Deuteronomy 32 32

Deuteronomy 32:32 kjv

For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:

Deuteronomy 32:32 nkjv

For their vine is of the vine of Sodom And of the fields of Gomorrah; Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter.

Deuteronomy 32:32 niv

Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are filled with poison, and their clusters with bitterness.

Deuteronomy 32:32 esv

For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of poison; their clusters are bitter;

Deuteronomy 32:32 nlt

Their vine grows from the vine of Sodom,
from the vineyards of Gomorrah.
Their grapes are poison,
and their clusters are bitter.

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 32 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:32 declares a foundational truth contrasting the true God of Israel with the false gods of the nations. It asserts that the protective 'rock' (strength, refuge, deity) of Israel's enemies is fundamentally inferior to the 'Rock' of Israel, Yahweh. The profound nature of this difference is so self-evident that even Israel's adversaries, acting as impartial judges, would be compelled to acknowledge Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy and reliability. It highlights the powerlessness and instability of idol-worship in stark contrast to the steadfast and mighty character of the One true God.

Deuteronomy 32 32 Context

Deuteronomy 32:32 is part of "The Song of Moses," a prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death (Deu 31:30; 32:48-52). This song serves as a profound theological testament, summarizing God's faithfulness to Israel despite their recurrent unfaithfulness, His impending judgment upon them, and His eventual restoration of them. The immediate context preceding verse 32 (Deu 32:29-31) describes the astonishing weakness of Israel in battle against their enemies and how this apparent paradox can only be explained by God's withdrawal of His protective hand due to Israel's sin. However, it clarifies that even in such weakness, the fundamental qualitative difference between Israel's God and the gods of the nations remains stark. Historically, the song reflects an ancient Near Eastern cultural milieu where nations each had their patron deities, and military victories were often attributed to the superiority of one nation's god over another's. Moses' song unequivocally refutes this notion by asserting Yahweh's ultimate and exclusive supremacy.

Deuteronomy 32 32 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This conjunction introduces a reason or explanation, linking this verse to the preceding thought. It explains why the enemy's strength (and Israel's weakness) does not mean the enemy's "rock" is superior.
• their rock (צוּרָם - tzuram): The noun צוּר (tzur) literally means "rock" or "cliff," a metaphor for strength, refuge, and stability. Here, with the suffix "their," it refers to the gods, idols, or supposed protectors of Israel's enemies. This term is polemical, implying a false and unreliable source of strength in contrast to Yahweh.
• is not as (לֹא כְּ - lo khə): This negation "not" (לֹא) combined with the comparative particle "as" (כְּ) emphasizes an absolute disparity, not merely a lesser degree. It signifies that there is no true comparison or parity between the two "rocks."
• our Rock (צוּרֵנוּ - tzurenu): Again, צוּר (tzur) referring metaphorically to God. With the suffix "our," it unequivocally points to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This asserts His absolute power, reliability, and unique nature as the sole source of true strength and salvation.
• even our enemies themselves (וְאֹיְבֵינוּ - və'oyevênu): "And our enemies." This phrase intensifies the preceding assertion. It means that the truth of Yahweh's unparalleled nature is so undeniable that even those who are inherently opposed to Him and His people would concede it.
• being judges (פְּלִילִים - pelilím): This word signifies "judges," "arbitrators," or "those who weigh evidence impartially." It implies a verdict or conclusion reached based on irrefutable evidence. Even a biased party, when compelled by truth or experience, would have to rule in favor of Yahweh's superiority over their own deities. It invokes a legal or forensic context, where the facts themselves are presented for evaluation.

Words-group analysis

• "For their rock is not as our Rock": This central declaration highlights the profound qualitative distinction between the false gods of pagan nations and the one true God, Yahweh. It asserts the fundamental inferiority and impotence of idolatry compared to the power and steadfastness of the God of Israel. This is a core theological statement in Deuteronomy, underscoring monotheism and the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and all supposed deities.
• "even our enemies themselves being judges": This powerful judicial imagery signifies that the evidence for Yahweh's supreme nature is so overwhelming and manifest in history and experience that even those hostile to Him cannot truthfully deny it. It implies that their own lack of ultimate victory, or Israel's eventual vindication, would serve as a testimony that exposes the futility of relying on false gods. It speaks to a divinely ordained verdict that even adversaries cannot escape, solidifying the irrefutable truth of God's identity and power.

Deuteronomy 32 32 Bonus section

This verse prophetically points to moments in salvation history where pagan rulers and nations were indeed forced to acknowledge the God of Israel. Examples include Pharaoh's eventual pleas for Moses' intercession (Ex 10:16), Rahab's confession regarding Yahweh's drying of the Red Sea (Josh 2:9-11), the Philistines' dread of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Sam 4:7-8), or even Nebuchadnezzar's decree glorifying the God of Daniel (Dan 3:28-29; 4:37). These instances are mini-fulfillments of the "enemies being judges" validating the superiority of the Lord, our Rock.

Deuteronomy 32 32 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:32 serves as a pivotal theological assertion within the Song of Moses, unequivocally contrasting the dependable nature of Yahweh with the fragility of pagan gods. The metaphor of "Rock" signifies unwavering stability, protection, and source of strength. While other ancient cultures employed similar "rock" imagery for their deities, Moses' song fiercely polemicizes against this, declaring a non-negotiable distinction: "their rock" is nothing compared to "our Rock." This isn't a statement of relative power, but of an ontological chasm—false gods possess no intrinsic power or steadfastness.

The most striking aspect of the verse is the inclusion of "even our enemies themselves being judges." This judicial framing elevates the comparison to a point of undeniable truth, so evident that even biased adversaries would be forced to concede it. It points to an ultimate vindication of God's character and power in history, through both His judgments and His deliverance. For instance, in moments of crisis or eventual divine judgment upon the nations, even they would inwardly (or outwardly, through fear and awe) confess that their own gods were useless against the God of Israel. This reinforces the theological concept that God's truth is universally apparent, even if suppressed or denied by human will, and it will be unveiled ultimately for all to see. The verse therefore establishes not only Yahweh's exclusive deity but also His absolute authority and ultimate triumph over all forms of opposition.