Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. New Living Translation So I took the wise and respected men you had selected from your tribes and appointed them to serve as judges and officials over you. Some were responsible for a thousand people, some for a hundred, some for fifty, and some for ten. English Standard Version So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and set them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officers, throughout your tribes. Berean Standard Bible So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. Berean Literal Bible And I took the heads of your⁺ tribes, men wise and knowledgeable, and I appointed them heads over you⁺—leaders of thousands, and leaders of hundreds, and leaders of fifties, and leaders of tens, and officers for your⁺ tribes. King James Bible So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. New King James Version So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and knowledgeable men, and made them heads over you, leaders of thousands, leaders of hundreds, leaders of fifties, leaders of tens, and officers for your tribes. New American Standard Bible So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and informed men, and appointed them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes. NASB 1995 “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes. NASB 1977 “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you, leaders of thousands, and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes. Legacy Standard Bible So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and gave them as heads over you, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes. Amplified Bible So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and made them leaders over you, commanders of thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, and tens, and officers (administrators) for your tribes. Berean Annotated Bible So I took the leaders of your⁺ tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you⁺—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your⁺ tribes. Christian Standard Bible “So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and set them over you as leaders: commanders for thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and set them over you as leaders: officials for thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes. American Standard Version So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. Contemporary English Version Then I took these men, who were already wise and respected leaders, and I appointed them as your official leaders. Some of them became military officers in charge of groups of 1,000, or 100, or 50, or 10, English Revised Version So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. GOD'S WORD® Translation So I took the heads of your tribes who were wise and experienced men and made them officers for each of your tribes. I put them in charge of groups of 1,000, or 100, or 50, or 10 people. Good News Translation So I took the wise and experienced leaders you chose from your tribes, and I placed them in charge of you. Some were responsible for a thousand people, some for a hundred, some for fifty, and some for ten. I also appointed other officials throughout the tribes. International Standard Version So I chose leaders from your tribes, wise and respected men, and I appointed them over you—commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. NET Bible So I chose as your tribal leaders wise and well-known men, placing them over you as administrators of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and also as other tribal officials. New Heart English Bible So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. Webster's Bible Translation So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. World English Bible So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and respected men, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I take the heads of your tribes, wise men that are known, and I appoint them [as] heads over you, princes of thousands, and princes of hundreds, and princes of fifties, and princes of tens, and authorities for your tribes. Berean Literal Bible And I took the heads of your⁺ tribes, men wise and knowledgeable, and I appointed them heads over you⁺—leaders of thousands, and leaders of hundreds, and leaders of fifties, and leaders of tens, and officers for your⁺ tribes. Young's Literal Translation 'And I take the heads of your tribes, men, wise and known, and I appoint them heads over you, princes of thousands, and princes of hundreds, and princes of fifties, and princes of tens, and authorities, for your tribes. Smith's Literal Translation And I will take the heads of your tribes, men wise and known, and I will give them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains and hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and scribes for your tribes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I took out of your tribes men wise and honourable, and appointed them rulers, tribunes, and centurions, and officers over fifties, and over tens, who might teach you all things. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, I took from your tribes men, wise and noble, and I appointed them as rulers, as tribunes and centurions, and as leaders over fifty and over ten, who would teach you each thing. New American Bible So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and reputable, and set them as leaders over you, commanders over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties and over tens, and other tribal officers. New Revised Standard Version So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and reputable individuals, and installed them as leaders over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officials, throughout your tribes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo I took the chiefs of your tribes, wise men and renowned, and made them chieftains over you, commanders over thousands and captains over hundreds and officers over fifty and officers over ten and scribes for your tribes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I brought the Chiefs of your tribes, wise and knowledgeable men and I have made them Leaders over you: Heads of a thousand, and Heads of a hundred, and Heads of fifty, and Heads of ten, and the Scribes for your tribes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and full of knowledge, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, tribe by tribe. Brenton Septuagint Translation So I took of you wise and understanding and prudent men, and I set them to rule over you as rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens, and officers to your judges. