Deuteronomy 32:28
Deuteronomy 32:28 in Multiple Translations
Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them.
For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
For they are a nation void of counsel, And there is no understanding in them.
For they are a nation without wisdom; there is no sense in them.
Israel is a nation that doesn't think straight; none of them understand anything.
For they are a nation voide of counsel, neither is there any vnderstanding in them.
For a nation lost to counsels [are] they, And there is no understanding in them.
For they are a nation void of counsel. There is no understanding in them.
For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
They are a nation without counsel, and without wisdom.
You Israelis are a nation of people who do not have any sense. None of you is wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:28
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 32:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
ג֛וֹי
אֹבַ֥ד
עֵצ֖וֹת
הֵ֑מָּה
וְ/אֵ֥ין
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
תְּבוּנָֽה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ג֛וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
אֹבַ֥ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal
עֵצ֖וֹת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fp
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
תְּבוּנָֽה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:28
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ג֛וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֹבַ֥ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
עֵצ֖וֹת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
תְּבוּנָֽה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:28
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:28
Context — The Song of Moses
26I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind,
27if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”
28Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them.
29If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. 30How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 27:11 | When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. |
| 3 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 4 | Hosea 4:6 | My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:6 | Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you? |
| 7 | Psalms 81:12 | So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. |
| 8 | Matthew 13:14–15 | In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 9 | Isaiah 29:14 | Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. ” |
| 10 | Romans 11:25 | I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. |
Deuteronomy 32:28 Summary
This verse is saying that the nation of Israel is lacking in wise guidance and direction, and they don't have a good understanding of what's going on. This is not just about being smart or intelligent, but about having a deep understanding of God's ways and plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. It's like being lost in a wilderness without a map or a guide, as described in Psalm 107:4-7. We can apply this to our own lives by recognizing our need for God's guidance and direction, and seeking wise counsel from others, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a nation to be 'devoid of counsel'?
This phrase suggests that the nation of Israel lacks wise guidance and direction, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:28, and is reminiscent of the foolishness described in Proverbs 11:14, where 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety'.
Is this verse saying that the Israelites are stupid or unintelligent?
No, this verse is not making a statement about the intelligence of the Israelites, but rather highlighting their spiritual blindness and lack of understanding, as also seen in Isaiah 44:18, where it is written that 'they do not know nor understand'.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger lament by Moses, where he expresses his frustration and disappointment with the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:26-27, and serves as a transition to his call for them to be wise and understand their fate, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:29-30.
What is the significance of 'no understanding among them'?
This phrase emphasizes the spiritual ignorance of the Israelites, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Ephesians 4:18, where it is written that 'they are darkened in their understanding'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be lacking counsel or guidance, and how can I seek wise direction from God and others?
- How can I balance my own understanding and wisdom with the recognition of my need for God's guidance and direction, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking counsel and wisdom in my daily decisions and relationships, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14?
- What are some potential consequences of being 'devoid of counsel' and lacking understanding, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life, as warned in Proverbs 10:21?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:28
For they [are] a nation void of counsel,.... This is said not of the Jews, whose character is given, Deuteronomy 32:6; and instances of their ingratitude, folly, and want of counsel and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:28
Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
They; either, 1. The enemies last mentioned, who are foolish people, and therefore make so false and foolish a judgment upon things. Or rather, 2. The Israelites themselves, of whom he speaks both in the foregoing , and in the whole foregoing chapter, and in the next verse , and afterwards. Void of counsel; that have not wisdom to direct themselves, nor discretion to desire and receive counsel from others, but rashly and madly go on in those courses which will certainly ruin them.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
Deuteronomy 32:28 For they [are] a nation void of counsel, neither [is there any] understanding in them.Ver. 28. For they are a nation.] was Chrysippus that offered that strict and tetrical division to the world, Aut mentem aut restim comparandum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:28
(28) Void of counsel.—Literally, perishing in counsels, or, perhaps, spoiling the plans of Jehovah. Yet they said, “Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet” (Jeremiah 18:18).
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:28
26–33. The Stay of God’s Vengeance 26‘I had said, “I will blow them away (?) And still among men their remembrance,” 27Had I feared not the taunt of the foe, Lest their enemies misconstrue, And should say, “Our hand was high, Nor was this the work of Jehovah!” 28For a rede-lorn people are they, And among them insight is not. 29Were they wise this would they ken, See through to their fate at the last.’ 30How could one have chased a thousand, Or two put ten thousand to flight, Were it not that their Rock had sold them And the Lord had given them up!
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Oh America, What Will Be Your Destiny - Part 1 by Brian Long | Brian Long expresses a deep burden for the state of America, emphasizing the need for revival and repentance among the church and the nation. He reflects on the blessings America h |
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The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge. (1 Cor. 2:2) by George Whitefield | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'boule' in the Bible, emphasizing that it signifies a decision or plan resulting from inner deliberation, often reflecting God's heart of in |
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Perpetual Fuel to the Flames of Hell! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks delivers a sobering sermon on the nature of hell, emphasizing that unlike earthly fire, the flames of hell do not consume but perpetually torment the damned. He illus |
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Internship Program Study Part 2 (Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology p.15 - 25) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which we live, especially for those who have a hunger to know and prea |
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(Guidelines) Revelation by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the words of Scripture are inspired by God. He shares a story about a girl who received praise for her sin |
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Religion the Highest Wisdom, and Sin the Greatest Madness and Folly by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of true wisdom, highlighting the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom and the necessity of following His commandments for good un |
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Life's Most Important Fear by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes that the most significant fear in life is the lack of reverence for God, as highlighted in Romans 3:9-18. He explains that many people do not recognize thei |