Deuteronomy 33:17

KJV

His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock, and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.

KJV (with Strong's)

His glory {H1926} is like the firstling {H1060} of his bullock {H7794}, and his horns {H7161} are like the horns {H7161} of unicorns {H7214}: with them he shall push {H5055} the people {H5971} together {H3162} to the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}: and they are the ten thousands {H7233} of Ephraim {H669}, and they are the thousands {H505} of Manasseh {H4519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His firstborn bull - glory is his; his horns are those of a wild ox; With them he will gore the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth. These are the myriads of Efrayim; these are the thousands of M'nasheh."

Berean Standard Bible

His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”

American Standard Version

The firstling of his herd, majesty is his; And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox: With them he shall push the peoples all of them, eventhe ends of the earth: And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:17 presents a profound prophetic blessing from Moses upon the tribe of Joseph, specifically encompassing his two formidable sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This verse vividly portrays their future preeminence, immense numerical strength, and military prowess, likening their glory to the majestic power of a firstborn bullock and their irresistible force to the formidable horns of a wild ox. It anticipates their decisive role in subduing adversaries and extending Israel's influence across the Promised Land, underscoring God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and the abundant prosperity He bestows upon His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 33:17 is embedded within Moses' final prophetic blessings upon the twelve tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death and the nation's imminent entry into the Promised Land. This pivotal chapter, found in [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing on Israel"), functions as a valedictory address, echoing and expanding upon the patriarchal blessings pronounced by Jacob in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"). The blessing for Joseph's descendants (verses 13-17) is notably expansive and rich in imagery, reflecting the significant role and anticipated prosperity of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh within the emerging Israelite nation. It follows blessings for other tribes and precedes a concluding summary of Israel's uniquely blessed status under God's protective hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, the backdrop for this prophecy, was a world where agricultural and pastoral life deeply shaped understanding of strength, prosperity, and dominion. The bullock, particularly a firstborn, symbolized immense power, virility, and economic wealth. Horns, universally across ancient cultures, represented strength, authority, and both defensive and offensive capability. The "unicorn" (Hebrew: _re'em_) refers to a powerful wild ox, most likely the now-extinct aurochs, renowned for its formidable horns and untamed strength. This imagery would have been immediately understood by the Israelites as conveying irresistible force and dominance. Furthermore, the tribal structure of Israel was central to its identity and organization. The promise of "ten thousands of Ephraim" and "thousands of Manasseh" directly speaks to the critical importance of numerical strength for military and societal dominance during the conquest and settlement of Canaan, a historical reality that unfolded as Ephraim, in particular, became a leading and populous tribe in the northern kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy") and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Blessing** is paramount, as God's favor is the ultimate source of the strength and prosperity promised to Joseph's descendants, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). **Strength and Power** are vividly portrayed through the animalistic imagery, signifying the formidable military and societal might of Ephraim and Manasseh. This directly relates to the theme of **Conquest and Dominion**, as their strength is explicitly directed towards "push[ing] the people together to the ends of the earth," indicating their decisive role in subduing enemies and securing the land God promised (cf. [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise of Land")). Finally, the explicit mention of "ten thousands" and "thousands" highlights the theme of **Abundance and Multiplicity**, a recurring motif in God's blessings, promising numerous descendants who would fill the land and become a great nation (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Descendants")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From the root meaning "to be magnificent," this term denotes splendor, majesty, honor, or excellence. In this context, it refers to the inherent dignity, preeminence, and impressive quality of Joseph's descendants, which is compared to the imposing presence of a firstborn bullock.
