Deuteronomy 32:3
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֵׁ֥ם
the name
H8034
שֵׁ֥ם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶקְרָ֑א
Because I will publish
H7121
אֶקְרָ֑א
Because I will publish
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 7
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הָב֥וּ
ascribe
H3051
הָב֥וּ
ascribe
Strong's:
H3051
Word #:
5 of 7
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
Cross References
Jeremiah 10:6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.Psalms 150:2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.Ephesians 1:19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,Deuteronomy 5:24And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.Jeremiah 23:6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.Exodus 33:19And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.Exodus 6:3And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.1 Chronicles 29:11Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Historical Context
The Song of Moses served as Israel's witness against future apostasy (Deuteronomy 31:19-21). When Israel rebelled, this song would testify to God's faithfulness and their faithlessness. Moses taught the song to all Israel (Deuteronomy 31:22), ensuring memorization and transmission. The song is quoted in Romans 10:19, 12:19, and 15:10, and echoed in Revelation 15:3. Its enduring message: God's character deserves proclamation, and His dealings with humanity vindicate His justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does publicly proclaiming God's name (character) strengthen both personal faith and corporate witness?
- What aspects of God's greatness most need declaration in your cultural context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In the Song of Moses, he declares: 'Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.' The verb 'publish' (Hebrew qara) means proclaim, announce, or call out—public declaration of God's name (character/reputation). Moses calls the audience to 'ascribe greatness'—attribute to God His rightful glory and honor. The song that follows (Deuteronomy 32:4-43) rehearses Israel's history and God's faithfulness, demonstrating why He deserves proclamation and praise. Worship begins with recognizing and declaring God's character.