New International Versionwith curds and milk from herd and flock and with fattened lambs and goats, with choice rams of Bashan and the finest kernels of wheat. You drank the foaming blood of the grape.
New Living TranslationHe fed them yogurt from the herd and milk from the flock, together with the fat of lambs. He gave them choice rams from Bashan, and goats, together with the choicest wheat. You drank the finest wine, made from the juice of grapes.
English Standard VersionCurds from the herd, and milk from the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of Bashan and goats, with the very finest of the wheat— and you drank foaming wine made from the blood of the grape.
Berean Standard Biblewith curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.
King James BibleButter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
New King James VersionCurds from the cattle, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs; And rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the choicest wheat; And you drank wine, the blood of the grapes.
New American Standard BibleCurds of the herd, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs And rams, the breed of Bashan, and of goats, With the best of the wheat; And you drank wine of the blood of grapes.
NASB 1995Curds of cows, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat— And of the blood of grapes you drank wine.
NASB 1977Curds of cows, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat— And of the blood of grapes you drank wine.
Legacy Standard BibleCurds of cows, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat— And of the blood of grapes you drank wine.
Amplified BibleButter and curds of cows, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat; And you drank wine, the blood of grapes.
Christian Standard Biblecurds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat; you drank wine from the finest grapes.
Holman Christian Standard Biblecream from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat; you drank wine from the finest grapes.
American Standard VersionButter of the herd, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat; And of the blood of the grape thou drankest wine.
Contemporary English VersionYour flocks and herds produced milk and yogurt, and you got choice meat from your sheep and goats that grazed in Bashan. Your wheat was the finest, and you drank the best wine.
English Revised VersionButter of kine, and milk of sheep, With fat of lambs, And rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the fat of kidneys of wheat; And of the blood of the grape thou drankest wine.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey ate cheese from cows and drank milk from sheep and goats. He gave them fat from lambs, rams from the stock of Bashan, male goats, and the best wheat. They drank the blood-red wine of grapes.
Good News TranslationTheir cows and goats gave plenty of milk; they had the best sheep, goats, and cattle, the finest wheat, and the choicest wine.
International Standard Versionwith curds from cattle and with milk from sheep, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, with the fat of goats, with the finest of wheat— and from the juice of grapes you drank wine.
NET Biblebutter from the herd and milk from the flock, along with the fat of lambs, rams and goats of Bashan, along with the best of the kernels of wheat; and from the juice of grapes you drank wine.
New Heart English BibleButter of the herd, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the finest of the wheat. Of the blood of the grape you drank wine.
Webster's Bible TranslationButter of cows, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewith curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.
World English Biblebutter from the herd, and milk from the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the finest of the wheat. From the blood of the grape, you drank wine. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionButter of the herd, and milk of the flock, "" With fat of lambs, and rams of sons of Bashan, "" And male goats, with fat of kidneys of wheat; And of the blood of the grape you drink wine!
Young's Literal Translation Butter of the herd, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, and rams, sons of Bashan, And he-goats, with fat of kidneys of wheat; And of the blood of the grape thou dost drink wine!
Smith's Literal TranslationCurdled milk of the cow, and milk of the sheep, With the fat of lambs, And rams, sons of Bashan, and he goats, With the fat of kidneys of wheat; Thou shalt drink wine, the blood of the grape. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleButter of the herd, and milk of the sheep with the fat of lambs, and of the rams of the breed of Basan: and goats with the marrow of wheat, and might drink the purest blood of the grape.
Catholic Public Domain Versionbutter from the herd, and milk from the sheep, with fat from the lambs, and with rams and goats from the sons of Bashan, with the kernel of the wheat, and so that he might drink the undiluted blood of the grape.
New American BibleButter from cows and milk from sheep, with the best of lambs; Bashan bulls and goats, with the cream of finest wheat; and the foaming blood of grapes you drank.
