King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:43 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:43 in the King James Version says “Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his a...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 32:43 · KJV

Context

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

45

And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people (הַרְנִינוּ גוֹיִם עַמּוֹ)—after judgment comes restoration and universal worship. Harninu (rejoice, shout for joy) calls goyim (nations/Gentiles) to celebrate with Israel, God's 'am (people). Paul quotes this in Romans 15:10 as proof that the gospel was always intended for Gentiles—God's plan includes all nations worshipping alongside Israel. The Song of Moses concludes not with Israel's exclusive vindication but with multinational praise.

For he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries (כִּי דַם־עֲבָדָיו יִקּוֹם וְנָקָם יָשִׁיב לְצָרָיו)—God avenges the dam (blood) of His 'avadav (servants), executing naqam (vengeance) on His tzarav (adversaries). And will be merciful unto his land, and to his people (וְכִפֶּר אַדְמָתוֹ עַמּוֹ)—kipper typically means "atone" or "make atonement," but here means "make atonement for" or "purge/cleanse" the land and people. God restores, purifies, and brings His people back into covenant relationship. Judgment clears the way for mercy; wrath gives way to reconciliation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes the Song of Moses (32:1-43), composed circa 1406 BCE. It prophetically describes the entire arc of Israel's history: covenant violation, judgment, near-extinction, divine intervention, restoration, and Gentile inclusion. Romans 15:7-12 shows Paul understood Moses' song as predicting the gospel age when Jews and Gentiles worship together. The Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint contain textual variants emphasizing angelic worship and divine sonship, suggesting early messianic interpretation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation plan from the beginning demonstrate His unchanging purpose?
  2. What does God's pattern of judgment-then-restoration reveal about His ultimate goals for His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הַרְנִ֤ינוּ1 of 13

“Rejoice”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

גוֹיִם֙2 of 13

“O ye nations”

H1471

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

עַמּֽוֹ׃3 of 13

“and to his people”

H5971

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

כִּ֥י4 of 13
H3588

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

דַם5 of 13

“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

עֲבָדָ֖יו6 of 13

“of his servants”

H5650

a servant

יִקּ֑וֹם7 of 13

“for he will avenge”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

וְנָקָם֙8 of 13

“vengeance”

H5359

revenge

יָשִׁ֣יב9 of 13

“and will render”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְצָרָ֔יו10 of 13

“to his adversaries”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וְכִפֶּ֥ר11 of 13

“and will be merciful”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

אַדְמָת֖וֹ12 of 13

“unto his land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

עַמּֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“and to his people”

H5971

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

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 32:43 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 32:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:19Revelation 19:2Revelation 6:10Psalms 85:1Deuteronomy 32:35Job 13:24

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