Bless, LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands: smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again.

DEUTERONOMY 33:11KJV
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Deuteronomy 33:11 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 33:11 mean?

Deuteronomy 33:11 is a prayer asking the LORD to bless Levi’s resources, accept his work, and defeat those who oppose him so they cannot rise again. The verse asks for God’s favor on Levi’s efforts and protection from enemies who hate or attack him.

In this verse, Moses is blessing the tribe of Levi before his death, as part of his final blessings to each tribe of Israel. Levi’s role included caring for the sanctuary and performing religious duties, so Moses asks the LORD (H3068) to bless their “substance” (H2428, meaning strength or resources) and to accept the “work” (H6467) of their “hands” (H3027). Moses also asks God to strike down (“smite,” H4272) those who rise against Levi, ensuring their enemies do not recover.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 33:11

  • “Substance” (חַיִל, ḥayil, H2428) often means strength, wealth, or resources. Here, it points to the material and personal resources of the Levites, not just money but also their abilities and standing.
  • “Accept” (רָצָה, ratsah, H7521) means to take pleasure in or be pleased with. Moses is asking God to be pleased with the Levites’ service, not just to allow it but to truly accept it.
  • “Smite” (מָחַץ, machats, H4272) means to strike or crush. The prayer is for God to decisively defeat those who oppose the Levites, not just to hinder them.
  • “Loins” (מָתְנַיִם, motnayim, H4975) is a physical term, but often represents strength or the seat of power. Striking the loins is a way of saying to break the strength of their enemies.

Why Deuteronomy 33:11 matters

  • This verse highlights the special role of the Levites and the need for God’s approval and protection in their work, which was central to Israel’s worship life.
  • The prayer for God to “accept the work of his hands” shows that even religious service needs God’s favor, not just human effort.
  • The strong language about defeating enemies underlines the real dangers the Levites faced and the importance of God’s intervention for their safety and effectiveness.