Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶשָּׂ֥א
For I lift up
H5375
אֶשָּׂ֥א
For I lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
שָׁמַ֖יִם
to heaven
H8064
שָׁמַ֖יִם
to heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
4 of 9
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
יָדִ֑י
my hand
H3027
יָדִ֑י
my hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Genesis 14:22And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,Jeremiah 4:2And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
Historical Context
Ancient treaty documents included oath formulas invoking gods as guarantors. Israel's covenant is unique: the Divine Suzerain guarantees His own treaty by His eternal existence. This became foundational for understanding God's immutability and faithfulness—He cannot lie (Titus 1:2) or break covenant because His nature is unchangeable. The New Testament sees God's oath to Abraham as model for Christian hope's certainty (Hebrews 6:13-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's self-swearing oath strengthen your confidence in His promises?
- What difference does God's eternality make when your circumstances seem unstable and temporary?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever (כִּי־אֶשָּׂא אֶל־שָׁמַיִם יָדִי וְאָמַרְתִּי חַי אָנֹכִי לְעֹלָם)—God swears by Himself, lifting His hand in oath-taking gesture. Humans swear by something greater (Hebrews 6:16), but God has none greater, so He swears by His own eternal life: chai anokhi le-'olam (I live forever). This oath form appears when God makes unconditional covenants (Genesis 22:16; Hebrews 6:13-18).
The gesture of raising the hand (nasa yad) was standard oath-taking posture in ancient Near Eastern treaties, calling heaven as witness. But here God Himself is both oath-taker and witness—there is no higher authority. His eternal existence (le-'olam, forever/eternally) guarantees His promises cannot fail and His threats cannot be evaded. The self-existent, eternal God pledges His very being as surety for His word. What He declares will certainly come to pass because He lives forever to accomplish it.