Deuteronomy 33:22

KJV

¶ And of Dan he said, Dan [is] a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of Dan {H1835} he said {H559}, Dan {H1835} is a lion's {H738} whelp {H1482}: he shall leap {H2187} from Bashan {H1316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Dan he said: "Dan is a lion cub leaping forth from Bashan."

Berean Standard Bible

Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”

American Standard Version

And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion’s whelp, That leapeth forth from Bashan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:22 presents Moses' prophetic blessing upon the tribe of Dan, portraying them as a "lion's whelp" poised to "leap from Bashan." This vivid imagery encapsulates Dan's inherent strength, youthful vigor, and a future marked by dynamic, decisive action, potentially alluding to their later territorial expansion and military prowess. The blessing is part of Moses' final, divinely inspired pronouncements over the twelve tribes, underscoring God's specific design and destiny for each segment of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the final chapter of Deuteronomy, specifically in Moses' farewell blessing to the tribes of Israel ([Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing on the Tribes")). This chapter serves as a poetic and prophetic summary of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, delivered just before Moses' death and Israel's entry into Canaan. It parallels, yet distinctively complements, Jacob's earlier blessings in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings to His Sons"), offering a fresh, divinely inspired perspective on each tribe's character, role, and future destiny in the Promised Land. The blessings are not merely descriptive but prescriptive, shaping the tribes' understanding of their identity and purpose within the larger nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered these blessings on the plains of Moab, with the Promised Land in sight, around 1400 BC. The tribes were on the cusp of transitioning from nomadic wilderness wanderers to settled inhabitants of Canaan. Tribal identity was paramount, defining social structure, military organization, and land inheritance. The imagery of a "lion's whelp" would have resonated deeply in an agrarian society familiar with the power and predatory nature of lions, symbolizing formidable strength and aggressive potential. Bashan, located east of the Jordan River, was renowned for its fertile pastures, strong cattle, and robust inhabitants (cf. [Psalm 22:12](/psalms/22-12 "Psalm 22:12 - Strong Bulls of Bashan")). Its association with strength and formidable presence makes it a fitting springboard for Dan's "leap," even though Dan's initial inheritance was in the west.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in this verse and chapter include divine blessing and prophecy, highlighting God's sovereign plan for each tribe. Moses' words reveal God's intimate knowledge of their inherent characteristics and future trajectory, emphasizing their unique contributions to the nation of Israel. The imagery of the "lion's whelp" and the "leap from Bashan" underscore themes of strength, dynamism, and territorial expansion, foreshadowing the tribe of Dan's later history, particularly their northward migration and conquest of Laish, as detailed in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Dan's Migration and Conquest"). This act of aggressive expansion, driven by a need for a more secure and fertile inheritance, directly reflects the prophetic vigor embedded in Moses' blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whelp (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This term specifically refers to a cub (as still abiding in the lair), especially of the lion. While young, it embodies the full potential, inherent power, and predatory instincts of its species. The choice of "whelp" over "lion" suggests not yet fully mature strength, but a dynamic, burgeoning power, emphasizing Dan's potential and readiness for action rather than established might. It speaks to an innate, developing ferocity.
* **Leap (Hebrew, _zânaq'_):** Derived from a primitive root, this verb properly signifies to draw together the feet (as an animal about to dart upon its prey), i.e., to spring forward. It implies a sudden, forceful, and dynamic jump, spring, or darting movement. The word conveys an energetic burst of movement, suggesting that Dan's actions would be characterized by vigor and immediacy, perhaps in conquest or defense.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bâshân'_):** This refers to a specific region East of the Jordan, of uncertain derivation. It was known for its fertility and strong inhabitants. In this context, Bashan serves as a symbolic launching point, a place of strength and vigor from which Dan's dynamic action would originate or be characterized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of Dan he said":** This introductory phrase establishes Moses as the speaker, setting the stage for a specific prophetic utterance concerning the tribe of Dan. It highlights the individual attention given to each tribe within the collective blessing, underscoring the divine particularity of God's plan for each segment of Israel.
* **"Dan [is] a lion's whelp":** This is a powerful metaphorical declaration. By comparing Dan to a young lion, Moses attributes to the tribe characteristics of strength, courage, ferocity, and predatory instinct. It suggests an innate, formidable nature, full of potential and ready to assert itself. This imagery aligns Dan with other powerful tribes like Judah, also described with lion imagery in [Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Judah as a Lion's Whelp").
* **"he shall leap from Bashan":** This phrase describes the dynamic action of the "lion's whelp" and connects it to a specific geographical region. Bashan, known for its strength and fertile land, serves as a powerful symbol of origin or launching point. The "leap" signifies a sudden, decisive, and perhaps aggressive movement or expansion. While Dan's initial inheritance was on the western coast, this prophecy is widely understood to foreshadow their later historical migration northward to conquer Laish (renaming it Dan) as recorded in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Dan's Migration and Conquest"). This "leap from Bashan" thus symbolizes their energetic pursuit of a more suitable territory, demonstrating their inherent vigor and determination.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Metaphor** is central, comparing the tribe of Dan to a "lion's whelp," immediately imbuing them with attributes of strength, ferocity, and potential. This vivid animal imagery is a common biblical technique to characterize individuals or groups. The phrase "he shall leap from Bashan" utilizes **Symbolism**, where Bashan, a region known for its strength and fertility, symbolizes a powerful launching ground or a source of vigor, even if not Dan's direct territory. The "leap" itself is a **Dynamic Image**, suggesting sudden, decisive, and forceful action. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration about future events or characteristics, revealing God's foreknowledge and sovereign plan for the tribe of Dan, which was indeed fulfilled in their later history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This blessing for Dan underscores the theme of God's specific design and calling for each part of His people. Just as God endowed Dan with a particular character and destiny, He sovereignly orchestrates the unique gifts, strengths, and purposes of every individual and community within His kingdom. It speaks to the idea that divine potential is often seen and declared by God even before it fully manifests, encouraging faith in His promises despite present circumstances. The "leap" symbolizes the necessity of decisive action and courage in fulfilling God's purposes, often requiring movement beyond comfort zones or initial expectations.

