King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:35 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:35 in the King James Version says “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.”

Deuteronomy 32:35 · KJV

Context

33

Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.

34

Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?

35

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. power: Heb. hand

37

And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence (לִי נָקָם וְשִׁלֵּם)—God claims exclusive rights to naqam (vengeance) and shillem (recompense/retribution). This isn't arbitrary wrath but covenant justice: God alone possesses perfect knowledge, righteous standards, and authority to execute judgment. Paul quotes this in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, prohibiting personal vengeance and entrusting justice to God.

Their foot shall slide in due time—the Hebrew timmoṭ raglam evokes unstable footing on a slippery path. The wicked appear secure but stand on treacherous ground; judgment is certain though delayed. Le-'et (in due time) emphasizes God's perfect timing—neither premature nor tardy. The day of their calamity is at hand (yom 'edam qarob)—the yom (day) of disaster hastens despite apparent delay. God's patience isn't weakness but opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became foundational for biblical theology of divine judgment. Ancient Near Eastern gods were often portrayed as capricious in vengeance; Israel's God executes justice according to covenant righteousness. The principle that vengeance belongs to God alone distinguishes biblical ethics from tribal honor codes requiring personal revenge. Early church fathers cited this against Christian participation in state-sanctioned violence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you tempted to take vengeance into your own hands instead of trusting God's perfect justice?
  2. How does God's patience ("in due time") challenge your desire for immediate judgment on wrongdoers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לִ֤י1 of 13
H0
נָקָם֙2 of 13

“To me belongeth vengeance”

H5359

revenge

וְשִׁלֵּ֔ם3 of 13

“and recompence”

H8005

requital

לְעֵ֖ת4 of 13

“in due time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

תָּמ֣וּט5 of 13

“shall slide”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

רַגְלָ֑ם6 of 13

“their foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כִּ֤י7 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָרוֹב֙8 of 13

“is at hand”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

י֣וֹם9 of 13

“for the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֵידָ֔ם10 of 13

“of their calamity”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

וְחָ֖שׁ11 of 13

“upon them make haste”

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment

עֲתִדֹ֥ת12 of 13

“and the things that shall come”

H6264

prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure

לָֽמוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

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 32:35 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 32:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:19Nahum 1:2Hebrews 10:30Psalms 73:17-192 Peter 2:3Deuteronomy 32:43

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