Deuteronomy 33:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Dan is blessed with the agility and strength of a young lion, leaping from mountainous terrain.
The Context of Deuteronomy 33:22
Moses blesses Dan with aggressive power, comparing him to a fierce young lion.
What Does Deuteronomy 33:22 Mean?
Like Gad, Dan receives animal imagery suggesting military power. A lion's whelp is young but fierce; leaping from Bashan (high mountain terrain) suggests both agility and ability to strike unexpectedly from elevated position. This is the blessing of a nimble, dangerous warrior.
The brevity of Dan's blessing—two lines—may reflect Dan's smaller size among the tribes or their later migration northward. Yet the intensity of the lion imagery affirms their strength and martial prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 33:22
What does Deuteronomy 33:22 mean?
Dan is blessed with the agility and strength of a young lion, leaping from mountainous terrain.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 33:22?
Moses blesses Dan with aggressive power, comparing him to a fierce young lion.