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Deuteronomy 32:41

Deuteronomy 32:41 in Multiple Translations

when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me.

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

If I whet my glittering sword, And my hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine adversaries, And will recompense them that hate me.

If I make sharp my shining sword, and my hand is outstretched for judging, I will give punishment to those who are against me, and their right reward to my haters.

when I sharpen my shining sword and pick it up to execute judgment, I will repay my enemies and punish those who hate me as they deserve.

If I whet my glittering sworde, and mine hand take holde on iudgement, I will execute vengeance on mine enemies, and will rewarde them that hate me.

If I have sharpened the brightness of My sword, And My hand doth lay hold on judgment, I turn back vengeance to Mine adversaries, And to those hating Me — I repay!

if I sharpen my glittering sword, my hand grasps it in judgment; I will take vengeance on my adversaries, and will repay those who hate me.

If I shall whet my glittering sword, and my hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to my enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

If I shall whet my sword as the lightning, and my hand take hold on judgment: I will render vengeance to my enemies, and repay them that hate me.

that when I sharpen my sword, as I [SYN] prepare to punish people, I will get revenge on my enemies; I will pay back those who hate me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:41

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Word Study

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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 32:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִם שַׁנּוֹתִי֙ בְּרַ֣ק חַרְבִּ֔/י וְ/תֹאחֵ֥ז בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט יָדִ֑/י אָשִׁ֤יב נָקָם֙ לְ/צָרָ֔/י וְ/לִ/מְשַׂנְאַ֖/י אֲשַׁלֵּֽם
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
שַׁנּוֹתִי֙ shânan H8150 to sharpen V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְּרַ֣ק bârâq H1300 to use lightning N-ms
חַרְבִּ֔/י chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff
וְ/תֹאחֵ֥ז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Prep | N-ms
יָדִ֑/י yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff
אָשִׁ֤יב shûwb H7725 to return V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
נָקָם֙ nâqâm H5359 vengeance N-ms
לְ/צָרָ֔/י tsar H6862 narrow Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/לִ/מְשַׂנְאַ֖/י sânêʼ H8130 to hate Conj | Prep | V-Piel | Suff
אֲשַׁלֵּֽם shâlam H7999 to complete V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:41

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שַׁנּוֹתִי֙ shânan H8150 "to sharpen" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
בְּרַ֣ק bârâq H1300 "to use lightning" N-ms
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
חַרְבִּ֔/י chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/תֹאחֵ֥ז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Prep | 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.
יָדִ֑/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אָשִׁ֤יב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
נָקָם֙ nâqâm H5359 "vengeance" N-ms
This noun means revenge or vengeance, like the vengeance God took on the Egyptians in Exodus 12:12.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Samson, by enemies of Judah)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenged, quarrel, vengeance. See also: Leviticus 26:25; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 58:11.
לְ/צָרָ֔/י tsar H6862 "narrow" Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/לִ/מְשַׂנְאַ֖/י sânêʼ H8130 "to hate" Conj | Prep | V-Piel | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
אֲשַׁלֵּֽם shâlam H7999 "to complete" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:41

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 66:16 For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.
2 Isaiah 34:5–6 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat— with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
3 Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
4 Psalms 7:12 If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.
5 Exodus 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
6 Mark 1:2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.”
7 Ezekiel 21:20 Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.
8 Zephaniah 2:12 “You too, O Cushites, will be slain by My sword.”
9 Deuteronomy 5:9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
10 Ezekiel 21:9–15 “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh. Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD. ‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side! So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.

Deuteronomy 32:41 Summary

[Deuteronomy 32:41 means that God is a powerful and just God who will judge those who oppose Him, as seen in the verse itself, and this is consistent with other scripture such as Romans 1:18 and Revelation 19:15. This verse is saying that God will take action against those who hate Him and will repay them for their evil deeds, which is similar to the concept of God's wrath in Psalm 7:11. God's judgment is a necessary aspect of His holiness and righteousness, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, and is not contradictory to His love and mercy. By understanding God's judgment, we can better appreciate His love and mercy, as described in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to sharpen His flashing sword in Deuteronomy 32:41?

