this that he chose it. Gad chose for himself a portion on the east of Jordan, and the portion he had chosen was sacredly kept for him, though he went with his brethren to the conquest of Canaan. And he came with the heads of the people; i.e. his place of marching was with the leaders; his place was at the head of the tribes (cf. Numbers 32:17, 21, 32, and Joshua 1:14; Joshua 4:12). He executed the justice of the Lord, etc.; i.e. he did what God required of him, obeying his commands, and thereby fulfilling all righteousness (cf. Matthew 3:15; Philippians 3:6). With Israel; in the fellowship of Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He chose
וַיַּ֤רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the best [land]
רֵאשִׁית֙ (rê·šîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7225: The first, in place, time, order, rank

for himself,
ל֔וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a ruler’s
מְחֹקֵ֖ק (mə·ḥō·qêq)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2710: To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe

portion
חֶלְקַ֥ת (ḥel·qaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment

was reserved for him
סָפ֑וּן (sā·p̄ūn)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 5603: To hide by covering, to roof, wainscot, to reserve

there.
שָׁ֛ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

He came
וַיֵּתֵא֙ (way·yê·ṯê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 857: To arrive

with the leaders
רָ֣אשֵׁי (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the people;
עָ֔ם (‘ām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

he administered
עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the justice
צִדְקַ֤ת (ṣiḏ·qaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and His ordinances
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו (ū·miš·pā·ṭāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

for
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Israel.”
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:21 He provided the first part for himself (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 33:20
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