King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 33:27 Mean?

Deuteronomy 33:27 in the King James Version says “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before th...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.”

Deuteronomy 33:27 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

25

Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. Thy shoes: or, Under thy shoes

26

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

27

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

28

Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

29

Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. found: or, subdued

Read Deuteronomy 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses blesses the tribes, declaring: 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.' The imagery combines protection ('refuge,' 'everlasting arms') with offensive action ('thrust out the enemy'). The phrase 'everlasting arms' personifies God's sustaining power as embracing, supporting arms. The juxtaposition of God's eternality with His intimate care reveals divine transcendence and immanence—He's infinitely beyond creation yet personally involved with His people. This promise assured Israel of divine presence in conquest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This blessing preceded Israel's entry into Canaan and conquest of enemy nations. The promise was fulfilled as God fought for Israel (Joshua 10:42). The imagery of God's arms appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 40:11; 51:5), picturing strength and care. Believers experience this as God sustains through trials—His eternal nature guarantees reliable refuge, and His arms support when human strength fails. The New Testament reveals Christ as the ultimate refuge (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 6:18-20).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does experiencing God as refuge and support strengthen you to face opposition?
  2. What does the imagery of 'everlasting arms' reveal about God's care during difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
מְעֹנָה֙1 of 11

“is thy refuge”

H4585

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

אֱלֹ֣הֵי2 of 11

“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

קֶ֔דֶם3 of 11

“The eternal”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

וּמִתַּ֖חַת4 of 11
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

זְרֹעֹ֣ת5 of 11

“arms”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

עוֹלָ֑ם6 of 11

“and underneath are the everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וַיְגָ֧רֶשׁ7 of 11

“and he shall thrust out”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

מִפָּנֶ֛יךָ8 of 11

“from before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אוֹיֵ֖ב9 of 11

“the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר10 of 11

“thee and shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַשְׁמֵֽד׃11 of 11

“Destroy”

H8045

to desolate

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 33:27 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 33:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:2Isaiah 25:4Psalms 90:1-2Psalms 91:1-2Psalms 46:1Proverbs 18:10

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Deuteronomy 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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