This is a metaphor for God's judgment and vengeance on those who oppose Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:41, and is similar to the concept of God's wrath in Romans 1:18 and Revelation 19:15.

Why does God take vengeance on His adversaries in Deuteronomy 32:41?

God takes vengeance on those who hate Him in order to uphold His justice and righteousness, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:41, and to protect His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 138:8.

Is God's vengeance in Deuteronomy 32:41 contradictory to His love and mercy?

No, God's vengeance and love are not mutually exclusive, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God's mercy and justice are balanced, and in Deuteronomy 32:41, where God's judgment is a necessary aspect of His holiness and righteousness.

How does Deuteronomy 32:41 relate to the concept of God's judgment in the New Testament?

Deuteronomy 32:41 foreshadows the ultimate judgment of God, as described in Revelation 20:11-15, where God will judge all people according to their deeds, and is consistent with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the sheep from the goats based on their actions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have seen God's judgment and vengeance in my life or in the world around me, and how have I responded to them?
  2. How can I balance my understanding of God's love and mercy with His justice and vengeance, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:41 and other scripture?
  3. In what ways can I be sure that I am not among God's adversaries, but rather among His people, as described in Deuteronomy 32:43?
  4. What are some practical ways that I can worship and reverence God, as described in Deuteronomy 32:43, and how can I apply this to my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword,.... That is, I will do it as sure as I live, if I do not, be it so and so; what that is is not said, but left to be concluded.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:41

If once I begin to prepare for war, and for the execution of my sentence. Take hold on judgment, i.e. of the instruments of judgment, of the weapons of war. A metaphor from warriors that take their weapons into their hand when they intend to fight.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:41

Deuteronomy 32:41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.Ver. 41. If I whet my glittering sword.] God first whets, before he smites; and first takes hold on judgment, before his judgments take hold on men. Est piger ad poenas, ad praemia velox. See the like, Psalms 7:12. God was but six days in making the whole world, yet was he seven days in destroying that one city of Jericho, as Chrysostom observeth. "Fury is not in me." As a bee stings not till provoked, so God punisheth not "till there be no other remedy."

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:41

(40, 41) For I lift up my hand.—This is the form in taking an oath. (Comp. Revelation 10:5.) The two verses may be connected thus: “For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, As I live for ever, if I whet my lightning sword, and my hand take hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and repay them that hate me.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:41

41. whet] See on Deuteronomy 6:7. Jehovah as warrior, as often in later prophecy, e.g. Isaiah 63.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:41

41. I will render vengeance — As the divine Ruler Jehovah will administer justice. His enemies will be surely punished. Retribution will come upon the ungodly.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:41

SermonDescription
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the consistent prophecy throughout the Bible regarding the future day of Jehovah, a day of wrath, judgment, and the manifestation of God's glo
Jonathan Edwards The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches a powerful sermon on the future punishment of the wicked, emphasizing the unavoidable, intolerable, and inescapable nature of God's wrath upon impenitent
Thomas Brooks His Dreadful Threatenings! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inseparable connection between sin and its consequences, asserting that the wages of sin is death as stated in Romans 6:23. He argues that a just and r
Aphraates Demonstration 1 (Of Faith) by Aphraates Aphraates preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of all good works, emphasizing that faith in Christ is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of a belie
John Gill 2 Peter 3:7 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the significance of 2 Peter 3:7, explaining that the current heavens and earth are preserved by God's word, awaiting a future judgment by fire. He contrasts th
Aaron Dunlop Judgment Prepared in the Ungodly Ii by Aaron Dunlop In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of complacency and its consequences. He uses the analogy of thieves robbing vineyards to illustrate how God will strip away every
Allan Halton The Sword in the Shadow by Allan Halton Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming dese

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