Deuteronomy 33 in the early church

101 passages quote, allude to, or echo Deuteronomy 33, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28 · 29

Deuteronomy 33:1

This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:1Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 811 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:1PG 12:1173 (Ps 5–6 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:1Homilies on Leviticus 3.3 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Deut 33:1Against Celsus 8.25 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 248
Deut 33:1Commentary on Romans 1.8 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Deut 33:1Apostolic Constitutions 8.2.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Deut 33:1Chapter 22 · Nicetas, bishop of Remesianaallusion, medium confidenceca. 380–414
Deut 33:1Pilgrimage (Itinerarium) 10.6 · Egeriaallusion, high confidenceca. 381-395
Deut 33:1–29Part 2, chapter 13 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Deuteronomy 33:2

He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:2Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 811 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:2Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 813 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:2Prophetic Extracts 1.9 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)

Deuteronomy 33:3

Surely You love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet; each receives Your words—

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:3Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 813 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:3On the Holy Spirit 53 · Didymus the Blindquotation, high confidenceGreek ca. 360-390; Latin 387-391
Deut 33:3Apostolic Constitutions 7.35.9 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Deut 33:3Apostolic Constitutions 8.41.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380

Deuteronomy 33:5

So the LORD became King in Jeshurun when the leaders of the people gathered, when the tribes of Israel came together.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:5Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 813 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254

Deuteronomy 33:6

Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:6Homilies on Ezekiel 4.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Deut 33:6Tractates on the Psalms 51.18 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Deut 33:6Letter 78.43 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Deut 33:6Ancoratus 97.1 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374
Deut 33:6Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 9.3.5 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Deut 33:6On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 15 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:7

And concerning Judah he said: “O LORD, hear the cry of Judah and bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause, but may You be a help against his foes.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:7Commentary on John 13.158 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248

Deuteronomy 33:8

Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:8On the Duties of the Clergy 1.50 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Deut 33:8Exposition of Psalm 118 7.5.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Deut 33:8On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 15 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:9

He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:9Against Heresies 4.8.3 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
Deut 33:9Homilies on Numbers 3.2 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Deut 33:9Commentary on Romans 7.8 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Deut 33:9On the Lord's Prayer 9 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 252
Deut 33:9On Works and Almsgiving 16 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 253
Deut 33:9To Fortunatus 6 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence253 or 257
Deut 33:9Letter 120.1 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Deut 33:9Book of Heresies 148.6 · Philastrius of Bresciaquotation, medium confidenceca. 380s
Deut 33:9On the Duties of the Clergy 1.50 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Deut 33:9Exposition of Psalm 118 3.32.2 · Ambroseallusion, low confidenceca. 386-397
Deut 33:9Homilies on Matthew 35.1 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Deut 33:9Against Adimantus, a Disciple of Mani 6 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 394
Deut 33:9On the Faith against the Manichaeans 39 · Evodius of Uzalisecho, low confidenceca. 400-424
Deut 33:9The Institutes 5.38 · John Cassianecho, low confidenceca. 419–426
Deut 33:9Part 2, chapter 4 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

Deuteronomy 33:10

He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:10On the Duties of the Clergy 1.50 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390

Deuteronomy 33:11

Bless his substance, O LORD, and accept the work of his hands. Smash the loins of those who rise against him, and of his foes so they can rise no more.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:11On the Duties of the Clergy 1.50 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390

Deuteronomy 33:12

Concerning Benjamin he said: “May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and upon His shoulders he rests.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:12Fragments on Genesis, column 135 · Origenallusion, low confidenceca. 220-254
Deut 33:12On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 58 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:12On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 59 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:13

Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:13Dialogue with Trypho 91.1 · Justin Martyrquotation, high confidenceca. 155–160
Deut 33:13–17Commentary on John 13.159 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Deut 33:13Hexaemeron 3.8 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Deut 33:13–15Hexameron (Exameron) 2.16 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-390
Deut 33:13On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:14

with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:14Dialogue with Trypho 91.1 · Justin Martyrquotation, high confidenceca. 155–160
Deut 33:14Hexaemeron 3.8 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Deut 33:14On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:15

with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:15Dialogue with Trypho 91.1 · Justin Martyrquotation, high confidenceca. 155–160
Deut 33:15Hexaemeron 3.8 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Deut 33:15On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:16

with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:16Dialogue with Trypho 91.1 · Justin Martyrquotation, high confidenceca. 155–160
Deut 33:16Letter of the six bishops to Paul 5 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 264–269
Deut 33:16On the Trinity 4.33 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 356–360
Deut 33:16On the Trinity 5.23 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 356–360
Deut 33:16On the Duties of the Clergy 2.16 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Deut 33:16On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:16On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 54 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.15.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.15.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.15.4 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.16.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.16.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397

Deuteronomy 33:17

His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:17Dialogue with Trypho 91.1 · Justin Martyrquotation, high confidenceca. 155–160
Deut 33:17Against the Jews 10 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 197–207
Deut 33:17Against Marcion 3.18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Deut 33:17Refutation of All Heresies 5.9.14 · Hippolytus of Romeecho, low confidenceca. 222–235
Deut 33:17On the Duties of the Clergy 2.16 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Deut 33:17Exposition of Psalm 118 7.5.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Deut 33:17On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:17On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 55 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:17On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 56 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.15.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.17.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.18.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.18.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.19.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.44.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Deut 33:17Against Faustus the Manichaean 18.6 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 398–400

Deuteronomy 33:19

They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:19Demonstration 16.1 · Aphrahatquotation, high confidence337-345
Deut 33:19On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 30 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:20

Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:20On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 36 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:20On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 37 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:21

He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:21On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 36 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:22

Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:22On Christ and Antichrist 14 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 200–215
Deut 33:22On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 34 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:23

Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:23On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 43 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:24

And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:24On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 40 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:25

May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:25On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 40 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392
Deut 33:25Tractates 5 · Gaudentius of Bresciaquotation, high confidenceca. 397-410

Deuteronomy 33:26

“There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, and the clouds in His majesty.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:26On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 40 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:27On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 40 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:28

So Israel dwells securely; the fountain of Jacob lives untroubled in a land of grain and new wine, where even the heavens drip with dew.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:28On the Blessings of the Patriarchs 40 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-392

Deuteronomy 33:29

Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Deut 33:29Homily on Isaiah 7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 235–250