Deuteronomy 32:29 — Word Study
WLCל֥וּ חָכְמ֖וּ יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ זֹ֑את יָבִ֖ינוּ לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃
BSAIf onlylûwʼ they were wisechâkam■ [having good judgment] they would understandsâkal▸ [to discern, comprehend] itzôʼth they would comprehendbîyn▸ [be prudent, consider carefully] their fateʼachărîyth [their latter end, future outcome]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ל֥וּ | if | Conjunction |
| חָכְמ֖וּ | they were wise | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ | they will comprehend | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| זֹ֑את | this | Particle |
| יָבִ֖ינוּ | they will understand | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃ | end their | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. |
| KJV | O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! |
| ASV | Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end! |
| YLT | If they were wise — They deal wisely [with] this; They attend to their latter end: |
| WEB | Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! |
| BBE | If only they were wise, if only this was clear to them, and they would give thought to their future! |
Translations agree on the meanings of the key terms in this verse.
The structure consists of one main clause and two subordinate clauses, indicating the conditions and outcomes of wisdom.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחָכַם
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Deuteronomy 32:29
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Song of Mosesgenerated
Deuteronomy 32:29 is part of a song where Moses laments Israel's lack of wisdom. He wishes they could understand their situation and the consequences of their actions. This section emphasizes the importance of wisdom in discerning one's fate, contrasting the people's ignorance with the knowledge they should possess.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalm 81:13 | If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, |
| 3 | Psalm 107:15–43 | Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָכְמ֖וּ, cha.khe.Mugenerated
The verb חָכַם (cha.kham) means to be wise or to act wisely. It suggests having good judgment and making intelligent decisions, as seen in various biblical contexts. The parsing indicates it is in the perfect tense, third person common plural, showing that it refers to a completed action or state.
Wisdom in the biblical sense often involves not just knowledge but the application of that knowledge in practical ways. In this verse, Moses expresses a desire for the people to attain this wisdom, which would lead them to a better understanding of their fate.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses wise for חָכְמ֖וּ and understand for יָבִ֖ינוּ.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is חָכְמ֖וּ, they were wise, which governs the understanding of the entire sentence. The structure includes a conditional clause introduced by לוּ, if, indicating a hypothetical situation.
Following the main clause, there are two additional clauses that express the outcomes of wisdom: יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ they will comprehend and יָבִ֖ינוּ they will understand, both of which elaborate on the consequences of possessing wisdom.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָכְמ֖וּ as ἐφρόνησαν, which conveys a similar meaning of being wise or prudent. This choice aligns well with the Hebrew context, emphasizing the importance of wisdom.
The Greek word συνιέναι for יָבִ֖ינוּ suggests a deeper understanding, indicating that wisdom leads to insight, reinforcing the message of the verse.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Deuteronomy 32:29 expresses Moses' wish that Israel would be wise enough to understand their fate. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and comprehension in recognizing the consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To be wise means to have good judgment and to act intelligently, which is crucial for understanding the consequences of one's actions.
Moses recognizes that the people lack understanding and wishes they could grasp the seriousness of their situation.
Wisdom allows individuals to discern and comprehend the implications of their choices, leading to a clearer understanding of their future.
The phrase expresses a longing for a different reality, highlighting the gap between what is and what could be if the people were wise.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom to better understand my circumstances?
- How can I apply the concept of wisdom in my daily decisions?
- What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper understanding of my future and its implications?
- How does the idea of wisdom shape my perspective on the challenges I face?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 32:29 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleO 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
Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 32 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryO that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! Oh that they ... would consider their latter end!
Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 32 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhat their end will be; and that although God spare them long, yet at last judgment will certainly overtake them.
Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 32 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsDeuteronomy 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…
Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 32 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 32 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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:-
Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 32 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges29. 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.
Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 32 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible29, 30. O that they were wise — Better, If they were wise, they would understand this. They would consider their future.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 32 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
I wish that they were wise and could understand this, and that they could comprehend what will happen to them.”
Tyndale line
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!
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!
Oh that they were wise, then they would vnderstand this: they would consider their latter ende.
Strictly literal
Oh that they had been wise! they would have understood this, They would have considered their latter end!
If they were wise — They deal wisely [with] this; They attend to their latter end:
If only they were wise, || They would deal wisely [with] this, || They would attend to their latter end!
If they were but wise, they would understand this, they would consider their latter end!
Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their coming fate!
From the Latin
O that they would be wise and would understand, and would provide for their last end.
Simplified
How I wish they were wise, so they could understand it; they would recognize what was going to happen to them.
If only they were wise, if only this was clear to them, and they would give thought to their future!
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches all six words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly with three words changed, while the Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration, with some words supplied by an editor.
