The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 7:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And repaying forthwith them that hate him, so as to destroy them, without further delay immediately rendering to them what they deserve.

Douay-Rheims

וּמְשַׁלֵּ֧ם לְשֹׂנְאָ֛יו אֶל־פָּנָ֖יו לְהַאֲבִיד֑וֹ לֹ֤א יְאַחֵר֙ לְשֹׂ֣נְא֔וֹ אֶל־פָּנָ֖יו יְשַׁלֶּם־לֽוֹ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

He will recompense those who harbor hatred towards Him during their earthly existence, bringing them to ruin without hesitation. This is to prevent the increase of their transgressions, to avoid their negative influence on others, including their families, and to ensure that their downfall does not benefit those who do not engage in righteous deeds. “He will repay them that hate Him in their lives." This statement pertains not only to our current life but also to the life to come following the resurrection, when the unrepentant will face suffering.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.