Deuteronomy 32:25 kjv
The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
Deuteronomy 32:25 nkjv
The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within For the young man and virgin, The nursing child with the man of gray hairs.
Deuteronomy 32:25 niv
In the street the sword will make them childless; in their homes terror will reign. The young men and young women will perish, the infants and those with gray hair.
Deuteronomy 32:25 esv
Outdoors the sword shall bereave, and indoors terror, for young man and woman alike, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs.
Deuteronomy 32:25 nlt
Outside, the sword will bring death,
and inside, terror will strike
both young men and young women,
both infants and the aged.
Deuteronomy 32 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 26:25 | "And I will bring a sword upon you... and you shall be delivered into the hand of your enemy." | Sword as divine judgment. |
| Jer 9:21 | "For death has come up into our windows; it has entered our palaces." | Death's pervasive reach into private spaces. |
| Ezek 7:15 | "The sword is outside; plague and famine are inside; whoever is in the field dies by the sword..." | Sword, plague, and famine striking everywhere. |
| Lam 1:20 | "Outside the sword bereaves; inside there is death, as you have heard that I groan." | Direct parallel, universal judgment. |
| Hos 13:16 | "...their little ones shall be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open." | Violence against the most vulnerable. |
| Jer 6:11 | "Pour it out on the children in the street... both husband and wife shall be taken, the old and the very aged." | All ages and social groups affected. |
| Ezek 5:12 | "A third part of you shall die of plague... and a third part shall fall by the sword." | Comprehensive, varied divine judgments. |
| Amos 5:19 | "As if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house... a serpent bit him." | No safe place from impending doom. |
| 1 Thes 5:3 | "Then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains... and they will not escape." | Sudden, inescapable judgment. |
| Rev 6:8 | "They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine..." | Sword, famine, plague, death as divine instruments. |
| Exod 15:16 | "Terror and dread fall upon them; by the greatness of your arm they are still as a stone." | Terror stemming from God's presence/power. |
| Deut 2:25 | "Today I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples who are under the whole heaven." | Dread from God. |
| Isa 13:8 | "Pangs and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor." | Agony and dread associated with God's day. |
| Job 6:4 | "...the terrors of God are arrayed against me." | Personal experience of God's terrors. |
| Ps 88:15-16 | "Your dread has overwhelmed me. Your burning wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me." | Experience of overwhelming divine dread. |
| Zech 13:8 | "In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish..." | Widespread loss of life. |
| Lk 21:23 | "...great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people." | Distress and wrath as judgment. |
| Jer 4:20 | "Destruction upon destruction is cried out, for the whole land is laid waste." | Sequential and comprehensive ruin. |
| Judg 20:46-48 | Describes the wiping out of all men, women, children, infants from a tribe by the sword. | Historical example of all-encompassing destruction. |
| Nah 1:6 | "Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger?" | Impotence against divine wrath. |
| Ps 7:12 | "If a man does not turn, God will sharpen his sword." | God's active role with the sword of judgment. |
| Mal 4:1 | "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace..." | The comprehensive destructive nature of God's day. |
Deuteronomy 32 verses
Deuteronomy 32 25 Meaning
Deuteronomy 32:25 describes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment upon a disobedient Israel. It foretells a time when destruction will strike both externally through warfare ("the sword") leading to widespread loss and desolation, and internally within private dwellings ("inside the chambers") through overwhelming dread and panic. This judgment will be indiscriminate, affecting every segment of society from the most vulnerable, like nursing infants and young people, to the oldest and most respected elders. It emphasizes that no one, regardless of age or place, will escape the divine consequences of apostasy.
