Deuteronomy 32:11
Deuteronomy 32:11 in Multiple Translations
As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
As an eagle that stirreth up her nest, That fluttereth over her young, He spread abroad his wings, he took them, He bare them on his pinions.
As an eagle, teaching her young to make their flight, with her wings outstretched over them, takes them up on her strong feathers:
Like an eagle watching over its nest, hovering over its chicks, he spread his wings and picked you up and carried you along.
As an eagle stereth vp her nest, flootereth ouer her birdes, stretcheth out her wings, taketh them, and beareth them on her wings,
As an eagle waketh up its nest, Over its young ones fluttereth, Spreadeth its wings — taketh them, Beareth them on its pinions; —
As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings;
As the eagle enticing her young to fly, and hovering over them, he spread his wings, and hath taken him and carried him on his shoulders.
Yahweh protected his people just like an eagle encourages its babies to fly and flutters over them [MET], spreading its wings and catching them if they start to fall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 32:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/נֶ֨שֶׁר֙
יָעִ֣יר
קִנּ֔/וֹ
עַל
גּוֹזָלָ֖י/ו
יְרַחֵ֑ף
יִפְרֹ֤שׂ
כְּנָפָי/ו֙
יִקָּחֵ֔/הוּ
יִשָּׂאֵ֖/הוּ
עַל
אֶבְרָתֽ/וֹ
כְּ/נֶ֨שֶׁר֙
nesher
H5404
eagle
Prep | N-ms
יָעִ֣יר
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
קִנּ֔/וֹ
qên
H7064
nest
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גּוֹזָלָ֖י/ו
gôwzâl
H1469
young bird
N-mp | Suff
יְרַחֵ֑ף
râchaph
H7363
be weak
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
יִפְרֹ֤שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּנָפָי/ו֙
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fp | Suff
יִקָּחֵ֔/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יִשָּׂאֵ֖/הוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֶבְרָתֽ/וֹ
ʼebrâh
H84
pinion
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:11
כְּ/נֶ֨שֶׁר֙
nesher
H5404
"eagle"
Prep | N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
יָעִ֣יר
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
קִנּ֔/וֹ
qên
H7064
"nest"
N-ms | Suff
A nest is a place where birds or other animals lay their eggs or give birth to their young, and it can also refer to a cozy room or dwelling. In the Bible, nests are mentioned in stories about birds and other creatures, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) nest 1a) nest (of bird) 1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: nest, room. See also: Genesis 6:14; Psalms 84:4; Proverbs 27:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גּוֹזָלָ֖י/ו
gôwzâl
H1469
"young bird"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a young bird, specifically a nestling that has few feathers. It appears in the Bible to describe a young pigeon. The term emphasizes vulnerability and dependence.
Definition: a nestling, young (of birds)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: young (pigeon). See also: Genesis 15:9; Deuteronomy 32:11.
יְרַחֵ֑ף
râchaph
H7363
"be weak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To hover or brood means to float or move gently in the air, like a bird protecting its young. The Bible uses this word to describe the act of fluttering or shaking, conveying a sense of gentle movement.
Definition: (Qal) to grow soft, relax, weak
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flutter, move, shake. See also: Genesis 1:2; Deuteronomy 32:11; Jeremiah 23:9.
יִפְרֹ֤שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כְּנָפָי/ו֙
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
יִקָּחֵ֔/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
יִשָּׂאֵ֖/הוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֶבְרָתֽ/וֹ
ʼebrâh
H84
"pinion"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a bird's wing or feather, used to describe God's care in Psalm 91:4. It represents protection and safety. In the Bible, it often symbolizes freedom and beauty.
Definition: 1) pinion, wing 1a) of bird (ostrich, eagle, dove) 1b) of God (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: feather, wing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalms 68:14; Psalms 91:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:11
Context — The Song of Moses
9But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.
10He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.
11As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.
12The LORD alone led him, and no foreign god was with him. 13He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 19:4 | ‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. |
| 2 | Isaiah 46:4 | Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. |
| 3 | Isaiah 63:9 | In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:31 | But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
| 5 | Revelation 12:4 | His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. |
| 6 | Hebrews 11:3 | By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. |
| 7 | Isaiah 31:5 | Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.” |
Deuteronomy 32:11 Summary
[Deuteronomy 32:11 says that God spreads His wings to catch and carry His people, just like an eagle cares for its young. This means that God is always watching over us and protecting us, even when we don't realize it. Just as an eagle guards its nest, God guards us and keeps us safe (Psalm 121:7-8). We can trust in His care and protection, knowing that He loves us and wants the best for us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of the eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 represent?
The eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 represents God's care and protection for His people, just as an eagle cares for its young, as seen in Exodus 19:4 where God says He bore the Israelites on eagles' wings and brought them to Himself.
How does God's care for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32:11 relate to other parts of the Bible?
God's care for the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32:11 is consistent with His character throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 91:4 where He is described as covering us with His pinions and shielding us with His feathers.
What does it mean for God to 'spread His wings' over the Israelites?