New Revised Standard Versioncurds from the herd, and milk from the flock, with fat of lambs and rams; Bashan bulls and goats, together with the choicest wheat— you drank fine wine from the blood of grapes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd gave him butter of cows and milk of sheep, with fat of fatlings and rams of the breed of rock-goats and goats, with the fat and the best wheat; and he gave him wine to drink, and of the juices of grapes.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedButter of an ox and milk of sheep, with fat of fatlings of rams, the young of the Ibex and goats with fat, and the best of wheat, and he made him drink wine of the blood of the grape. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Curd of kine, and milk of sheep, With fat of lambs, And rams of the breed of Bashan, and he-goats, With the kidney-fat of wheat; And of the blood of the grape thou drankest foaming wine.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationButter of cows, and milk of sheep, with the fat of lambs and rams, of calves and kids, with fat of kidneys of wheat; and he drank wine, the blood of the grape.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Song of Moses… 13He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, 14with curdsfrom the herdand milkfrom the flock,withthe fatof lambs,with ramsfrom Bashan,and goats,withthe choicestgrainsof wheat.From the juiceof the finest grapesyou drankthe wine.15But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.…
Cross References Psalm 81:16But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Psalm 147:14He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat.
Isaiah 7:22and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.
Job 29:6when my steps were bathed in cream and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!
Ezekiel 16:13So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.
Genesis 49:11-12He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. / His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.
2 Samuel 1:24O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.
1 Kings 4:22-23Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, / ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.
Nehemiah 9:25They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness.
Hosea 2:8For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold—which they crafted for Baal.
Hosea 2:22And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel.
Joel 3:18And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias.
Matthew 22:4Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
Luke 15:23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
John 6:54-56Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. / For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. / Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.
Treasury of Scripture Butter of cows, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and you did drink the pure blood of the grape. Butter Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and setit before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. Judges 5:25 He asked water,and she gavehim milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 2 Samuel 17:29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people thatwere with him, to eat: for they said, The peopleis hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness. of Bashan Psalm 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strongbulls of Bashan have beset me round. Ezekiel 39:18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan. Amos 4:1 Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, thatare in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink. the fat Psalm 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. Psalm 147:14 He maketh peacein thy borders,and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. blood Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: Matthew 26:28,29 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins… John 6:55,56 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed… Jump to Previous BashanBloodBreedButterChoiceCowsCurdCurdsDrankDrinkHeartHe-GoatsHerdHerdsKernelsKidneysKineLambsMilkPureRamsSheepWheatWineJump to Next BashanBloodBreedButterChoiceCowsCurdCurdsDrankDrinkHeartHe-GoatsHerdHerdsKernelsKidneysKineLambsMilkPureRamsSheepWheatWineDeuteronomy 32 1.Moses' song, which sets forth God's mercy and vengeance46.He exhorts them to set their hearts upon it48.God sends him up to mount Nebo to see the land, and to diewith curds from the herd and milk from the flockThis phrase highlights the abundance and richness of the diet provided by God to the Israelites. Curds and milk were staples in the ancient Near Eastern diet, symbolizing prosperity and sustenance. The herd and flock refer to cattle and sheep, which were central to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites. This provision reflects God's care and blessing, reminiscent of the land "flowing with milk and honey" promised in Exodus 3:8. with the fat of lambs
The "fat of lambs" signifies the best and most luxurious part of the meat, often reserved for special occasions and offerings (Leviticus 3:16). In biblical times, fat was considered a delicacy and a sign of wealth. This phrase underscores the lavishness of God's provision, pointing to the abundance of the Promised Land. with rams from Bashan, and goats