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses Appoints Leaders…14And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” 15So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you— as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. 16At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.… Cross References So I took the leaders of your tribes, Numbers 1:16 These men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel. Numbers 34:18 Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. Numbers 1:4 And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you. wise and respected men, Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them 1 Chronicles 12:32 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men. and appointed them as leaders over you— Numbers 27:18-20 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. Ezra 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. Acts 6:6 They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, 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. Exodus 18:25 So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 1 Samuel 8:12 He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. and as officers for your tribes. Deuteronomy 16:18 You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. Deuteronomy 31:28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. Joshua 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: Numbers 11:16-17 Then 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. Treasury of Scripture So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. I took Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Exodus 18:25,26 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens… made [heb] gave Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; captains over thousands Numbers 31:14 And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle. 1 Samuel 8:12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 1 Samuel 17:18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. Jump to Previous Appointed Authority Captains Chief Commanders Heads Hundreds Leading Officers Respected Tens Thousands Throughout Tribal Tribe Tribes WiseJump to Next Appointed Authority Captains Chief Commanders Heads Hundreds Leading Officers Respected Tens Thousands Throughout Tribal Tribe Tribes WiseDeuteronomy 1 1. Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year6. briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb 14. of giving them officers 19. of sending the spies to search the land 34. of his anger for their incredulity 41. and disobedience So I took the leaders of your tribes This phrase refers to Moses' action of selecting leaders from among the Israelites. The tribes of Israel were the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, each forming a distinct group within the nation. The selection of leaders from each tribe ensured representation and maintained tribal identity. This action reflects the organizational structure necessary for governing a large group, as seen in Exodus 18:21-22, where Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men to help judge the people. wise and respected men and appointed them as leaders over you as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens and as officers for your tribes Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is recounting the events of appointing leaders over the tribes. 2. Israelite Tribes The twelve tribes of Israel, each requiring leadership and governance. 3. Leaders/Commanders Wise and respected men chosen to lead and manage the people at various levels of organization. 4. Wilderness Journey The context in which these events occur, as the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land. 5. Mount Horeb The location where Moses received the command to appoint leaders, as part of the broader account of Israel's journey. Teaching Points Delegation of AuthorityGodly leadership involves recognizing the need for shared responsibility. Moses' appointment of leaders demonstrates the importance of delegating tasks to capable individuals to ensure effective governance and management. Qualifications for Leadership The leaders chosen were "wise and respected men," highlighting the importance of character and wisdom in those who are appointed to positions of authority. This serves as a model for selecting leaders in various contexts today. Organizational Structure The division of leadership into commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens illustrates the need for an organized structure in managing large groups. This principle can be applied in church, business, and community settings. Community Involvement The involvement of the community in recognizing and affirming leaders emphasizes the role of the community in governance and decision-making processes. Sustainability in Leadership By sharing the burden of leadership, Moses ensured the sustainability of governance and prevented burnout. This teaches the importance of creating systems that support leaders and prevent overload. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 1:15?2. How does Deuteronomy 1:15 guide us in selecting leaders today? 3. What qualities were prioritized in leaders according to Deuteronomy 1:15? 