Deuteronomy 33:20
And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.
Original Language Analysis
גָּ֑ד
And of Gad
H1410
גָּ֑ד
And of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
1 of 11
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
בָּר֖וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
בָּר֖וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
3 of 11
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
מַרְחִ֣יב
be he that enlargeth
H7337
מַרְחִ֣יב
be he that enlargeth
Strong's:
H7337
Word #:
4 of 11
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
גָּ֑ד
And of Gad
H1410
גָּ֑ד
And of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
5 of 11
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
כְּלָבִ֣יא
as a lion
H3833
כְּלָבִ֣יא
as a lion
Strong's:
H3833
Word #:
6 of 11
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
שָׁכֵ֔ן
he dwelleth
H7931
שָׁכֵ֔ן
he dwelleth
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
7 of 11
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
וְטָרַ֥ף
and teareth
H2963
וְטָרַ֥ף
and teareth
Strong's:
H2963
Word #:
8 of 11
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
זְר֖וֹעַ
the arm
H2220
זְר֖וֹעַ
the arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
9 of 11
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
Historical Context
Gad's territory in Gilead (east of Jordan) was prime grazing land but also exposed to constant raids from Ammon, Moab, and desert tribes. Moses's blessing acknowledges both the danger and the courage required to hold this frontier. Gad did indeed produce mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 5:18-22, 12:8-15) who defended Israel's borders. Their eastward position made them perpetual guardians, fulfilling the 'enlargement' through military strength rather than agricultural plenty.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'frontier' positions in your life or community require the courage and tenacity of a lion to defend biblical truth?
- How does Gad's faithfulness to fight for his brothers, despite having his own inheritance secured, model Christian solidarity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad—Moses blesses Gad with territorial expansion and military might. Marchiv (enlargeth) comes from the root rachav (to make wide/spacious), indicating God's provision of lebensraum (living space). Gad's Trans-Jordan inheritance was already secured (Numbers 32), but this blessing promises continued expansion.
He dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head—Gad is compared to lavi (a mature lion), not merely fierce but dominant and territorial. The vivid imagery of tearing 'arm with crown of head' (Hebrew: zeroa aph qadhqod) describes a lion's lethal attack, seizing both limb and skull. Gad's military prowess would protect Israel's eastern flank against Ammonite and Moabite aggression, fulfilling their covenant obligation despite settling outside Canaan proper (Numbers 32:20-22).