Deuteronomy 33:24

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

Original Language Analysis

אָשֵׁ֑ר And of Asher H836
אָשֵׁ֑ר And of Asher
Strong's: H836
Word #: 1 of 11
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
אָמַ֔ר he said H559
אָמַ֔ר he said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 11
to say (used with great latitude)
בָּר֥וּךְ be blessed H1288
בָּר֥וּךְ be 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
מִבָּנִ֖ים with children H1121
מִבָּנִ֖ים with children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 4 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָשֵׁ֑ר And of Asher H836
אָשֵׁ֑ר And of Asher
Strong's: H836
Word #: 5 of 11
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
יְהִ֤י H1961
יְהִ֤י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
רְצוּי֙ let him be acceptable H7521
רְצוּי֙ let him be acceptable
Strong's: H7521
Word #: 7 of 11
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
אֶחָ֔יו to his brethren H251
אֶחָ֔יו to his brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 8 of 11
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְטֹבֵ֥ל and let him dip H2881
וְטֹבֵ֥ל and let him dip
Strong's: H2881
Word #: 9 of 11
to dip, to immerse
בַּשֶּׁ֖מֶן in oil H8081
בַּשֶּׁ֖מֶן in oil
Strong's: H8081
Word #: 10 of 11
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
רַגְלֽוֹ׃ his foot H7272
רַגְלֽוֹ׃ his foot
Strong's: H7272
Word #: 11 of 11
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis & Commentary

Let Asher be blessed with children—Barukh mibanim Asher (blessed from/among sons) can mean blessed with many sons or blessed/favored among his brothers. Given the context emphasizing fraternal acceptance, the latter seems primary. Asher's demographic prosperity would make him influential and welcome.

Let him be acceptable to his brethren—Retzu echav (accepted/pleasing to his brothers) addresses potential tribal jealousy. Asher's coming abundance shouldn't breed resentment but harmony. Let him dip his foot in oil—Toval bashemen raglo is hyperbolic imagery of extraordinary olive oil production. Asher's Mediterranean coastal territory in northern Israel became famous for olive cultivation. Oil so abundant you could bathe feet in it! Oil symbolizes anointing, blessing, prosperity, and the Spirit—all flowing from Asher's inheritance.

Historical Context

Asher's territory stretched along the Mediterranean coast from Mount Carmel northward to Phoenicia—ideal for olive cultivation. Ancient sources confirm this region's legendary olive oil production, which became a major export commodity. Asher's prosperity through agriculture and trade with Phoenician cities fulfilled this blessing. The tribe's acceptance among brothers despite wealth suggests they avoided the pride that often accompanies prosperity.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources