New International VersionChoose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”
New Living TranslationChoose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’
English Standard VersionChoose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’
Berean Standard BibleChoose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
King James BibleTake you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
New King James VersionChoose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.’
New American Standard BibleObtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’
NASB 1995‘Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’
NASB 1977‘Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’
Legacy Standard BibleChoose wise and understanding and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’
Amplified BibleChoose for yourselves wise, understanding, experienced, and respected men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as heads (leaders) over you.’
Christian Standard BibleAppoint for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will make them your leaders.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAppoint for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will make them your leaders.”
American Standard VersionTake you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.
Contemporary English VersionEach tribe must choose some experienced men who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will make those men the official leaders of their tribes.
English Revised VersionTake you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationFrom each of your tribes, choose some men who are wise, intelligent, and experienced, and I'll appoint them to be your leaders."
Good News TranslationChoose some wise, understanding, and experienced men from each tribe, and I will put them in charge of you.'
International Standard VersionChoose for yourselves wise and discerning men, known to your tribes, and appoint them as your leaders.
NET BibleSelect wise and practical men, those known among your tribes, whom I may appoint as your leaders."
New Heart English BibleTake wise men of understanding and well known according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you."
Webster's Bible TranslationTake ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleChoose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.”
World English BibleTake wise men of understanding who are respected among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionProvide wise and understanding men for yourselves that are known to your tribes, and I set them for your heads;
Young's Literal Translation Give for yourselves men, wise and intelligent, and known to your tribes, and I set them for your heads;
Smith's Literal TranslationGive to yourselves men wise and known to your tribes, and I will set them for your heads. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet me have from among you wise and understanding men, and such whose conversation is approved among your tribes, that I may appoint them your rulers.
Catholic Public Domain VersionOffer, from among you, wise and experienced men, those whose conversation has been proven within your tribes, so that I may appoint them as your rulers.’
New American BibleProvide wise, discerning, and reputable persons for each of your tribes, that I may appoint them as your leaders.”
New Revised Standard VersionChoose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleChoose for yourselves wise men, who have understanding and are renowned among your tribes, and I will make them chiefs over you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedChoose men for you that are wise and are understanding and known with your tribes, and I shall confirm them as your Leaders.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Get you, from each one of your tribes, wise men, and understanding, and full of knowledge, and I will make them heads over you.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationTake to yourselves wise and understanding and prudent men for your tribes, and I will set your leaders over you.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Moses Appoints Leaders… 12But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself? 13Choosefor yourselveswise,understanding,and respectedmenfrom each of your tribes,and I will appoint themas your leaders.”14And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”…
Cross References Exodus 18:21-22Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.
Numbers 11:16-17Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
Acts 6:3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
Proverbs 11:14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.
Proverbs 24:6Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.
1 Timothy 3:1-7This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...
1 Timothy 5:17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Titus 1:5-9The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ...
1 Corinthians 6:5I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?
1 Corinthians 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
1 Peter 5:1-3As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
James 3:1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Romans 12:8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
1 Kings 3:9Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
2 Chronicles 19:5-7He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Treasury of Scripture Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. Take [heb] Give Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and placesuch over them,to be rulers of thousands,and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Numbers 11:16,17 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee… Acts 1:21-23 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, … Jump to Previous AppointChiefsChooseDiscerningExperiencedHeadsIntelligentProvideRespectedRulersTribesUnderstandingWiseYourselvesJump to Next AppointChiefsChooseDiscerningExperiencedHeadsIntelligentProvideRespectedRulersTribesUnderstandingWiseYourselvesDeuteronomy 1 1.Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year6.briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb14.of giving them officers19.of sending the spies to search the land34.of his anger for their incredulity41.and disobedienceChoose for yourselvesThis directive emphasizes the importance of communal involvement in leadership selection. It reflects the biblical principle of shared responsibility and the value of collective discernment. The Israelites were encouraged to actively participate in the governance of their community, which aligns with the broader biblical theme of stewardship and accountability. wise, understanding, and respected men
The criteria for leadership include wisdom, understanding, and respectability. Wisdom in the biblical sense often refers to the fear of the Lord and the application of knowledge in a godly manner (Proverbs 9:10). Understanding implies discernment and insight, qualities necessary for making just decisions. Being respected suggests a good reputation and moral integrity, which are essential for maintaining trust and authority. These qualities are echoed in the New Testament qualifications for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-7). from each of your tribes
This phrase highlights the tribal structure of Israel, which was central to their identity and organization. Each tribe was to be represented, ensuring that leadership was inclusive and representative of the entire community. This tribal system is rooted in the patriarchal blessings and prophecies given to the sons of Jacob (Genesis 49). and I will appoint them as your leaders
Moses, as the mediator of God's covenant, had the authority to appoint leaders. This reflects the biblical model of divinely sanctioned leadership, where God’s chosen leaders are recognized and affirmed by the community. It also prefigures the New Testament concept of Christ as the ultimate leader and mediator, who appoints leaders within the church through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-12). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is recounting the events of their journey and God's commands. He is the one instructing the people to choose leaders. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who are being prepared to enter the Promised Land. They are tasked with selecting leaders from among themselves. 3. Tribes of IsraelThe twelve tribes that make up the nation of Israel. Each tribe is responsible for selecting its own leaders. 4. Wilderness JourneyThe context of this passage is during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the brink of entering this land. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipGodly leadership is crucial for guiding and maintaining order among God's people. Leaders should be chosen based on their wisdom, understanding, and respectability. Community Involvement in Leadership SelectionThe community plays a vital role in identifying and affirming leaders. This process ensures that leaders are respected and trusted by those they serve. Wisdom and Understanding as Key QualitiesLeaders should possess wisdom and understanding, which are essential for making sound decisions and providing guidance. Respect as a Foundation for LeadershipA leader must be respected by the community, which is built through integrity, character, and a track record of faithful service. Delegation and Shared ResponsibilityEffective leadership involves delegation and shared responsibility, preventing burnout and ensuring that the needs of the community are met. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 1:13?
