Deuteronomy 32:4
Deuteronomy 32:4 in Multiple Translations
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.
He is the Rock, complete is his work; for all his ways are righteousness: a God without evil who keeps faith, true and upright is he.
He is the Rock. Everything he does is perfect, for all his ways are right. He is the trustworthy God who is never unjust; he is fair and honest.
Perfect is the worke of the mighty God: for all his wayes are iudgement. God is true, and without wickednesse: iust, and righteous is he.
The Rock! — perfect [is] His work, For all His ways [are] just; God of stedfastness, and without iniquity: Righteous and upright [is] He.
The Rock: his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is he.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity: just and right is he.
The works of God are perfect, and all his ways are judgments: God is faithful and without any iniquity, he is just and right.
He is like a rock [MET] under which we are protected; everything that he does is perfect and completely just/fair [DOU]. He always does what he says that he will do; he never does anything that is wrong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:4
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 32:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/צּוּר֙
תָּמִ֣ים
פָּעֳל֔/וֹ
כִּ֥י
כָל
דְּרָכָ֖י/ו
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
אֵ֤ל
אֱמוּנָה֙
וְ/אֵ֣ין
עָ֔וֶל
צַדִּ֥יק
וְ/יָשָׁ֖ר
הֽוּא
הַ/צּוּר֙
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Art | N-ms
תָּמִ֣ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
פָּעֳל֔/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
work
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דְּרָכָ֖י/ו
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
אֵ֤ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
אֱמוּנָה֙
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
faithfulness
N-fs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
עָ֔וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/יָשָׁ֖ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Conj | Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:4
הַ/צּוּר֙
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
Art | N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
תָּמִ֣ים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
פָּעֳל֔/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
כִּ֥י
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.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּרָכָ֖י/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֵ֤ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
אֱמוּנָה֙
ʼĕmûwnâh
H530
"faithfulness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for faithfulness, meaning firmness, security, or fidelity. It describes being steady and trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations of faith, stability, and truth. This concept is essential in the Bible, particularly in relationships and commitments.
Definition: firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily. See also: Exodus 17:12; Psalms 89:50; Psalms 33:4.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
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.
עָ֔וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
צַדִּ֥יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/יָשָׁ֖ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Conj | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:4
Context — The Song of Moses
2Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants.
3For I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Ascribe greatness to our God!
4He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
5His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the blemish on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation. 6Is 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?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:30–31 | As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? |
| 2 | Psalms 92:15 | to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:4 | Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal. |
| 4 | Psalms 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
| 5 | Daniel 4:37 | Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 22:31–32 | As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? |
| 7 | Revelation 15:3–4 | and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” |
| 8 | Matthew 5:48 | Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:30–31 | How 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? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. |
| 10 | Psalms 100:5 | For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. |
Deuteronomy 32:4 Summary
[God is like a rock that we can always count on, and everything He does is perfect and fair, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. He is a God of faithfulness, which means He always keeps His promises, like in Joshua 23:14, where it is stated that not one of God's good promises has failed. We can trust Him with our lives, knowing that He loves us and wants what's best for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is the Rock in Deuteronomy 32:4?
In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as the Rock, which signifies His stability, strength, and reliability, much like the rock that Moses struck to bring forth water in Exodus 17:6, and as described in Psalm 18:2 as a Rock of salvation.
How can we trust that God's work is perfect?
We can trust that God's work is perfect because He is a God of faithfulness without injustice, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4, and as seen in His creation and care for us, as described in Psalm 139:14 and Matthew 6:26.
What does it mean that God's ways are just?
God's ways being just, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:4, means that His actions and decisions are always fair and righteous, much like a perfect judge, as seen in Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11, where God shows no favoritism and judges based on truth.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is always faithful and just, and we can trust Him with our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God has plans to prosper us and give us hope for a future, and in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in Him with all our hearts.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's perfect work and just ways?
- How can I reflect God's faithfulness and justice in my own relationships and decisions?
- In what ways can I ascribe greatness to our God, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:3, and proclaim His name to others?
