Deuteronomy 33:7
New International Version
And this he said about Judah: “Hear, LORD, the cry of Judah; bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!”

New Living Translation
Moses said this about the tribe of Judah: “O LORD, hear the cry of Judah and bring them together as a people. Give them strength to defend their cause; help them against their enemies!”

English Standard Version
And this he said of Judah: “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him in to his people. With your hands contend for him, and be a help against his adversaries.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.

New King James Version
And this he said of Judah: “Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people; Let his hands be sufficient for him, And may You be a help against his enemies.”

New American Standard Bible
And this was regarding Judah; so he said: “Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them, And may You be a help against his adversaries.”

NASB 1995
And this regarding Judah; so he said, “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them, And may You be a help against his adversaries.”

NASB 1977
And this regarding Judah; so he said, “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them; And mayest Thou be a help against his adversaries.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And this regarding Judah; so he said, “Hear, O Yahweh, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them, And may You be a help against his adversaries.”

Amplified Bible
And [Moses said] this of Judah: “Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him to his people. With his hands he contended for them, And may You be a help against his enemies.”

Christian Standard Bible
He said this about Judah: LORD, hear Judah’s cry and bring him to his people. He fights for his cause with his own hands, but may you be a help against his foes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said this about Judah: LORD, hear Judah’s cry and bring him to his people. He fights for his cause with his own hands, but may You be a help against his foes.

American Standard Version
And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Jehovah, the voice of Judah, And bring him in unto his people. With his hands he contended for himself; And thou shalt be a help against his adversaries.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD will listen to you, tribe of Judah, as you beg to come safely home. You fought your enemies alone; now the LORD will help you.

English Revised Version
And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him in unto his people: With his hands he contended for himself; And thou shalt be an help against his adversaries.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what he said about the tribe of [Judah]: "Hear the cry of Judah, O LORD, and bring them to their people. They must defend themselves. Help them against their enemies."

Good News Translation
About the tribe of Judah he said: "LORD, listen to their cry for help; Unite them again with the other tribes. Fight for them, LORD, And help them against their enemies."

International Standard Version
He declared this about Judah: "Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah and return him to his people. With his own strength he fights for himself, and you will be of assistance against his enemies."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
And this is the blessing to Judah. He said, Listen, O LORD, to Judah's voice, and bring him to his people. May his power be great, and may you help him against his foes.

New Heart English Bible
This is for Judah. He said, "Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah. Bring him in to his people. With his hands he contended for himself. You shall be a help against his adversaries."

Webster's Bible Translation
And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people: let his hands be sufficient for him, and be thou a help to him from his enemies.

World English Bible
This is for Judah. He said, “Hear, Yahweh, the voice of Judah. Bring him in to his people. With his hands he contended for himself. You shall be a help against his adversaries.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And this [is] for Judah, and he says: Hear, O YHWH, the voice of Judah, "" And You bring him in to his people; His hand has striven for him, "" And You are a help from his adversaries.

Young's Literal Translation
And this is for Judah; and he saith: -- Hear, O Jehovah, the voice of Judah, And unto his people do Thou bring him in; His hand hath striven for him, And an help from his adversaries art Thou.

Smith's Literal Translation
And this to Judah: and he will say, Hear, Jehovah, the voice of Judah, and thou wilt bring him to his people; his hands a multitude for him, and thou wilt be a help from his adversaries.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the blessing of Juda. Hear, O Lord, the voice of Juda, and bring him in unto his people : his hands shall fight for him, and he shall be his helper against his enemies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is the blessing of Judah. “Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah, and lead him to his people. His hands shall fight for him, and he shall be his helper against his adversaries.”

New American Bible
Of Judah he said this: Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people. His own hands defend his cause; be a help against his foes.

New Revised Standard Version
And this he said of Judah: O LORD, give heed to Judah, and bring him to his people; strengthen his hands for him, and be a help against his adversaries.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And this is the blessing of Judah: Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him close to his people; let his hands contend for him, and be thou a help to him from his oppressors.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And this he said to Yehuda: “Hear, LORD JEHOVAH, the voice of Yehuda, and bring him to his people; his hands shall rule for him, and be a helper to him from his oppressors.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And this for Judah, and he said: Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, And bring him in unto his people; His hands shall contend for him, And Thou shalt be a help against his adversaries.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And this is the blessing of Juda; Hear, Lord, the voice of Juda, and do thou visit his people: his hands shall contend for him, and thou shalt be a help from his enemies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
6Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.” 7And 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.” 8Concerning 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.…

Cross References
Genesis 49:8-12
Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. / Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? / The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. ...

1 Chronicles 5:2
And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

Judges 1:1-2
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”

1 Samuel 16:1-13
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” / “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ / Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” ...

2 Samuel 2:4
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

1 Chronicles 28:4
Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.

Psalm 18:40
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

Psalm 60:7
Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.

Psalm 108:8
Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter.

Isaiah 11:10
On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

Isaiah 11:12-13
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth. / Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, and the adversaries of Judah will be cut off. Ephraim will no longer envy Judah, nor will Judah harass Ephraim.

Matthew 1:1-3
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.

Matthew 2:6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be you an help to him from his enemies.

and bring

Genesis 49:8-12
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee…

Judges 1:1
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

Psalm 78:68,70
But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved…

let his hands

2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Revelation 19:13-16
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God…

and be thou

2 Samuel 7:9-12
And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth…

Psalm 11:1-7
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? …

Psalm 20:2
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

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Adversaries Attackers Blessing Cause Contend Contended Cry Defends Ear Enemies Hand Hands Hear Help Judah Oppressors Regarding Strive Striven Sufficient Voice
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Adversaries Attackers Blessing Cause Contend Contended Cry Defends Ear Enemies Hand Hands Hear Help Judah Oppressors Regarding Strive Striven Sufficient Voice
Deuteronomy 33
1. The majesty of God
6. The blessings of the twelve tribes
26. The excellence of Israel














And concerning Judah he said
This phrase introduces the blessing specifically directed towards the tribe of Judah. Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in Israel's history. The name "Judah" means "praise" in Hebrew, reflecting the tribe's role in leading Israel in worship and battle. Historically, Judah became the leading tribe, producing kings like David and ultimately, Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This introduction sets the stage for a blessing that acknowledges Judah's leadership and divine favor.

Hear, O LORD, the cry of Judah
The Hebrew word for "hear" is "shama," which implies not just listening but responding. This plea for God to hear Judah's cry is a call for divine intervention and support. The "cry" signifies a deep, earnest prayer or plea, often arising from distress or need. In the historical context, Judah often found itself in battles and needed God's deliverance. This phrase underscores the importance of prayer and reliance on God, reminding believers that God is attentive to the cries of His people.

bring him to his people
This request for God to "bring" Judah to his people suggests a desire for unity and restoration. The Hebrew root "bo" means to come or go, indicating movement towards a goal. Historically, Judah was often separated from the other tribes, whether through conflict or exile. This blessing envisions a future where Judah is restored to its rightful place among the tribes, symbolizing reconciliation and the fulfillment of God's promises. It speaks to the broader biblical theme of God gathering His people together.

With his own hands he defends his cause
The phrase highlights Judah's active role in defending its interests. The imagery of "his own hands" suggests personal responsibility and strength. In Hebrew, "hands" (yad) often symbolize power and action. Judah, known for its warriors and leaders, is depicted as taking initiative in its defense. This reflects the biblical principle that while God is our ultimate defender, He often calls us to act courageously and responsibly in our circumstances.

Oh, be his help against his foes!
This final plea for divine assistance emphasizes the need for God's help in overcoming adversaries. The word "help" (ezer) in Hebrew conveys the idea of support and deliverance. Throughout Israel's history, Judah faced numerous enemies, and this blessing acknowledges that true victory comes from the Lord. It serves as a reminder that while human effort is important, reliance on God's strength is crucial in facing life's battles. This plea for divine help resonates with the Christian belief in God's providence and protection.

(7) And this (he said) of Judah.--The words which follow are a kingly blessing: "Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people." In other words, when we think of "the Lion of the tribe of Judah," "Thy kingdom come." Rashi reminds us of the many prayers in Old Testament history which were heard from Judah's lips. The prayers of David and Solomon; of Asa and Jehoshaphat; of Hezekiah against Sennacherib;--and, we may add, of King Manasseh, and Daniel the prophet--were all "the voice of Judah." The last line of Old Testament history is a prayer of Judah by the mouth of Nehemiah, "Remember me, O my God, for good." The psalms of David, again, are all "the voice of Judah." And, best of all, every prayer of our Lord's is "the voice of Judah" also. The remainder of the blessing is easily understood. The "hands" of Judah embrace those Hands which were "sufficient" for the salvation of mankind. "His enemies" include all, even to Death, the "last enemy," whom God shall subdue under His feet.

Verse 7. - The blessing on Judah is in the form of prayer to Jehovah. As Jacobhad promised to Judah supremacy over his brethren and success in war, so Moses here names him next after Reuben, whose pre-eminence he had assumed, and prays for him that, going forth at the head of the tribes, he might return in triumph, being helped of the Lord. Let his hands be sufficient for him; rather, with his hands he contendeth for it (to wit, his people). רַב here is not the adj. much, enough, but the part. of the verb רִיב, to contend, to strive; and יָדָיו is the aeons, of instrument. The rendering in the Authorized Version is grammatically possible; but the meaning thereby brought out is not in keeping with the sentiment of the passage; for if Judah's hands, i.e. his own power and resources, were sufficient for him, what need had he of help from the Lord?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
וְזֹ֣את (wə·zōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

concerning Judah
לִֽיהוּדָה֮ (lî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

he said:
וַיֹּאמַר֒ (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“O LORD,
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

hear
שְׁמַ֤ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the cry
ק֣וֹל (qō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and bring
תְּבִיאֶ֑נּוּ (tə·ḇî·’en·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

him to
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his people.
עַמּ֖וֹ (‘am·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

With his own hands
יָדָיו֙ (yā·ḏāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

he defends his cause,
רָ֣ב (rāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

but may You be
תִּהְיֶֽה׃ (tih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a help
וְעֵ֥זֶר (wə·‘ê·zer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5828: A help, helper

against his foes.”
מִצָּרָ֖יו (miṣ·ṣā·rāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6862: Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:7 This is the blessing of Judah: (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 33:6
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