2.How can we apply "choose wise, understanding, and respected men" in leadership today?
3.What qualities define "wise, understanding, and respected" leaders according to Deuteronomy 1:13?
4.How does Deuteronomy 1:13 connect with the selection of leaders in Acts 6:3?
5.Why is wisdom essential for leadership roles in the church and community?
6.How can we discern God's guidance in choosing leaders like in Deuteronomy 1:13?
7.How does Deuteronomy 1:13 reflect the concept of leadership in ancient Israelite society?
8.What criteria were used to choose leaders according to Deuteronomy 1:13?
9.How does Deuteronomy 1:13 align with modern democratic principles?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 1?
11.Deuteronomy 1:13–16 details a system of judges set up by Moses; how does this align with other biblical accounts about Israel’s leadership structure?
12.What does the Bible say about corporal punishment?
13.How can we show respect to others biblically?
14.What does 'Fear of the Lord' mean?What Does Deuteronomy 1:13 Mean Choose for yourselves• Moses places responsibility on the people, not a distant authority, echoingExodus 18:21 where Jethro advised Moses to let the people “select capable men” to share the load. • Personal involvement grows ownership and accountability, as later seen inActs 6:3 when the early church tells believers, “Brothers, select from among you seven men…”. • God-honoring leadership often begins with grassroots recognition rather than top-down imposition.
wise, understanding, and respected men• Wisdom: practical godliness that applies truth to life, reflected inJames 3:17, “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving…”. • Understanding: insight that discerns motives and consequences, modeled by Solomon in1 Kings 3:9 when he asks for “an understanding heart.” • Respected: proven character that inspires confidence, mirrored in1 Timothy 3:7, where an overseer “must have a good reputation with outsiders.” • These qualities guard the community from favoritism or incompetence and set a moral benchmark for every generation.
from each of your tribes• Leadership is shared, not centralized, preserving identity and preventing jealousy, just asNumbers 1:4 assigns a leader “from each tribe.” • Diverse tribal representation ensures every family line and territory has a voice, anticipating1 Corinthians 12:12-26 where the body’s many parts serve one another. • God values local knowledge; the chosen men know their own people’s struggles and strengths.
I will appoint them as your leaders• Human selection is confirmed by divine appointment, blending responsibility with sovereignty, a pattern repeated inActs 13:2 when the Spirit says, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul.” • Moses, as God’s representative, formally installs them, showing that all authority ultimately flows from the Lord (Romans 13:1). • Appointment protects against personal ambition because final placement rests with God, not merely popular vote, aligning withPsalm 75:6-7 where “promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west… but God is the Judge.”
summaryDeuteronomy 1:13 sets out a timeless model: the people actively identify leaders marked by wisdom, insight, and proven character; every group is represented; and God Himself, through His appointed servant, finalizes the call. The verse balances community participation with divine oversight, ensuring leadership that is both locally rooted and heaven-endorsed. Verse 13. - Take you; literally, give to you or for you, i. e. yourselves. The selection was to be made by the people themselves. Jethro, in giving Moses the advice on which he thus acted, described the men who were to be selected as "such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" ( Exodus 18:21). Moses here describes them rather by qualities, indicating ability and fitness for such a post as that to which they were to be called; they were to be wise (which, indeed, may be regarded as comprehending all good moral qualities); understanding men, men of discernment and sagacity, as well as intelligence; and known among their tribes, men of good repute in the community ("quorum conversatio sit probata," Vulgate; comp. Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:7). And I will make them rulers over you; literally, will set them for your heads, i. e. will appoint them to act as superintendents, managers, and judges over you.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Chooseהָב֣וּ(hā·ḇū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3051:To give, to put, imperatively, comefor yourselves wise,חֲכָמִ֧ים(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450:Wiseunderstanding,וּנְבֹנִ֛ים(ū·nə·ḇō·nîm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 995:To separate mentally, understandand respected menוִידֻעִ֖ים(wî·ḏu·‘îm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 3045:To knowfrom each of your tribes,לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם(lə·šiḇ·ṭê·ḵem)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7626:Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribeand I will appoint themוַאֲשִׂימֵ֖ם(wa·’ă·śî·mêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setas your leaders.”בְּרָאשֵׁיכֶֽם׃(bə·rā·šê·ḵem)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7218:The head
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:13 Take wise men of understanding and well (Deut. De Du) |
