Deuteronomy 32:29
Deuteronomy 32:29 in Multiple Translations
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!
If only they were wise, if only this was clear to them, and they would give thought to their future!
How I wish they were wise, so they could understand it; they would recognize what was going to happen to them.
Oh that they were wise, then they would vnderstand this: they would consider their latter ende.
If they were wise — They deal wisely [with] this; They attend to their latter end:
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
O that they would be wise and would understand, and would provide for their last end.
If you were wise, you would understand why you would be punished; you would have realized what was going to happen to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:29
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 32:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ל֥וּ
חָכְמ֖וּ
יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ
זֹ֑את
יָבִ֖ינוּ
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/ם
ל֥וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
if
Conj
חָכְמ֖וּ
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
יָבִ֖ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/ם
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:29
ל֥וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.
Definition: 1) if, oh that!, if only! 1a) if (unlikely condition) 1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). See also: Genesis 17:18; 1 Samuel 14:30; Psalms 81:14.
חָכְמ֖וּ
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
יָבִ֖ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/ם
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:29
Context — The Song of Moses
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? 31For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 81:13 | If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:29 | If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. |
| 3 | Hosea 14:9 | Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. |
| 4 | Luke 19:41–42 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. |
| 5 | Psalms 107:43 | Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. |
| 6 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 7 | Isaiah 47:7 | You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’ You did not take these things to heart or consider their outcome. |
| 8 | Isaiah 48:18–19 | If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been as countless as the sand, and your offspring as numerous as its grains; their name would never be cut off or eliminated from My presence.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 10 | Luke 16:19–25 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
Deuteronomy 32:29 Summary
[This verse is saying that if the people of Israel were wise, they would understand what God is doing in their lives and they would know what is going to happen to them. This means that they would trust in God's plan and not try to control everything themselves, as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'. By being wise, they would be able to see that God is in control and that He has a good plan for them, even if it doesn't always make sense to us, as stated in Romans 8:28 that 'God works all things together for good to those who love Him'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Israel to be 'wise' in Deuteronomy 32:29?
To be wise in this context means to understand and acknowledge God's sovereignty and plans, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, which states that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'
Why would understanding their fate be important for Israel?
Understanding their fate would allow Israel to recognize their dependence on God and humble themselves before Him, as expressed in Deuteronomy 8:3, where it is written that 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'
Is this verse speaking of a specific event or time in Israel's history?
This verse is part of a larger poem in Deuteronomy 32, which looks back on Israel's history and forward to their future, with the understanding that their fate is intertwined with their obedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-68
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over Israel's fate, emphasizing that their understanding and wisdom come from acknowledging His control, as stated in Psalm 135:6, which says 'Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the depths'
What is the significance of the word 'fate' in this verse?
The word 'fate' refers to the outcome or destiny that God has ordained for Israel, which is closely tied to their obedience and faithfulness to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says 'I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate wisdom and understanding in my own life, and how can I apply these principles to my relationship with God?
- In what ways do I struggle with acknowledging God's sovereignty over my life, and how can I surrender to His will?
- How can I balance the concept of God's sovereignty with human responsibility, and what does this mean for my daily life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's plans and provision, rather than relying on my own strength and understanding?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise,.... These are not the words of God, and so no instances of mere velleities, and unsuccessful wishes in him, and as arguing a power in man to make himself wise if he would; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! Oh that they ... would consider their latter end!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
What their end will be; and that although God spare them long, yet at last judgment will certainly overtake them.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!Ver. 29. Oh that this people were wise.] Sapiens est, cui res sapiunt prout sunt, saith Bernard. That they would consider their latter end.] This is a high point of heavenly wisdom. Moses himserf desires to learn it. David also would fain be taught it. Solomon sets a "better" upon it. "Jerusalem’ s filthiness was in her skirts, because she remembered not her latter end; therefore also she came down wonderfully." The kite by the turning of his tail directs and winds about all his body. Consideratio finis tanquam caudae, ad vitam optime regendam confert, saith Berchorins. I meet with a story of one that gave a prodigal a ring with a death’ s head, with this condition, that he should one hour daily, for seven days together, look and think upon it, which bred a strange alteration in his life; like that of Thesposius in Plutarch; or that more remarkable of Waldus the rich merchant of Lyons, &c. Mr Ward’ s Sermons
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
(29) Consider their latter end.—Have some discernment as to their hereafter, what their destiny was, and what they will miss, if they fail to fulfil it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
Verse 29. That they would consider their latter end!] אחריתם archaritham, properly, their latter times-the glorious days of the Messiah, who, according to the flesh, should spring up among them. Should they carefully consider this subject, and receive the promised Saviour, they would consequently act as persons under infinite obligations to God; his strength would be their shield, and then:-
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:29
29. consider their latter end] This is weak and omits the preposition to which conveys the full sense understand, or see through, to their ultimate fate, past this temporary triumph over Israel to the punishment God has in store for them, Deuteronomy 32:34. Deuteronomy 32:29-31 are regarded by some as a later intrusion by one who wrongly interpreted Deuteronomy 32:28 of Israel; and indeed Deuteronomy 32:32 more naturally connects with 28, which it confirms, than with 31. Note also that God is not the speaker in them.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29
29, 30. O that they were wise — Better, If they were wise, they would understand this. They would consider their future.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Memento Mori by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. H |
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Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty. (Psalm 107:30-31) by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches about the importance of praising and thanking the Lord for His goodness and wonders, emphasizing the duty of gratitude and the tendency of fallen man to |
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The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the importance of heeding God's warnings and messages, emphasizing the consequences of indifference towards His word. He draws parallels between histor |
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Last Things Last by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of prioritizing 'last things' in our lives, warning against the human tendency to procrastinate on matters of eternal significance, such as prep |
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Divine Longings Over the Foolish. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's deep yearning for humanity to attain wisdom, expressing His sorrow over our ignorance and unteachableness. He explains that while God desires to imp |
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Labor to Enter Into That Rest by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and heeding the word of God. He highlights how the word of God is alive, powerful, and transformative, likening it |
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Are You Listening? by Mark Partin | Mark Partin delivers a sermon on the importance of learning to hear God's voice, drawing inspiration from the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:4-10. He emphasizes the necessity of hav |