King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:42 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:42 in the King James Version says “I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of t...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.”

Deuteronomy 32:42 · KJV

Context

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.

42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

43

Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. Rejoice: or, Praise his people, ye nations: or, Sing ye

44

And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun. Hoshea: or, Joshua

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh (אַשְׁכִּיר חִצַּי מִדָּם וְחַרְבִּי תֹּאכַל בָּשָׂר)—the Hebrew ashkir (make drunk) personifies arrows as becoming intoxicated with blood. Chitzai (my arrows) and charbi (my sword) execute divine judgment; the sword to'khal (devours/eats) basar (flesh) like a ravenous beast. This shocking imagery depicts total, decisive judgment—no half measures, no survivors among the impenitent.

And that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy (מִדַּם חָלָל וְשִׁבְיָה מֵרֹאשׁ פַּרְעוֹת אוֹיֵב)—chalal (slain) and shivyah (captives) indicate comprehensive defeat. Me-rosh par'ot oyev (from the head/beginning of the enemy's leaders) suggests judgment begins with enemy commanders, the "longhaired" warriors or princes. God's vengeance is thorough and begins at the top of Israel's oppressors' power structure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This graphic battle imagery was standard in ancient Near Eastern victory hymns and royal inscriptions. However, Israel's tradition uniquely attributes military victory to divine intervention rather than royal prowess. The language anticipates prophetic oracles against nations (Isaiah 13; 34; Jeremiah 46-51; Ezekiel 25-32) and Revelation's imagery of Christ's return (Revelation 19:13, 15). Early church interpretation saw this as eschatological—God's final judgment on evil.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile God's violent judgment imagery with His love and mercy?
  2. What does God's thorough judgment on unrepentant evil reveal about His holiness and justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אַשְׁכִּ֤יר1 of 12

“drunk”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

חִצַּי֙2 of 12

“I will make mine arrows”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

מִדַּ֤ם3 of 12

“and that with the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְחַרְבִּ֖י4 of 12

“and my sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

תֹּאכַ֣ל5 of 12

“shall devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָׂ֑ר6 of 12

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

מִדַּ֤ם7 of 12

“and that with the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

חָלָל֙8 of 12

“of the slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

וְשִׁבְיָ֔ה9 of 12

“and of the captives”

H7633

exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively)

מֵרֹ֖אשׁ10 of 12

“from the beginning”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

פַּרְע֥וֹת11 of 12

“of revenges”

H6546

leadership (plural concretely, leaders)

אוֹיֵֽב׃12 of 12

“upon the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 32:42 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 32:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:23Jeremiah 46:10Ezekiel 38:21-22Psalms 68:23Psalms 45:5Ezekiel 35:6-8

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