4. How does Deuteronomy 1:15 connect with New Testament teachings on leadership? 5. How can we apply the leadership principles in Deuteronomy 1:15 to our lives? 6. Why is wisdom important in leadership as emphasized in Deuteronomy 1:15? 7. How does Deuteronomy 1:15 reflect the leadership structure God intended for Israel? 8. Why were wise, understanding, and respected men chosen as leaders in Deuteronomy 1:15? 9. What does Deuteronomy 1:15 reveal about the importance of wisdom in leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 1? 11. What does the Bible say about tribalism? 12. What is the plot of Jordan Crossing? 13. Did God command killings in the Old Testament? 14. 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? What Does Deuteronomy 1:15 Mean So I took the leaders of your tribesMoses recalls the moment he personally selected men already recognized as heads among their clans. By doing so, he put into practice the counsel first modeled in Exodus 18:25, where “Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people.” The action underscores that leadership in God’s community is not a popularity contest but an acknowledgment of those whom God has already raised up (cf. Numbers 11:16-17). wise and respected men Character, not charisma, qualified these leaders. Wisdom—living insight that begins with “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 9:10)—and respectability were non-negotiable. Exodus 18:21 adds “men who fear God, men of truth, hating dishonest gain.” Their integrity guarded Israel from corruption and mirrored the New-Testament standard for church elders in 1 Timothy 3:2-7. and appointed them as leaders over you Appointment conferred authority but also accountability. Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except from God,” while Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” Moses’ act established a leadership structure that protected both the people and the leaders themselves from overload. as commanders of thousands The highest tier handled large-scale issues—war strategies, national crises, covenant enforcement (Numbers 31:14). Their broader perspective parallels modern regional overseers or denominational leaders who coordinate ministries impacting thousands. of hundreds This middle layer bridged the gap between national decisions and local needs. Like today’s district pastors or ministry directors, they translated overarching vision into actionable steps for smaller communities (cf. Exodus 18:21). of fifties Leaders at this level provided closer supervision—similar to small-group coaches or department heads. When Elijah confronted King Ahaziah’s captains of fifty (2 Kings 1:9-14), it showed how even mid-level officers carried real authority and responsibility. and of tens Grass-roots oversight happened here. Commanders of ten knew each family personally, enabling swift justice and pastoral care. Jesus affirmed the value of faithfulness in “very small matters” (Luke 19:17), a principle embodied by these leaders who shepherded the smallest units. and as officers for your tribes Beyond military ranks, “officers” (Numbers 31:48) functioned as administrative judges, scribes, and record keepers. They ensured laws were communicated and cases recorded, echoing the New-Testament role of deacons who handle practical affairs so spiritual leaders remain devoted to prayer and the Word (Acts 6:1-4). summary Deuteronomy 1:15 shows Moses implementing a God-given, tiered leadership system rooted in wisdom, character, and shared responsibility. By distributing authority—from commanders of thousands down to tens—Israel gained order, justice, and care at every level. The pattern still guides the church: identify godly, respected men and women, match responsibility to capacity, and recognize that all true authority flows from the Lord who loves His people enough to lead them well. Hebrew So I tookוָאֶקַּ֞ח (wā·’eq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take the leaders רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head of your tribes, שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֗ם (šiḇ·ṭê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe wise חֲכָמִים֙ (ḥă·ḵā·mîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2450: Wise and respected וִֽידֻעִ֔ים (wî·ḏu·‘îm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural Strong's 3045: To know men, אֲנָשִׁ֤ים (’ă·nā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person and appointed וָאֶתֵּ֥ן (wā·’et·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them אֹתָ֛ם (’ō·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case as leaders רָאשִׁ֖ים (rā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7218: The head over you— עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against as commanders שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of thousands, אֲלָפִ֜ים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural Strong's 505: A thousand of hundreds, מֵא֗וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ) Number - feminine plural Strong's 3967: A hundred of fifties, חֲמִשִּׁים֙ (ḥă·miš·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty and of tens, עֲשָׂרֹ֔ת (‘ă·śā·rōṯ) Number - masculine plural Strong's 6235: Ten and as officers וְשֹׁטְרִ֖ים (wə·šō·ṭə·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate for your tribes. לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶֽם׃ (lə·šiḇ·ṭê·ḵem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe Links Deuteronomy 1:15 NIVDeuteronomy 1:15 NLT Deuteronomy 1:15 ESV Deuteronomy 1:15 NASB Deuteronomy 1:15 KJV Deuteronomy 1:15 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 1:15 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 1:15 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 1:15 French Bible Deuteronomy 1:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:15 So I took the heads of your (Deut. 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