Deuteronomy 1:15
So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאֶקַּ֞ח
So I took
H3947
וָֽאֶקַּ֞ח
So I took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָאשִׁ֖ים
the chief
H7218
רָאשִׁ֖ים
the chief
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 21
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶֽם׃
among your tribes
H7626
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶֽם׃
among your tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
4 of 21
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וִֽידֻעִ֔ים
and known
H3045
וִֽידֻעִ֔ים
and known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וָֽאֶתֵּ֥ן
and made
H5414
וָֽאֶתֵּ֥ן
and made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָאשִׁ֖ים
the chief
H7218
רָאשִׁ֖ים
the chief
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
10 of 21
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲלָפִ֜ים
over thousands
H505
אֲלָפִ֜ים
over thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
13 of 21
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
מֵא֗וֹת
over hundreds
H3967
מֵא֗וֹת
over hundreds
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
15 of 21
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת
over tens
H6235
עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת
over tens
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
19 of 21
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Historical Context
This system, implemented at Sinai (Exodus 18), served Israel throughout the wilderness journey and into the conquest period. The combination of tribal identity with functional organization balanced cultural continuity with practical effectiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can good organizational structure enhance rather than hinder ministry?
- Where do you need clearer lines of authority and accountability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' appointment of leaders 'over you' according to military divisions (thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens) created a clear hierarchy and manageable span of control. This organizational structure ensured accessibility (leaders close to the people) and accountability (clear reporting lines). The military structure suggests both order and readiness—God's people needed both pastoral care and strategic organization for their mission.