Deuteronomy 32 35

Deuteronomy 32:35 kjv

To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Deuteronomy 32:35 nkjv

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.'

Deuteronomy 32:35 niv

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."

Deuteronomy 32:35 esv

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.'

Deuteronomy 32:35 nlt

I will take revenge; I will pay them back.
In due time their feet will slip.
Their day of disaster will arrive,
and their destiny will overtake them.'

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 35 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:35 declares God's exclusive claim to justice, retribution, and recompense. It asserts that the downfall and ultimate punishment for His adversaries and for His unfaithful people are predetermined by Him. The verse conveys the certainty and swift, appointed arrival of this divine judgment, indicating that their ruin is imminent and unavoidable, set according to God's precise timing.

Deuteronomy 32 35 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 32 is known as the Song of Moses, a prophetic poem recited by Moses before his death, serving as a powerful warning and covenant lawsuit against Israel. This song outlines God's righteous character, His benevolent provision for Israel, their subsequent rebellion and idolatry, and the resulting divine judgment. Verses 32:26-43 detail God's reasoning for judging the nations, often as an instrument to discipline Israel. Within this section, verse 35 falls under the theme of God's vengeance against the arrogance and false pride of the nations who presume their strength or gods caused Israel's defeat, not realizing it was God's deliberate act of judgment on His own people (verses 27-31). The verse emphasizes that ultimately, all justice and punishment for wickedness belong solely to the LORD, reinforcing His sovereignty over all nations and events. It serves as both a comfort to the suffering Israelites (knowing God will eventually act on their behalf against oppressors) and a stern warning to anyone who stands in opposition to God or His purposes.

Deuteronomy 32 35 Word analysis

• Vengeance is Mine (לי נקם - Li naqam):
• Mine (לי - Li): The Hebrew preposition li (meaning "to me" or "for me") explicitly underscores the singular, exclusive possession and prerogative of God. This divine exclusivity means that judgment and the right to set things right belong to God alone, not to humans to execute personally. It removes human anger or retaliatory actions from the sphere of legitimate justice.
• Vengeance (נקם - naqam): While "vengeance" in English often carries a negative connotation of personal revenge, the Hebrew naqam carries a broader meaning of recompense, requital, or a righteous restoration of justice in response to a wrong. It implies putting things back into proper order. It is God's just recompense against sin and opposition, ultimately aimed at demonstrating His holiness and justice, and restoring balance. This is distinct from vindictiveness; it's the righteous exercise of His attribute as judge.
• and recompense (ושלם - ve-shillum):
• And recompense (ושלם - ve-shillum): Shillum is a noun derived from the verb shalem, which means "to be complete," "to pay," "to restore." Here it denotes a "payment," "retribution," or "repayment in full." It signifies making restitution or providing a full settlement for an offense or injustice. Parallel to naqam, it emphasizes the full, righteous satisfaction of justice that God will administer for all wrongs committed.
• their foot shall slip (ימוט רגלם - yamut raglam):
• Foot (רגל - regel): Represents stability, path, progress, or position. A firm footing indicates security and strength.
• Shall slip (ימוט - yamut): The verb mot (מוט) means "to totter," "to sway," "to slip," or "to shake." When applied to the foot, it signifies an unexpected loss of balance, leading to a fall or ruin. This imagery graphically portrays a sudden and unavoidable collapse of power, stability, or perceived security. It communicates the vulnerability of those who defy God, emphasizing that their standing is ultimately unstable.
• in due time (לעיתם - l'ittah):
• In due time (לעיתם - l'ittah): This phrase translates to "at their time" or "at its appointed time/season." The word 'ittah (עתה) implies an exact, divinely appointed moment. It emphasizes God's sovereign timing, indicating that His judgment is not delayed, but rather awaits the precise moment determined by Him. This teaches patience to the righteous and signifies the certainty of judgment, regardless of its apparent slowness to human perception.
• for the day of their calamity is at hand (כי קרוב יום אידם - ki qarov yom 'edam):
• For (כי - ki): Introduces the reason or explanation for the previous statement.
• Near/At hand (קרוב - qarov): Signifies proximity, not necessarily immediate, but certainly within reach and rapidly approaching.
• Day (יום - yom): Often refers to a significant, decisive period or event in biblical prophecy (e.g., "Day of the LORD"). It suggests a specific, appointed time of judgment, not a continuous process but a climactic event.
• Calamity (איד - ed): This noun means disaster, ruin, or sudden destruction. It encapsulates the complete downfall and desolation awaiting those targeted by God's judgment.
• and the things that shall come upon them make haste (וחש עתדות למו - vekhash 'atidoth lamo):
• Make haste (וחש - vekhash): From the root khush (חיש), meaning "to hurry," "to hasten." It stresses the speed and swiftness with which the divinely appointed fate will unfold once its "due time" arrives.
• The things that shall come upon them (עתדות למו - 'atidoth lamo): 'Atidot refers to "future things," "destinies," or "that which is reserved" or "appointed" for them. The phrase indicates their pre-ordained destiny, the inevitable events or circumstances reserved by God specifically for their judgment. "Upon them" emphasizes that this fate will directly and personally afflict the targets.

