King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:36 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:36 in the King James Version says “For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 32:36 · KJV


Context

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,

38

Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. your: Heb. an hiding for you


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD shall judge his people (כִּי־יָדִין יְהוָה עַמּוֹ)—din means to judge, vindicate, or execute justice. God judges Israel both in discipline (vv. 15-27) and in vindication against their oppressors (vv. 34-43). And repent himself for his servants—the Hebrew yitnachem (repent/relent/have compassion) doesn't imply God changes morally but that He responds to changed circumstances with appropriate action. When Israel reaches extremity, God's covenant loyalty moves Him to intervention.

When he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left (כִּי יִרְאֶה כִּי־אָזְלַת יָד וְאֶפֶס עָצוּר וְעָזוּב)—azlat yad (power is gone, literally "hand has departed") indicates total helplessness. 'Atzur (shut up) and 'azuv (left/forsaken) likely mean "bond and free" (ESV) or "slave and free"—a merism indicating totality: absolutely no one remains to help. Only when Israel exhausts all human resources does God act, teaching dependence on Him alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This pattern of discipline-unto-restoration recurred throughout Israel's history: Egyptian bondage, Philistine/Canaanite oppression (Judges), Babylonian exile. Each time Israel reached apparent extinction, God intervened to preserve a remnant, demonstrating His covenant is irrevocable despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The church fathers saw this as typological of Christ's saving work when humanity reached spiritual bankruptcy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced God's intervention only after reaching the end of your own resources and self-sufficiency?
  2. How does God's covenant faithfulness to judge and restore Israel demonstrate His character toward His people today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּֽי1 of 15
H3588

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

יָדִ֤ין2 of 15

shall judge

H1777

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

יְהוָה֙3 of 15

For the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַמּ֔וֹ4 of 15

his people

H5971

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

וְעַל5 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲבָדָ֖יו6 of 15

himself for his servants

H5650

a servant

יִתְנֶחָ֑ם7 of 15

and repent

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

כִּ֤י8 of 15
H3588

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

יִרְאֶה֙9 of 15

when he seeth

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי10 of 15
H3588

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

אָ֣זְלַת11 of 15

is gone

H235

to go away, hence, to disappear

יָ֔ד12 of 15

that their power

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְאֶ֖פֶס13 of 15

and there is none

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

עָצ֥וּר14 of 15

shut up

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

וְעָזֽוּב׃15 of 15

or left

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc


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 32:36 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 32:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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