* **Firstling (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firstborn," this word signifies the firstborn of an animal, carrying connotations of preeminence, prime strength, and the best of a herd. Applied to a bullock, it indicates an animal in its peak vigor and power, serving as a potent symbol of Joseph's anticipated leadership and robust strength among the tribes.
* **Unicorns (Hebrew, _rᵉʼêm'_):** This is a critical translation point. While the King James Version uses "unicorns," the Hebrew _rᵉʼêm_ (רְאֵם) almost certainly refers to a powerful, two-horned wild ox, most likely the aurochs (_Bos primigenius_), a large and fierce bovine species now extinct. The imagery is not of a mythical creature with a single horn, but of a real, formidable wild ox renowned for its immense strength, ferocity, and untamable nature. Its horns are its primary weapon and symbol of irresistible power.
* **Push (Hebrew, _nâgach'_):** This primitive root literally means "to butt with the horns," "to gore," or "to thrust." It describes the aggressive, forceful action of a horned animal attacking its adversary. In this context, it powerfully conveys the military prowess and irresistible force with which Joseph's descendants would overcome their enemies and expand their territorial influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock":** This clause initiates the comparison, likening the inherent "glory" (majesty, honor, preeminence) of Joseph's descendants to the prime strength, vitality, and imposing presence of a firstborn bullock. It suggests that the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh would be distinguished by their robust power and a leading, even dominant, position within the nation of Israel.
* **"and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns":** Continuing the powerful animalistic metaphor, this clause emphasizes the formidable, irresistible power of Joseph's tribes. The "horns" symbolize their strength, authority, and capacity for both defense and offense, drawing a parallel to the fearsome and untamed power of the wild ox (aurochs). This imagery underscores their military might and their ability to overcome any opposition.
* **"with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth":** This is a vivid and forceful declaration of military dominance and territorial expansion. The "horns" (representing the collective strength and aggressive capability of Ephraim and Manasseh) are the instruments by which they will "push," "gore," or forcefully subdue the surrounding peoples. The phrase "to the ends of the earth" is a hyperbolic expression, emphasizing the thoroughness and wide-ranging impact of their conquests, ensuring the secure establishment of Israel's promised inheritance.
* **"and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh":** This final clause explicitly identifies the beneficiaries of this blessing and the source of this immense power: the numerous descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. It highlights their extraordinary numerical strength, which would directly translate into military and political dominance. Historically, Ephraim indeed became a highly populous and influential tribe, often representing the entire northern kingdom of Israel due to its prominence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:17 is rich with evocative **imagery** and potent **symbolism**, primarily drawing from the animal kingdom to convey strength and power. The central device is **Simile**, explicitly stated by the use of "like" ("His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock," "his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns"), which creates vivid and impactful comparisons. The "firstling of his bullock" and "horns of unicorns" serve as powerful **Metaphors** for the formidable strength, irresistible force, and preeminence of Joseph's descendants. The phrase "push the people together to the ends of the earth" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive extent and thoroughness of their dominion, signifying complete victory within their sphere of influence rather than literal global conquest. The **Symbolism** of horns is particularly potent, representing power, authority, and military might, a consistent motif throughout biblical literature. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** by first describing the abstract glory and horns, then explicitly attributing this power to the "ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh," directly linking the symbolic representation to its concrete manifestation in the tribes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This blessing for Joseph's descendants in Deuteronomy 33:17 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates how God empowers His chosen people, not merely with spiritual blessings but also with the practical strength, numerical superiority, and military prowess necessary to fulfill their role in His unfolding redemptive plan—in this case, the conquest and secure settlement of the Promised Land. The physical strength and numerical abundance promised to Ephraim and Manasseh are direct manifestations of divine favor, ensuring the nation of Israel could establish itself and thrive as God's unique people among the nations. This passage underscores that God equips those He calls, providing the resources needed to accomplish His purposes, whether in ancient conquest or in contemporary spiritual mission.