• Words-Group Analysis:
• "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense": This opening phrase is a profound theological statement affirming God's sole jurisdiction over divine justice. It is not an invitation for human retribution but a declaration of His sovereignty as the ultimate Avenger and Dispenser of perfect repayment. This removes the burden of personal revenge from believers and prevents cycles of violence, placing full trust in God's perfect justice.
• "their foot shall slip in due time": This paints a vivid picture of unexpected and irreversible collapse. It conveys that even if adversaries appear stable or powerful, their foundation is insecure in God's eyes, and their downfall is merely awaiting the appointed, precise moment chosen by God. This suggests divine patience but also absolute certainty of execution.
• "for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste": This concluding phrase explains the inevitability and immediacy of the "slipping." It serves as a stark prophetic warning: the appointed time of ruin is drawing near, and the destined events of judgment will not merely come but will rush upon them with swiftness, demonstrating God's active involvement and unfailing adherence to His decrees.

Deuteronomy 32 35 Bonus section

This verse is exceptionally significant for its direct quotation in the New Testament by two pivotal writers, Paul in Romans 12:19 and the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 10:30. This highlights its enduring theological relevance for Christian ethics and eschatology. Paul uses it to command believers to forsake personal revenge, deferring justice to God, thereby promoting peace and preventing cycles of retaliation. The author of Hebrews employs it to reinforce the certainty and solemnity of divine judgment against apostasy. The concept of God being the exclusive avenger is foundational to understanding the proper response to evil and suffering for believers: patiently waiting on the LORD rather than resorting to personal retribution. It underscores a central biblical truth that ultimate cosmic justice is a divine attribute and function, revealing God as perfectly just and true to His word.

Deuteronomy 32 35 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:35 is a powerful assertion of God's absolute sovereignty over judgment and retribution. It unequivocally states that vengeance and recompense are not human prerogatives but exclusively God's. This divine claim means that any perceived delay in justice is merely God's precise timing ("in due time"), not a sign of His indifference or impotence. The image of "their foot shall slip" graphically portrays the sudden and inevitable downfall of those who oppose God or His purposes, emphasizing their inherent instability despite any present strength they might display. This collapse is not haphazard; "the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste," signifying that a specific, predetermined moment of judgment is swiftly approaching. The verse provides comfort and a call to patient endurance for the afflicted, assuring them that God will indeed act, while serving as a stark warning to the unrighteous that their doom is both certain and imminent, reserved for them by God's immutable decree.

Examples:

• Trusting God's Justice: Instead of seeking personal revenge against someone who wronged you, remembering "Vengeance is Mine" allows you to surrender the offense to God, trusting Him to handle the situation in His perfect time and way.
• Patience in Injustice: When experiencing prolonged injustice or suffering at the hands of oppressors, this verse encourages steadfastness, knowing that God has an appointed "due time" for judgment, and it will "make haste" when that moment arrives.