King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:5 in the King James Version says “They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. They have: Heb. He hath corrupted to himself their: or, that they are not his children, that is their blot”

Deuteronomy 32:5 · KJV

Context

3

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

4

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

5

They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. They have: Heb. He hath corrupted to himself their: or, that they are not his children, that is their blot

6

Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

7

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. many: Heb. generation and generation

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They have corrupted themselves (shichet lo)—the reflexive verb emphasizes Israel's self-inflicted moral defilement. Their spot is not the spot of his children (mumam lo banim)—"spot" (mum) denotes blemish or defect, the same term used for disqualifying sacrificial animals (Leviticus 22:20-21). Israel has become unfit for the holy purpose God intended.

A perverse and crooked generation (dor 'iqqesh u-pethaltol)—'iqqesh' means twisted or morally distorted; 'pethaltol' suggests fraudulent or devious. Paul quotes this verse in Philippians 2:15, calling Christians to shine as lights in a similarly corrupted generation. The indictment is devastating: Israel bears not God's family resemblance but the deformity of covenant rebellion.

The contrast is sharp—God is perfect (v. 4), but they are blemished; He is their Father, but they've disowned their heritage through sin. This diagnostic statement precedes the Song's therapeutic call to repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse functions as covenant lawsuit language, declaring Israel's breach of the Mosaic covenant. The 'generation' (dor) specifically refers to Israel's repeated cycles of apostasy throughout their history—from the golden calf to Baal worship to the eventual exile. Moses prophetically describes not just current rebellion but the pattern that will culminate in judgment. The sacrificial imagery ('spot') recalls Israel's priestly calling as a 'kingdom of priests' (Exodus 19:6)—morally compromised priests cannot mediate God's holiness. The New Testament applies this theology of holy living to the Church (1 Peter 2:9), showing continuity in God's demand for a people who reflect His character.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you have 'corrupted yourself' through self-inflicted moral compromise rather than external persecution?
  2. How does understanding holiness as family resemblance to God motivate different behavior than mere rule-keeping?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שִׁחֵ֥ת1 of 8

“They have corrupted”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

ל֛וֹ2 of 8
H0
לֹ֖א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָּנָ֣יו4 of 8

“is not the spot of his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מוּמָ֑ם5 of 8

“themselves their spot”

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

דּ֥וֹר6 of 8

“generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

עִקֵּ֖שׁ7 of 8

“they are a perverse”

H6141

distorted; hence, false

וּפְתַלְתֹּֽל׃8 of 8

“and crooked”

H6618

tortuous (i.e., crafty)

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 32:5 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 32:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:4Philippians 2:15Matthew 17:17Luke 9:41Deuteronomy 31:29Psalms 78:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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