Deuteronomy 32:35
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Original Language Analysis
לְעֵ֖ת
in due time
H6256
לְעֵ֖ת
in due time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
4 of 13
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
רַגְלָ֑ם
their foot
H7272
רַגְלָ֑ם
their foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
6 of 13
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
י֣וֹם
for the day
H3117
י֣וֹם
for the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֵידָ֔ם
of their calamity
H343
אֵידָ֔ם
of their calamity
Strong's:
H343
Word #:
10 of 13
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
וְחָ֖שׁ
upon them make haste
H2363
וְחָ֖שׁ
upon them make haste
Strong's:
H2363
Word #:
11 of 13
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
Cross References
Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Hebrews 10:30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.Nahum 1:2God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Psalms 94:1O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.Jeremiah 23:12Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.Nahum 1:6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, 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.1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.
Historical Context
This verse became foundational for biblical theology of divine judgment. Ancient Near Eastern gods were often portrayed as capricious in vengeance; Israel's God executes justice according to covenant righteousness. The principle that vengeance belongs to God alone distinguishes biblical ethics from tribal honor codes requiring personal revenge. Early church fathers cited this against Christian participation in state-sanctioned violence.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to take vengeance into your own hands instead of trusting God's perfect justice?
- How does God's patience ("in due time") challenge your desire for immediate judgment on wrongdoers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence (לִי נָקָם וְשִׁלֵּם)—God claims exclusive rights to naqam (vengeance) and shillem (recompense/retribution). This isn't arbitrary wrath but covenant justice: God alone possesses perfect knowledge, righteous standards, and authority to execute judgment. Paul quotes this in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, prohibiting personal vengeance and entrusting justice to God.
Their foot shall slide in due time—the Hebrew timmoṭ raglam evokes unstable footing on a slippery path. The wicked appear secure but stand on treacherous ground; judgment is certain though delayed. Le-'et (in due time) emphasizes God's perfect timing—neither premature nor tardy. The day of their calamity is at hand (yom 'edam qarob)—the yom (day) of disaster hastens despite apparent delay. God's patience isn't weakness but opportunity for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).