King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:21 in the King James Version says “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I wil...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”

Deuteronomy 32:21 · KJV

Context

19

And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. abhorred: or, despised

20

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

21

They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. shall burn: or, hath burned shall consume: or, hath consumed

23

I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God—bĕlō' 'ēl (בְּלֹא אֵל), literally 'with a no-god.' Paul quotes this verse extensively in Romans 10:19 and 11:11-14, showing how Israel's rejection of Messiah led to Gentile evangelization. Divine jealousy provoked by Israel's unfaithfulness produces redemptive jealousy in Israel when they see Gentiles enjoying covenant blessings.

I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people—bĕlō'-'ām (בְּלֹא־עָם), 'with a no-people.' This prophesies Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant, where pagans become God's people (Hosea 1:10, 2:23; 1 Peter 2:10). A foolish nation (gôy nāvāl) refers to Gentiles who lacked Torah—yet through Christ, the 'foolish' confound the 'wise' (1 Corinthians 1:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This 'measure for measure' judgment was fulfilled progressively: Assyria and Babylon (foolish nations) conquered Israel; later, the gospel went to Gentiles while many Jews rejected Christ (Acts 13:46, 18:6, 28:28). Paul saw himself fulfilling this prophecy as apostle to the Gentiles, provoking Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:13-14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's use of this verse in Romans 10-11 demonstrate the continuity between Old and New Testament redemptive history?
  2. What does God's turning to 'those which are not a people' reveal about grace based on election, not ethnic privilege?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הֵ֚ם1 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אַקְנִיאֵ֣ם2 of 13

“They have moved me to jealousy”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

בְּלֹא3 of 13

“with that which is not”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֵ֔ל4 of 13

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אַכְעִיסֵֽם׃5 of 13

“I will provoke them to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

בְּהַבְלֵיהֶ֑ם6 of 13

“with their vanities”

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

וַֽאֲנִי֙7 of 13
H589

i

אַקְנִיאֵ֣ם8 of 13

“They have moved me to jealousy”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

בְּלֹא9 of 13

“with that which is not”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָ֔ם10 of 13

“with those which are not a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּג֥וֹי11 of 13

“nation”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

נָבָ֖ל12 of 13

“with a foolish”

H5036

stupid; wicked (especially impious)

אַכְעִיסֵֽם׃13 of 13

“I will provoke them to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 32:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 32:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:19Romans 9:25Romans 11:11-141 Kings 16:261 Kings 16:13Psalms 78:58

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