Deuteronomy 33:23
And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְתָּלִי֙
And of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִי֙
And of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
1 of 11
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נַפְתָּלִי֙
And of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִי֙
And of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
3 of 11
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּמָלֵ֖א
and full
H4392
וּמָלֵ֖א
and full
Strong's:
H4392
Word #:
6 of 11
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָ֥ם
thou the west
H3220
יָ֥ם
thou the west
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
9 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Cross References
Genesis 49:21Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.Psalms 36:8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.Jeremiah 31:14And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.Matthew 4:13And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:Psalms 90:14O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Historical Context
Naphtali's territory encompassed the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and the fertile Huleh Valley to the north—among Canaan's most productive agricultural regions. The tribe produced Barak, who with Deborah defeated Sisera (Judges 4-5). The blessing's fulfillment reached its apex when this 'Galilee of the Gentiles' (Isaiah 9:1-2) became the center of Jesus's ministry—satisfaction with favor indeed, as God incarnate walked among them.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between spiritual 'satisfaction with favor' and material 'blessing of the LORD' in biblical prosperity?
- How does Naphtali's region becoming Jesus's ministry base demonstrate God's long-term faithfulness to prophetic blessing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD—Seva ratzon umale birkat YHWH combines material and spiritual abundance. Seva (satisfied/satiated) indicates contentment, not merely possession; ratzon (favor/goodwill) suggests both divine pleasure and human harmony. Naphtali's blessing emphasizes shalom—holistic well-being in relationship with God and others.
Possess thou the west and the south—Yam vedarom resha literally 'the sea and south, possess!' Naphtali's territory was in northern Galilee, with the western edge touching the Sea of Galilee (not the Mediterranean). The blessing promises fullness in every direction—abundance without lack, comprehensive inheritance. Naphtali's region was exceptionally fertile, fulfilling this promise materially. Spiritually, this is the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry (Matthew 4:13-15), filling it with gospel light.