- What are some examples of God's righteousness and uprightness in my life, and how can I respond with gratitude and worship?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:4
[He is] the rock,.... That is, Jehovah is the rock, whose name Moses proposed to publish; and our God, to whom the heavens and the earth are called upon to ascribe greatness, even Christ the rock of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. He is the Rock - a word expressive of power and stability.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
The rock, or, a rock, as for the stability and everlastingness of his nature, and invincibleness of his power, so also for his fixedness and immutability in his counsels and promises and ways; so that if there shall be a sad change in your affairs from a high and prosperous to a calamitous and deplorable condition, as there will be, remember that this proceeds from yourselves, and from the change of your ways and carriages towards God, and not from God, in whom there is no variableness nor shadow of change, . His work is perfect; all his works and actions are unblamable, as being perfect, wise, and righteous, as it follows. All his ways are judgment; all his administrations in the world, and particularly all his dealings with you, are managed with judgment and justice. A God of truth, constant to his promises: you cannot accuse him of any levity or unfaithfulness towards you to this day.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
Deuteronomy 32:4 [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.Ver. 4. He is the rock.] A firm and everlasting refuge, a "Rock of Ages." One age passeth away, and another, and a third, &c., but the rock remains. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower"; "munition of rocks"; rocks so deep, no pioneer can undermine them; so thick, no cannon can pierce them; so high, no ladder can scale them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
(4) He is the rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.—No such combination of all the words for uprightness, sincerity, equity, and reliability is to be found elsewhere in all Scripture. This is the character of the Rock. This name of God ( Tzur) is one of the characteristics of the song. The word occurs first in Exodus 17, where the Rock in Horeb was smitten; “and that Rock was Christ.” From that time we find that the very names of the leaders in Israel embody this confession. Elizur, my God is a Rock; Zurishaddai, the Almighty is my Rock; and Pedahzur, redeemed by the Rock (Numbers 1:5-6; Numbers 1:10), are examples. So exclusively is the term in Hebrew (Tzϋr or Sκlagh) used in this sense, that no man is ever described by it in the Old Testament. And the LXX., in this song and in many other places, do not translate it at all, but give it as God (Θεός). In other places the word Petra (never Petros) is employed. This fact convinces me that the Petra of Mat 16:18 could only have been understood by Jews as denoting Deity; and that it not only referred to Christ, but to Christ as God. No other interpretation will suit the language of Holy Scripture.
This fourth verse, like the third, is a stanza of four lines. The first line is answered by the third, and the second line by the fourth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
Verse 4. He is the Rock] The word צור tsur is rendered Creator by some eminent critics; and [Arabic] khalyk is the reading in the Arabic Version. Rab. Moses ben Maimon, in his valuable work, Moreh Nebochim, observes that the word צור tsur, which is ordinarily translated rock, signifies origin, fountain, first cause, c., and in this way it should be translated here: "He is the first principle, his work is perfect." As he is the cause of all things, he must be infinitely perfect and consequently all his works must be perfect in their respective kinds. As is the cause, so must the effect be. Some think the word rock gives a very good sense: for, as in those lands, rocks were the ordinary places of defence and security, God may be metaphorically represented thus, to signify his protection of his followers. I prefer the opinion of Maimon.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:4
4–6. God’s Faithfulness, Israel’s Folly 4The Rock—outright is His working! Yea, all of His ways are Law, The God of troth, without treason, Righteous and upright is He. 5His sons have dealt corruptly with Him … (?), A twisted and crooked generation! 6The Lord do ye thus requite, O foolish folk and unwise? Is He not thy sire who begat thee, He ’tis that made and hath framed thee.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:4
4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect — The Rock, perfect his work. In the Hebrew the position of the word translated Rock makes it very emphatic. The figure is a favourite one in Hebrew poetry.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Where to Find Spiritual Reality & How to Get It by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual reality and the need for believers to actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit. He explains that spiritual realit |
|
Of the Holiness of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the holiness of God as an essential and immutable attribute that defines His nature and essence. He explains that God's holiness is the foundation of His perfe |
|
The Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of divine inspiration of the Scriptures, emphasizing that every word of Scripture is God-breathed, not originating from human w |
|
Creation Versus Evolution by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger emphasizes in The Companion Bible the direct acts and volitions of God as the Creator in Genesis 1:1-2:3, highlighting the perfection, goodness, and wondrous nature |
|
The Unlikely Idol by Evan Schaible | Evan Schaible preaches about the danger of exalting love above all other attributes of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's holiness, justice, and mercy in conjun |
|
Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther | Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory. |
|
Commentary Notes - Deuteronomy by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its significance as 'The Second Law' given by Moses to the new generation of Israel before entering the promised la |