The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 33:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Bless, O Lord, his strength, and receive the works of his hands. Strike the backs of his enemies, and let not them that hate him rise.

Douay-Rheims

בָּרֵ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ חֵיל֔וֹ וּפֹ֥עַל יָדָ֖יו תִּרְצֶ֑ה מְחַ֨ץ מָתְנַ֧יִם קָמָ֛יו וּמְשַׂנְאָ֖יו מִן־יְקוּמֽוּן׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

Whoever pursues divine righteousness should offer a sacrifice: Bless, O Lord, his goodness, and acknowledge the deeds of his hands (Deuteronomy 33:10-11), so that he may receive the grace of a prophetic blessing.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Moses requests a heavenly blessing, imploring, “Bless, O Lord, his strength, and accept the work of his hand,” acknowledging that the priests require physical fortitude to ensure their zeal remains unimpeded. He calls for the enemies who oppose him to be struck in their loins, so that those who harbor hatred toward him may not prevail. This not only curbs the arrogance of his tormentors but also serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by Koreus, Dathan, and Abiron when they defied the priests.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.