* [Genesis 49:17](/genesis/49-17 "Genesis 49:17 - Jacob's Prophecy for Dan")
* [Judges 18:27-29](/judges/18-27-29 "Judges 18:27-29 - Dan's Conquest of Laish")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Righteous are Bold as a Lion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:22 invites us to consider the unique potential and calling God has placed within each of us. Just as Dan was blessed with the imagery of a powerful, dynamic "lion's whelp," we too are endowed with spiritual gifts, talents, and a divine purpose. This verse encourages us not to shrink from challenges but to embrace the "leap" of faith required to step into God's intended path. It reminds us that our strength comes from Him, enabling us to act with courage and decisiveness, even when it means venturing into new or challenging territories. Recognizing our God-given identity and potential empowers us to fulfill our unique role in His grand narrative, trusting that He provides the strength for every necessary "leap."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lion's whelp" potential or inherent strength do you believe God has placed within you?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to take a "leap" of faith, moving beyond your comfort zone or current circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God's specific design for the tribe of Dan encourage you about His individual plan for your life?**

### FAQ
**How does Dan's historical trajectory align with this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy of Dan as a "lion's whelp" that "leaps from Bashan" finds a striking fulfillment in the tribe's later history, particularly as recounted in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Dan's Migration and Conquest"). Despite being allotted territory in central Israel, the Danites struggled to secure their inheritance against the Philistines and Amorites ([Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Struggle for Territory")). This led them to seek new territory. A contingent of 600 armed Danites "leaped" northward, conquering the peaceful and unsuspecting city of Laish (far from their original inheritance, but embodying the dynamic, aggressive spirit of the prophecy) and renaming it Dan. This decisive, forceful action, though morally ambiguous in its execution, perfectly illustrates the "leap" of a "lion's whelp" seeking its domain, demonstrating the tribe's inherent vigor and determination to establish itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 33:22 directly blesses the tribe of Dan, its underlying themes of divine strength, prophetic destiny, and dynamic action find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ is the quintessential "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")), embodying supreme power, authority, and kingship. Unlike Dan's earthly "leap" for territory, Christ's "leap" was from the glory of heaven into human history, a decisive and unparalleled act of divine condescension to accomplish salvation ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate "leap" of faith and obedience, conquering sin and death and establishing an eternal kingdom. Furthermore, just as Dan was called to a specific role within Israel, Christ fulfills the entire purpose of Israel, becoming the true Israelite who perfectly embodies God's will and brings blessing to all nations ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). In Him, all the prophetic blessings find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), transforming the earthly strength of a tribe into the spiritual power available to all who believe.

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

Joshua 19:47

And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

Judges 18:27

¶ And they took [the things] which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people [that were] at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

Judges 15:8

And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.

Judges 13:2

And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not.

Judges 14:19

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Judges 15:15

And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.

Judges 16:30

And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with [all his] might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that [were] therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than [they] which he slew in his life.