Deuteronomy 32:41
If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שַׁנּוֹתִי֙
If I whet
H8150
שַׁנּוֹתִי֙
If I whet
Strong's:
H8150
Word #:
2 of 12
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
בְּרַ֣ק
my glittering
H1300
בְּרַ֣ק
my glittering
Strong's:
H1300
Word #:
3 of 12
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
חַרְבִּ֔י
sword
H2719
חַרְבִּ֔י
sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְתֹאחֵ֥ז
take hold
H270
וְתֹאחֵ֥ז
take hold
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
5 of 12
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט
on judgment
H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט
on judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יָדִ֑י
and mine hand
H3027
יָדִ֑י
and mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 12
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
אָשִׁ֤יב
I will render
H7725
אָשִׁ֤יב
I will render
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 12
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Isaiah 66:16For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.Isaiah 27:1In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.Psalms 7:12If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
Historical Context
Divine warrior imagery permeates ancient Near Eastern literature, but Israel's God fights for justice, not territorial conquest or honor. This verse describes God's future judgment on Israel's oppressors after disciplining Israel for covenant violation. The imagery recurs in prophetic literature (Isaiah 27:1; 34:5-6; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 21:9-11) and Revelation's apocalyptic battle scenes (Revelation 19:11-21), where Christ wields the sword of divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of God's future judgment affect your response to present injustice?
- What does it mean that God's vengeance is always coupled with His justice and judgment, never arbitrary?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment (אִם־שַׁנּוֹתִי בְּרַק חַרְבִּי וְתֹאחֵז בְּמִשְׁפָּט יָדִי)—the conditional "if" (im) introduces divine judgment as certain future action. Shannoti (whet/sharpen) describes preparing a blade; beraq charbi (my lightning/glittering sword) evokes the flash of polished metal—a terrifying image of readied divine vengeance. Mishpat (judgment) shows this isn't arbitrary rage but judicial execution. God's hand takes hold of judgment like a warrior grips his weapon.
I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me (אָשִׁיב נָקָם לְצָרָי וְלִמְשַׂנְאַי אֲשַׁלֵּם)—ashiv naqam (render/return vengeance) and ashallem (reward/repay) are judicial terms indicating proportional retribution. God's tzarai (enemies/adversaries) and mesan'ai (haters) are those who oppose His people and purposes. This prepares for the final day when God vindicates His elect and judges those who persecuted them (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).