Deuteronomy 8:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

Lest thou shouldst say in thy heart: My own might, and the strength of my own hand have achieved all these things for me.
Douay-Rheims

וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ כֹּחִי֙ וְעֹ֣צֶם יָדִ֔י עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖י אֶת־הַחַ֥יִל הַזֶּֽה׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 4 commentaries

Ambrose of Milan
Theodoret of Cyrus
Antiochus of Palestine

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

He who attributes his wealth to his own achievements lives in a delusion of approval, failing to see his mistake and instead extends sin as if on a long tether. If he recognizes that the arrival of wealth is merely the result of random fortune or disgraceful cunning, arrogance would find no ground among those unworthy of commendation, whose efforts are futile, and in whom sinful greed knows no boundaries.

Consider the counsel given to each individual, warning against the belief that one has solely created their own achievements. Do not say in your heart that your own ability has brought you greatness, but rather remember the Lord your God, for He is the one who grants you strength to perform good works (Deuteronomy 8:17). Thus, it was fitting for the apostle, the interpreter of the law, to refrain from boasting in his strength. Instead, he acknowledged himself as the least of the apostles, affirming that his existence and accomplishments were due to the grace of God and not his own worth. We must recognize that all we possess is what has been given to us: What do you have that you have not received? And if you have indeed received it, why boast as though it were your own? (1 Cor. 4:7).

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Moses advises that when the Israelites achieve victory, they should not credit their success to their own power, but rather to God, their divine supporter and champion.

Antiochus of Palestine

7th centuryChurch Father

The previous discourse has made it clear that placing trust in human beings, including reliance on one's own abilities, is both forbidden and condemned. Hence, Moses asserts: Pay attention to yourself... so that you do not say in your heart, ‘My strength and the might of my hands have gained this for me,’ but you must remember the Lord your God, for He is the one who empowers you (Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18). Likewise, the prophet Amos proclaims, The warrior will not escape from his stronghold, nor will the valorous save themselves (Amos 2:14). Anna, the mother of the prophet Samuel, also remarked: Let not the mighty man boast in his might... for true strength does not come from human power. The bow of the mighty falters, while those who are feeble are empowered (1 Samuel 2:2, 9, 3).

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The book of Proverbs states: The horse is prepared for battle, but help comes from the Lord (Proverbs 21:31). The Psalmist informs us: It is not in the strength of flesh that one will prevail, nor in human prowess (Psalm 146:10); a king is not delivered by great might, nor does a giant find salvation in the abundance of strength. A horse does not secure deliverance through its might (Psalm 33:16-17); I will not rely on my bow, nor will my sword rescue me (Psalm 43:7), but You, O Lord, are my salvation from those who oppress me, and You shame those who hate me (Psalm 43:8); for You alone deliver the needy from the hand of their oppressors (Psalm 34:10). Indeed, in You we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28), for our strength and well-being come from You, and not a single hair on our heads will perish apart from Your will (Luke 21:18) - our Creator and Father. Therefore, let us be instructed by the Holy Scriptures and refrain from placing our hope or overly relying on the strength or well-being of our physical bodies, lest we bring upon ourselves a curse from Him who forms flesh by His might. Many boast, declaring, ‘My hands nourish me and others, and with these hands, I can sustain life.’ Such individuals are indeed misguided and superstitious, forgetting the God who fashioned them, who provides nourishment and sustenance to all creatures, and they lean on their own power. The one who distances themselves from God and attributes their accomplishments to their own strength suffers from arrogance. Just as one who walks on a spider's web will stumble and fall, those who trust in their own might will be brought down. They have not heeded the warning, for as Job states, ‘Even if I cover my mouth with my hand, it will be accounted as iniquity, for I have deceived before God Most High’ (Job 31:27-28). Ecclesiastes also observes: I see... that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the strong prevail in battle, nor do the wise always secure bread, nor do the wealthy find riches, nor do the intelligent achieve favor (Ecclesiastes 9:11). He further asserts, Wisdom is better than weapons of war, and the one who sins alone brings ruin to many (Ecclesiastes 9:18). The Lord instructs His disciples: Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit by itself unless it is connected to the vine, so too you cannot flourish without Me. I am the vine; you are the branches; those who remain in Me and I in them will bear much fruit; for separated from Me, you can accomplish nothing (John 15:4-5). This is indeed true, for He is the Light and Life of humanity (John 8:12; John 14:6), and through Him, all things came into existence; apart from Him, nothing was created that was created (John 1:3). To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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