ל֥וּ חָכְמ֖וּ יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ זֹ֑את יָבִ֖ינוּ לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
לא חכמו וישׂכילו זאת ויבינו לאחריתם
3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: לא (not), ו (and), ו (and)
[לו] [חכמו] [ישכילו] [זאת] יבינו [לאחרית׳ם]
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Deuteronomy 32:29
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
לוּ (lu) is a conditional particle meaning 'if' and expresses a wish, as in 'O that!' or 'if only!'. It indicates unlikely conditions or hypothetical situations. The entries consistently highlight its use in expressing desires or wishes, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.
לוּ 17 and לוּא conj. if, O that
if (stating a case which has not been, or is not likely to be, realized)
If only …! i.e. O that! would that!
base
H3863 לוּ, לוּא if, O that
3863 luw' loo
or lu {loo}; or luw {loo}; a conditional particle; if; by
implication (interj. as a wish) would that!:--if (haply),
peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that).
לוּ (lu) — if.
1) if, oh that!, if only!
1a) if (unlikely condition)
1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!
Conj — ConjunctionHC
חָכַם (chakam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be wise or to act wisely. It encompasses various forms, including teaching wisdom and showing oneself wise. The entries highlight its use in different contexts, such as making others wise or dealing shrewdly. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.
חָכַם vb. be wise
Qal be or become wise, act wisely
Pi. make wise, teach wisdom
Pu. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom
Hiph. making wise the simple
Hithp. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise
base
H2449 חָכַם be wise .be or become wise, act wisely
. make wise, teach wisdom
. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom
. making wise the simple
. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise
2449 chakam khaw-kam'
a primitive root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):--X
exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal
(never so) wisely, make wiser.
חָכַם (cha.kham) — be wise.
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
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
The Hebrew word שָׂכַל (*sakal*) is a primitive root meaning to be prudent or circumspect. It encompasses a range of meanings including to consider, understand, teach, and prosper. The word can also refer to laying something crosswise in its Piel form. Notably, it appears in contexts that emphasize insight and wisdom.
שָׂכַל vb. be prudent
Qal be prudent, circumspect
Hiph.
look at
give attention to, consider, ponder
have insight, comprehension
cause to consider, give insight, teach
act circumspectly, prudently
H7919a שָׂכַל be prudent .be prudent, circumspect
. . look at
. give attention to, consider, ponder
. have insight, comprehension
. cause to consider, give insight, teach
. act circumspectly, prudently
. prosper, have success
. cause to prosper
H7919b שָׂכַל Pi. lay crosswise
7919 sakal saw-kal'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act)
circumspect and hence, intelligent:--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.
שָׂכַל (sa.khal) — be prudent.
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)
שָׂכַל (sa.khal) — to cross hands.
(Piel) to lay crosswise, cross (hands)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVhi3mp
kom-pre-hend': Used in a twofold sense in both the Old Testament and New Testament. This double meaning appears in two Hebrew and two Greek words which signify in turn
(1) mental or spiritual perception,
(2) capacity to hold or contain, as in a measure or in an all-inclusive principle, e.g.:
(1) yadha`, "to see with the eyes or the mind," hence, "know," "understand." Job was urged by Elihu to accept as inscrutable the ways of God, inasmuch as His operations in the physical world are so mighty and mysterious that "we cannot comprehend" them (Job 37:5). Modern science, in unveiling the secrets of Nature, is opening the way for a better understanding of God's creative purpose and plan.
katalambano, "to lay hold of," hence, mentally to apprehend: used of the spiritual capacity of the Christian "to comprehend (the Revised Version (British and…
זֹאת (zot) is a demonstrative pronoun and adverb meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone or be used in apposition to a noun, often serving as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns to add emphasis. In poetry, it may function as a relative pronoun, though this is rare.
זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here
standing alone
In appos. to subst.
More oft. as pred.
It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
With prefixes (in special senses)
base
H2063 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone
. In appos. to subst.
. More oft. as pred.
. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
. With prefixes (in special senses)
2063 zo'th zothe'
irregular feminine of 2089; this (often used adverb):--
hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she,
so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing),
thus.
see HEBREW for 02089
זֹאת (zot) — this.
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
Pron — ParticleHTm
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--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).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
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
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
אַחֲרִית (achariyth) means 'end' or 'after-part' and encompasses concepts like the future, posterity, and remnants. It can refer to the last time or the latter part of events, often with prophetic implications. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and is noted in various contexts, including discussions of time and lineage.
אַחֲרִית 61 n.f. after-part, end
base
H319 אַחֲרִית after-part, end
319 'achariyth akh-ar-eeth'
from 310; the last or end, hence, the future; also
posterity:--(last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most,
length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward.
see HEBREW for 0310
אַחֲרִית (a.cha.rit) — end.
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)
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncfsc/Sp3mp