Bashan was a region known for its fertile land and robust livestock (Psalm 22:12). Rams and goats from Bashan were prized for their quality, indicating the superior resources available to the Israelites. This reflects God's promise of a bountiful land, as seen inDeuteronomy 8:7-9, where the land is described as one of plenty. with the choicest grains of wheat
Wheat was a staple grain in ancient Israel, and the "choicest grains" imply the finest quality, essential for making bread, a daily necessity. This abundance of high-quality wheat symbolizes God's provision and blessing, aligning with the promise of prosperity in the land (Deuteronomy 28:11). From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine
Wine, made from the "finest grapes," was a symbol of joy and celebration in biblical culture (Psalm 104:15). It was often used in religious ceremonies and as a sign of God's blessing. This phrase not only highlights the fertility of the land but also foreshadows the New Testament imagery of Jesus as the true vine (John 15:1), where wine represents His blood in the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27-28). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering a song to the Israelites as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. 2. IsraelitesThe recipients of Moses' message, God's chosen people who are being reminded of His blessings and their covenant relationship. 3. BashanA fertile region known for its rich pastures and strong livestock, symbolizing abundance and God's provision. 4. The Promised LandThe land flowing with milk and honey, representing God's promise and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. 5. The Song of MosesA poetic recounting of God's faithfulness and Israel's history, serving as both a reminder and a warning. Teaching Points God's ProvisionGod provides abundantly for His people, both physically and spiritually. Reflect on the ways God has provided for you and express gratitude for His faithfulness. Covenant RelationshipThe blessings described are part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Consider how your relationship with God is reflected in your daily life and commitments. Spiritual NourishmentJust as the Israelites were sustained by physical food, we are called to seek spiritual nourishment through God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Contentment and GratitudeRecognize the abundance in your life and cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude, avoiding the temptation to focus on what you lack. Faithfulness in AbundanceIn times of abundance, remain faithful to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings and using your resources to bless others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 32:14?
2.How does Deuteronomy 32:14 illustrate God's provision for His people?
3.What does "curds of cows" and "milk of the flock" symbolize spiritually?
4.How can we recognize God's abundance in our daily lives today?
5.Connect Deuteronomy 32:14 with Psalm 23:1. How do both reflect God's care?
6.How can we express gratitude for God's blessings as seen in Deuteronomy 32:14?
7.How does Deuteronomy 32:14 reflect God's provision for Israel in the wilderness?
8.What is the significance of "curds of cows" in Deuteronomy 32:14?
9.Why are "rams of Bashan" mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 32?
11.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?
12.Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land's inhabitants and geography?
13.Ezekiel 18 - Does any historical or archaeological evidence indicate that Israel ever fully practiced individual accountability rather than communal guilt?
14.Is Christianity historically associated with violence?What Does Deuteronomy 32:14 Mean Curds from the herd and milk from the flockThe verse opens by picturing rich dairy products—“curds from the herd and milk from the flock” (Deuteronomy 32:14). In a literal, agrarian culture this signals daily nourishment, strength, and comfort supplied directly by God. Just as the LORD promised a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8), He actually delivered that promise during Israel’s wilderness journey and in Canaan (Deuteronomy 26:9–11).Psalm 23:1–2 reminds us that when the LORD is Shepherd, He leads to green pastures and still waters; the curds and milk in this verse place Israel right in those pastures.
The fat of lambs“Fat” represents the richest portion, reserved for God in sacrificial law (Leviticus 3:16), yet here He gives that very richness to His people.Isaiah 55:2 urges, “eat what is good and let your soul delight in abundance,” the same theme Moses sings about. Literally, healthy flocks produced well-fed lambs; spiritually, the LORD fed Israel with His best.
Rams from BashanBashan, northeast of the Jordan, was famous for lush pastures (Psalm 22:12;Amos 4:1). “Rams from Bashan” therefore indicates prize livestock—robust, unblemished, ideal for food and sacrifice. God did not skimp; He provided premier quality, parallelingEzekiel 39:18 where warriors are likened to “rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all of them fatlings of Bashan.” The prosperity described inDeuteronomy 32:14 came to pass exactly as stated.
And goatsGoats supplied meat, milk, skins, and even sin offerings (Leviticus 16:15). By including goats, the text covers every major category of herd animal, stressing fullness.Judges 6:19 shows Gideon serving an entire goat to one divine visitor—an act of lavish hospitality. Likewise, God hospitably lavished provision on Israel.
