King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:39 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:39 in the King James Version says “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is th...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”

Deuteronomy 32:39 · KJV

Context

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

39

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

40

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

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.

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me (רְאוּ עַתָּה כִּי אֲנִי אֲנִי הוּא וְאֵין אֱלֹהִים עִמָּדִי)—the emphatic 'ani 'ani hu (I, even I, am He) asserts absolute monotheism. The doubled pronoun intensifies God's unique identity; hu (He) recalls "I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Isaiah echoes this: "I am he; before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me" (Isaiah 43:10). This isn't henotheism (acknowledging other gods exist but choosing one) but radical monotheism—no other gods exist, period.

I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal (אֲנִי אָמִית וַאֲחַיֶּה מָחַצְתִּי וַאֲנִי אֶרְפָּא)—God possesses absolute sovereignty over life and death (amit, kill; 'achayeh, make alive), destruction and restoration (machatzti, wound; 'erpa, heal). Hannah's prayer echoes this: "The LORD kills and brings to life" (1 Samuel 2:6). Neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand (וְאֵין מִיָּדִי מַצִּיל)—no power can rescue from God's judgment. This terrifies the impenitent but comforts believers: the hand that wounds also heals; the God who judges also saves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse is among Scripture's clearest monotheistic declarations, foundational for Jewish (Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4), Christian (1 Corinthians 8:4-6), and Islamic theology. Ancient Near Eastern polytheism divided power among specialized deities—gods of death, healing, war, fertility. Moses declares one God controls all domains, all history, all destinies. The verse appears in later Jewish liturgy and rabbinic discussions of divine sovereignty versus human free will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's absolute sovereignty over life and death inform your view of suffering and healing?
  2. What comfort does God's exclusive power provide when facing circumstances beyond human control?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
רְא֣וּ׀1 of 18

“See”

H7200

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

עַתָּ֗ה2 of 18
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

כִּ֣י3 of 18
H3588

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

אֲנִ֤י4 of 18
H589

i

אֲנִי֙5 of 18
H589

i

ה֔וּא6 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְאֵ֥ין7 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֱלֹהִ֖ים8 of 18

“now that I even I am he and there is no god”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עִמָּדִ֑י9 of 18
H5978

along with

אֲנִ֧י10 of 18
H589

i

אָמִ֣ית11 of 18

“with me I kill”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַֽאֲחַיֶּ֗ה12 of 18

“and I make alive”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

מָחַ֙צְתִּי֙13 of 18

“I wound”

H4272

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

וַֽאֲנִ֣י14 of 18
H589

i

אֶרְפָּ֔א15 of 18

“and I heal”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

וְאֵ֥ין16 of 18
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִיָּדִ֖י17 of 18

“out of my hand”

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

מַצִּֽיל׃18 of 18

“neither is there any that can deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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 32:39 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 32:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 2:6Hosea 6:1Job 5:18Isaiah 45:5Isaiah 45:22Isaiah 46:4

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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