When God spreads His wings over the Israelites in Deuteronomy 32:11, it means He is providing them with shelter, protection, and guidance, much like an eagle guards its nest, as also seen in Ruth 2:12 where Ruth finds refuge under the wings of the God of Israel.
How can we apply the image of the eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 to our own lives?
We can apply the image of the eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 to our own lives by trusting in God's care and protection, just as the Israelites did, and remembering that He is always watching over us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 where He says He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have experienced God's care and protection in your life, just like the eagle cares for its young?
- How can you trust God more fully to 'catch you' and 'carry you on His pinions' during difficult times?
- In what ways can you spread your own 'wings' to care for and protect others, just as God cares for us?
- What does it mean for you to 'ride on the heights of the land' with God, as described in Deuteronomy 32:13, and how can you experience that in your daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:11
As an eagle stirreth up her nest,.... Her young ones in it, to get them out of it: Jarchi says the eagle is merciful to its young, and does not go into its nest suddenly, but first makes a noise, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:11
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: As an eagle ... fluttereth over her young.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
Her nest, i.e. her young ones in the nest, by a common metonymy; which she by her cry and motion provoketh to fly by her example. Spreadeth abroad her wings, as preparing herself to fly. On her wings, or, as on her wings, i.e. gently, and tenderly, and safely too, as if she carried them not in her claws for fear of hurting them, but upon her wings. So it is only an ellipsis of the particle as, which is frequent, as hath been showed. Though some say the eagle doth usually carry her young ones upon her wings.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:Ver. 11. As an eagle stirreth up her nest.] So doth God stir up his people by his word of promise. Fluttereth over them.] By the motions of his Spirit, as Genesis 1:2. Spreadeth abroad her wings.] Hovereth and covereth them with his protection. Taketh them.] With much tenderness, but nothing comparable to that of God. Beareth them on her wings.] Aquilae pullos suos in alis portant, alites reliqui inter pedes, saith Munster here, out of Rabbi Solomon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
(11, 12) “As an eagle awakeneth her nest, Over her young she broodeth, She spreadeth out her wings, she taketh up each one of them, She beareth him on her pinions: Jehovah alone leadeth him, And a stranger-god is not with Him.” The eagle in Hebrew is masculine. He is one of the creatures that is honoured with a description by the lips of Jehovah Himself in Job 39:27-30. But beautiful as the simile and the description in these places are, they are surpassed in gentleness by our Saviour when He says, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not” (Luke 13:34). Fluttereth.—Or, broodeth, is the word in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God brooding over the face of the waters. (13, 14) The verbs again are all present. “He maketh him to ride,” &c.,
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
Verse 11. As an eagle stirreth up her nest] Flutters over her brood to excite them to fly; or, as some think, disturbs her nest to oblige the young ones to leave it; so God by his plagues in Egypt obliged the Israelites, otherwise very reluctant, to leave a place which he appeared by his judgments to have devoted to destruction. Fluttereth over her young] ירחף yeracheph, broodeth over them, communicating to them a portion of her own vital warmth: so did God, by the influences of his Spirit, enlighten, encourage, and strengthen their minds. It is the same word which is used in Genesis 1:2. Spreadeth abroad her wings, c.] In order, not only to teach them how to fly, but to bear them when weary. For to this fact there seems an allusion, it having been generally believed that the eagle, through extraordinary affection for her young, takes them upon her back when they are weary of flying, so that the archers cannot injure them but by piercing the body of the mother. The same figure is used See Clarke on Exodus 19:4 in the note. The nesher, which we translate eagle, is supposed by Mr. Bruce to mean the rachama, a bird remarkable for its affection to its young, which it is known actually to bear on its back when they are weary.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:11
11. eagle] Heb. nesher, see on Deuteronomy 14:12; Deuteronomy 14:17; not her nest or young, but his, the father bird’s; Exodus 19:4, cp. above Deuteronomy 1:31. Spreadeth his wings, doth catch them, beareth, etc.] As in R.V. marg. preferable to R.V. text. All these clauses still describe the eagle.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:11
11. As an eagle stirreth up her nest — This figure beautifully expresses the tender solicitude and watchful care of Jehovah. Compare Exodus 19:4.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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Mounting With Wings by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power of waiting on the Lord, drawing from Isaiah 40:29-31, where God promises to renew the strength of those who trust in Him. He contrasts the ma |
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(Genesis) 47 - the Stirring Up of Jacob's Nest by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the length of the chapter being discussed, which is 55 verses long. He then reads excerpts from chapter 31 and mentions that he |
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Getting Bread for the Hungry by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of a genuine relationship with Jesus over mere religious practices, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving othe |
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Deuteronomy 32:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the metaphor of an eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 to illustrate God's nurturing and protective nature. He emphasizes how God, like a mother eagle, stirs up the nes |
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Holiness and Obedience by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a faithful steward of what God has given us. He highlights the need to function in our purpose and to walk in total |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Self-Existence of God by A.W. Tozer | The video is a sermon on the attributes of God, specifically focusing on the story of Job in the Bible. The speaker mentions how the devil came before the sons of God, who were the |