* [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22-26 "Genesis 49:22-26 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessing on Joseph")
* [Numbers 26:28-37](/numbers/26-28-37 "Numbers 26:28-37 - Census of Joseph's Descendants")
* [Joshua 17:14-18](/joshua/17-14-18 "Joshua 17:14-18 - Joseph's Tribes Request More Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:17, while rooted in an ancient tribal blessing, offers timeless principles for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all true strength and empowerment. Just as He equipped Ephraim and Manasseh with physical might and numerical superiority for their earthly mission of conquest and settlement, He similarly provides believers with spiritual strength, diverse gifts, and the supportive community of the church to fulfill His purposes in our lives. We are called to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might," not relying on our own limited abilities or wisdom. This verse encourages us to embrace the spiritual authority and power given to us in Christ, enabling us to "push" against the forces of darkness, overcome spiritual obstacles, and extend the kingdom of God in our spheres of influence. It challenges us to recognize that our collective strength as the body of Christ, much like the "ten thousands of Ephraim" and "thousands of Manasseh," is formidable and effective when united under God's sovereign blessing and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you currently need God's empowering strength to "push" through challenges or spiritual opposition?**
* **How does understanding the true meaning of "unicorn" (wild ox) deepen your appreciation for the formidable power being described in this ancient blessing?**
* **How can the church today, as the collective "thousands" and "ten thousands" of God's people, better manifest the strength, unity, and purpose promised in this blessing for Joseph's descendants?**
* **What are the "ends of the earth" (metaphorically speaking) in your life, community, or the world that God is calling you to impact with His strength and the message of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does the KJV translation "unicorns" actually refer to in Deuteronomy 33:17?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation of "unicorns" for the Hebrew word _re'em_ (רְאֵם) is a common point of confusion and a significant mistranslation in modern scholarship. It is widely accepted that _re'em_ refers not to a mythical one-horned creature, but to a powerful, real animal: the wild ox, specifically the aurochs (_Bos primigenius_), which is now extinct. This formidable bovine was known for its immense strength, ferocity, and large, often curved, horns. The imagery in [Deuteronomy 33:17](/deuteronomy/33-17 "Deuteronomy 33:17 - Moses' Blessing on Joseph") therefore conveys the untamed, irresistible power of a two-horned wild ox, not a fantastical beast. This understanding aligns with other biblical references to _re'em_ that describe its strength and ferocity, such as in [Numbers 23:22](/numbers/23-22 "Numbers 23:22 - God's Strength Like a Wild Ox") and [Psalm 92:10](/psalms/92-10 "Psalm 92:10 - Horn Exalted Like a Wild Ox").

**Why are Ephraim and Manasseh specifically mentioned at the end of this blessing, rather than just "Joseph"?**

Answer: Ephraim and Manasseh were the two sons of Joseph, who were adopted by Jacob (Israel) as his own, effectively elevating them to the status of full tribes alongside Jacob's other sons (see [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). This special status meant that Joseph, through his sons, received a double portion of the inheritance, divided between his two tribal descendants. Historically, Ephraim, though the younger son, often surpassed Manasseh in prominence and population, as reflected in the "ten thousands of Ephraim" and "thousands of Manasseh" in this verse. These two tribes became incredibly influential and populous, playing a dominant role in the central and northern parts of Israel, particularly Ephraim, which often represented the entire northern kingdom. Moses' specific mention of them underscores their future demographic and military significance in the land of Canaan, highlighting the fulfillment of God's blessing through their abundant progeny and strength.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 33:17 directly blesses the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh with physical strength, numerical abundance, and earthly dominion, its ultimate fulfillment points profoundly to the spiritual strength and global dominion of Christ and His church. Just as Joseph's descendants were empowered to "push the people together to the ends of the earth" in a physical sense, Christ, the true "firstling" and "firstborn over all creation" (cf. [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn")), possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He empowers His followers, the spiritual "ten thousands" and "thousands" of His church, with spiritual authority and divine power to advance His kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The "horns" of the wild ox, symbolizing irresistible power and aggressive might, find their ultimate reality in the spiritual armor and weapons provided by Christ (cf. [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), enabling believers to overcome spiritual adversaries and proclaim the gospel with divine authority. Thus, the ancient blessing foreshadows the greater, spiritual conquest and expansion of God's people under the supreme headship of Christ, who truly reigns with all power and authority (cf. [Revelation 1:18](/rev/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 23:22

God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

1 Kings 22:11

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.

Psalms 44:5

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Genesis 48:19

And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

Psalms 92:10

But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Numbers 24:8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.