The choicest grains of wheatGrain was the staple of life. The expression translated “choicest” depicts kernels sifted free of chaff, the very best for bread (Psalm 81:16;Psalm 147:14). Literally, the LORD ensured fertile soil and abundant harvests (Deuteronomy 11:13–15). Spiritually, Jesus would later identify Himself as the “grain” that must die to bring life (John 12:24), the ultimate fulfillment of God’s provision theme.
Juice of the finest grapes—wineThe verse closes, “From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.” Wine in Scripture marks joy and covenant blessing (Psalm 104:15;Proverbs 3:10). The imagery becomes literal reality inJoshua 24:13, where Israel enjoys vineyards they did not plant. It also foreshadows the New Covenant cup (Matthew 26:27-29), God again giving His people the very best.
summaryDeuteronomy 32:14 catalogs God’s tangible, literal gifts—rich dairy, prime meat, superior grain, and celebratory wine—demonstrating His faithful, covenant love. Each provision shows that the LORD not only meets needs but delights to give abundantly, calling His people to remember, trust, and obey Him. (14) Kidneys of wheat.--The metaphor is literally translated from the Hebrew. The kidneys are enclosed in the very best of the fat of the animal, fat that was strictly reserved for God's altar by the Levitical Law. Verse 14. - Butter of kine. The Hebrew word ( חֶמְאָה) here used designates milk in a solid or semi-solid state, as thick cream, curd, or butter. As distinguished from this is the milk of sheep; where the word used ( חָלָב) properly denotes fresh milk, milk in a fluid state, and with all its richness ( חֶלֶב, fatness) in it (cf. Genesis 18:8; Isaiah 7:22). Fat of lambs; lambs of the best, "fat" being a figurative expression for the best ( Numbers 18:12). Rams of the breed of Bashan; literally, rams, sons of Bashan; i. e. reared in Bashan, a district famous for its cattle. With the fat of kidneys of wheat; with the kidney-fat of wheat; i. e. the richest fat, the best and most nutritious wheat. And thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape. The blood of the grape is the expressed juice of the grape, which, being red, is compared to blood. The rendering "pure" here is not inapt. The original word ( חֶמֶר, from חָמַר, to boil up, to foam, to rise in bubbles) describes this juice as it appears when pressed into a vessel, when the surface of the liquid is covered with froth or foam. There is no ground for the explanation "fery wine" (Keil); wine in such a state was never among the Hebrews counted a blessing. That they had and used fermented wine is certain; but what they specially esteemed as a luxury was the pure unadulterated juice of the grape freshly pressed out and drunk with the foam on it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew with curdsחֶמְאַ֨ת(ḥem·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2529:Curdled milk, cheesefrom the herdבָּקָ֜ר(bā·qār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241:Beef cattle, ox, a herdand milkוַחֲלֵ֣ב(wa·ḥă·lêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2461:Milkfrom the flock,צֹ֗אן(ṣōn)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockwithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe fatחֵ֨לֶב(ḥê·leḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2459:Fat, richest, choice partof lambs,כָּרִ֜ים(kā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3733:A ram, a, battering-ram, a meadow, a pad, camel's saddlewith ramsוְאֵילִ֤ים(wə·’ê·lîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 352:Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong treefrom Bashan,בְּנֵֽי־(bə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonand goats,וְעַתּוּדִ֔ים(wə·‘at·tū·ḏîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6260:Prepared, full grown, of he-goats, leaders of the peoplewithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe choicestחֵ֖לֶב(ḥê·leḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2459:Fat, richest, choice partgrainsכִּלְי֣וֹת(kil·yō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3629:A kidney, the mindof wheat.חִטָּ֑ה(ḥiṭ·ṭāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2406:WheatFrom the juiceוְדַם־(wə·ḏam-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshedof the finest grapesעֵנָ֖ב(‘ê·nāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6025:A grapeyou drankתִּשְׁתֶּה־(tiš·teh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8354:To imbibethe wine.חָֽמֶר׃(ḥā·mer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2561:Wine
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:14 Butter of the herd and milk (Deut. De Du) |
