Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
Original Language Analysis
רְא֣וּ׀
See
H7200
רְא֣וּ׀
See
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עַתָּ֗ה
H6258
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
now that I even I am he and there is no god
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
now that I even I am he and there is no god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 18
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
אָמִ֣ית
with me I kill
H4191
אָמִ֣ית
with me I kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
11 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַֽאֲחַיֶּ֗ה
and I make alive
H2421
וַֽאֲחַיֶּ֗ה
and I make alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
12 of 18
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
מָחַ֙צְתִּי֙
I wound
H4272
מָחַ֙צְתִּי֙
I wound
Strong's:
H4272
Word #:
13 of 18
to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy
אֶרְפָּ֔א
and I heal
H7495
אֶרְפָּ֔א
and I heal
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
1 Samuel 2:6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.Hosea 6:1Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.Job 5:18For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Isaiah 45:5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:Isaiah 43:13Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?Isaiah 46:4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.Isaiah 45:18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.Psalms 68:20He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.Isaiah 41:4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Historical Context
This verse is among Scripture's clearest monotheistic declarations, foundational for Jewish (Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4), Christian (1 Corinthians 8:4-6), and Islamic theology. Ancient Near Eastern polytheism divided power among specialized deities—gods of death, healing, war, fertility. Moses declares one God controls all domains, all history, all destinies. The verse appears in later Jewish liturgy and rabbinic discussions of divine sovereignty versus human free will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's absolute sovereignty over life and death inform your view of suffering and healing?
- What comfort does God's exclusive power provide when facing circumstances beyond human control?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me (רְאוּ עַתָּה כִּי אֲנִי אֲנִי הוּא וְאֵין אֱלֹהִים עִמָּדִי)—the emphatic 'ani 'ani hu (I, even I, am He) asserts absolute monotheism. The doubled pronoun intensifies God's unique identity; hu (He) recalls "I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Isaiah echoes this: "I am he; before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me" (Isaiah 43:10). This isn't henotheism (acknowledging other gods exist but choosing one) but radical monotheism—no other gods exist, period.
I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal (אֲנִי אָמִית וַאֲחַיֶּה מָחַצְתִּי וַאֲנִי אֶרְפָּא)—God possesses absolute sovereignty over life and death (amit, kill; 'achayeh, make alive), destruction and restoration (machatzti, wound; 'erpa, heal). Hannah's prayer echoes this: "The LORD kills and brings to life" (1 Samuel 2:6). Neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand (וְאֵין מִיָּדִי מַצִּיל)—no power can rescue from God's judgment. This terrifies the impenitent but comforts believers: the hand that wounds also heals; the God who judges also saves.