Deuteronomy 32 25 Context
Deuteronomy 32 is known as "The Song of Moses," delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death, as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This song serves as a powerful theological testament and a prophetic warning. It begins by recounting God's steadfast faithfulness and care for Israel, contrasting it sharply with Israel's future anticipated rebellion and spiritual corruption (vv. 15-18). The immediate context of verse 25 details the dreadful consequences God will bring upon His people for abandoning Him and worshipping false gods. It outlines various forms of judgment, including famine, pestilence, wild beasts, and eventually, the very comprehensive destruction described in verse 25. This specific verse portrays the grim reality of divine retribution, emphasizing that none will be spared due to their turning away from the one true God. The song is not merely a curse but a call to remember God's character and covenant obligations, serving as a future witness against them should they falter.
Deuteronomy 32 25 Word analysis
- Outside (מִחוּץ, michuts): Signifies that which is external, public, or outside the confines of the home or city. This highlights that judgment will not only besiege the individual but will manifest as visible, public calamity, often through foreign invaders or warfare.
- the sword (חֶרֶב, cherev): A primary instrument of warfare and execution, universally understood as signifying violence, conquest, and death. In a biblical context, it frequently represents God's instrument of judgment against both His people and their enemies. Its appearance "outside" indicates physical destruction through conflict.
- shall bereave (תְּשַׁכֵּל, t'shakkēl): Derived from a root meaning "to be childless" or "to suffer the loss of children." This is a profound and deeply painful form of loss, indicating not just death but the cutting off of future generations, implying utter devastation and desolation, removing hope for continuance.
- and inside the chambers (וּמֵחֲדָרִים, u'mechadarim): "Chambers" refers to inner rooms, private spaces, or secure dwellings. The mention of terror here signifies that there will be no sanctuary, no hidden corner where one can escape the judgment. It invades the most intimate and seemingly safest places.
- terror (אֵימָה, eimah): Represents intense dread, panic, or fear, often of divine origin or imposed by God. This indicates a psychological component to the judgment—not just physical death but pervasive anxiety and paralyzing fear that grip individuals in their own homes, signifying a total breakdown of peace and security.
- for both young man (בָּחוּר, bachur) and virgin (בְּתוּלָה, b'tulah): "Young man" refers to someone in the prime of life, full of strength and potential. "Virgin" denotes a young, unmarried woman, symbolizing purity and future progeny, often considered especially vulnerable and precious. Their inclusion emphasizes the destruction of future generations and vitality.
- the nursing child (יוֹנֵק, yoneq) with the man of gray hairs (וְאִישׁ שֵׂיבָה, v'ish seivah): The "nursing child" is the epitome of innocence and helplessness, utterly dependent on others. The "man of gray hairs" symbolizes wisdom, experience, and the reverence due to elders. Their specific mention encompasses the entire lifespan from infancy to old age, making it clear that judgment will spare no demographic or age group. This highlights the all-encompassing nature of divine judgment, leaving no one untouched.
Deuteronomy 32 25 Bonus section
- The severity of the language reflects the seriousness of covenant breaking, indicating that God's holiness demands accountability for rejection of His revealed will.
- This verse paints a picture of societal collapse from within and without, where every aspect of life is touched by the consequences of sin—loss of security, loss of future generations, and loss of peace.
- The "terror within" points to an internal spiritual dread that complements the external physical destruction, suggesting a complete shattering of individual and communal well-being. This terror can be understood as part of the curse for disobedience (e.g., Deut 28:65-67).
Deuteronomy 32 25 Commentary
Deuteronomy 32:25 serves as a chilling illustration of God's just and unsparing wrath when His covenant people forsake Him. It presents a comprehensive picture of judgment, not limited to one sphere but engulfing all of life. The "sword without" depicts overt military devastation, leading to immense sorrow and loss of life, particularly future generations as implied by "bereave." The "terror within" highlights the psychological horror that will plague individuals even in their most private spaces, demonstrating the utter lack of security and peace that comes with divine disfavor. The listing of "young man and virgin, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs" is critically important; it underscores that this is a judgment of totality. No one, regardless of age, gender, or social status, will be exempt from the devastating consequences of national apostasy. This verse underscores the holiness of God and the severe consequences of breaking covenant with Him, reminding His people of the ultimate stakes of their faithfulness.