Deuteronomy 33:11
בָּרֵ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ חֵילֹ֔ו וּפֹ֥עַל יָדָ֖יו תִּרְצֶ֑ה מְחַ֨ץ מָתְנַ֧יִם קָמָ֛יו וּמְשַׂנְאָ֖יו מִן־יְקוּמֽוּן׃
Blessing and Favor: בָּרֵךְ יְהוָה חֵילֹו
בָּרֵךְ (“bless!”) is a Qal imperative 2ms of ב־ר־ך (“to bless”), directed toward יְהוָה, making this a prayer or appeal rather than a command.
- חֵילֹו — “his strength” or “his wealth,” from חַיִל, with a 3ms suffix, likely referring to the tribe of Levi (see verse context), especially their martial or priestly vigor
This is a plea for divine empowerment of the Levite’s might and sanctified service.
Divine Approval: וּפֹעַל יָדָיו תִּרְצֶה
פֹעַל יָדָיו — “the work of his hands,” a poetic expression for deeds or service (priestly actions, sacrifices, instruction).
- תִּרְצֶה — Qal imperfect jussive 2ms of ר־צ־ה (“to be pleased with”), expressing a wish: “may you be pleased with…”
This parallel clause intensifies the first petition: not only should YHWH bless Levi’s strength, but also delight in his priestly actions.
Judgment on Enemies: מְחַץ מָתְנַיִם קָמָיו
מְחַץ — Qal imperative 2ms of מ־ח־ץ (“to strike, shatter”), a strong appeal for divine judgment.
- מָתְנַיִם — “loins,” the center of strength and stability
- קָמָיו — “those who rise against him,” from קוּם, with 3ms suffix; hostile opposers
The image is physical and decisive: breaking the power of opponents at their core strength.
Final Curse: וּמְשַׂנְאָיו מִן־יְקוּמֽוּן
וּמְשַׂנְאָיו — “and those who hate him,” from שׂ־נ־א (“to hate”) with 3ms suffix, continues the theme of adversaries.
- מִן־יְקוּמֽוּן — Hiphil imperfect jussive 3mp or a shortened jussive form of קוּם, prefixed with מִן (“that they not rise”) — a negative wish or curse: “may they not rise again”
This is a poetic climax to the priestly blessing: not only are enemies broken, they are permanently subdued.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Deuteronomy 33:11
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| בָּרֵךְ | ב־ר־ך | Qal imperative (2ms) | “Bless!” — prayerful appeal to YHWH |
| תִּרְצֶה | ר־צ־ה | Qal imperfect jussive (2ms) | “May you be pleased” — request for divine acceptance |
| מְחַץ | מ־ח־ץ | Qal imperative (2ms) | “Strike!” — call for judgment on enemies |
| יְקוּמוּן | קוּם | Qal imperfect jussive (3mp) | “May they not rise” — final curse against foes |
The Grammar of Intercession and Vengeance
Deuteronomy 33:11 blends priestly blessing with divine warfare. Through imperatives and jussives, the verse moves from a request for YHWH’s favor upon Levi to a plea for violent judgment upon Levi’s enemies. Hebrew grammar channels intercession and vengeance into compact poetry: blessing for the righteous, destruction for the foe — both by the hand of God.
