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Deuteronomy 32:20

Deuteronomy 32:20 in Multiple Translations

He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation— children of unfaithfulness.

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: For they are a very perverse generation, Children in whom is no faithfulness.

And he said, My face will be veiled from them, I will see what their end will be: for they are an uncontrolled generation, children in whom is no faith.

He said: “I will turn away from them. Then I'll see what happens to them! They are a perverse people, unfaithful children.

And he said, I will hide my face from the: I will see what their ende shalbe: for they are a frowarde generation, children in who is no faith.

And He saith: I hide My face from them, I see what [is] their latter end; For a froward generation [are] they, Sons in whom is no stedfastness.

He said, “I will hide my face from them. I will see what their end will be; for they are a very perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end will be : for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

And he said: I will hide my face from them, and will consider what their last end shall be: for it is a perverse generation, and unfaithful children.

He said, ‘They are very wicked/stubborn people, very unfaithful; so I will no longer help them, and then I will watch and see what happens to them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 32:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר אַסְתִּ֤ירָה פָנַ/י֙ מֵ/הֶ֔ם אֶרְאֶ֖ה מָ֣ה אַחֲרִיתָ֑/ם כִּ֣י ד֤וֹר תַּהְפֻּכֹת֙ הֵ֔מָּה בָּנִ֖ים לֹא אֵמֻ֥ן בָּֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַסְתִּ֤ירָה çâthar H5641 to hide V-Hiphil-1cs
פָנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff
מֵ/הֶ֔ם Prep | Suff
אֶרְאֶ֖ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מָ֣ה mâh H4100 what? Part
אַחֲרִיתָ֑/ם ʼachărîyth H319 end N-fs | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
ד֤וֹר dôwr H1755 generation N-ms
תַּהְפֻּכֹת֙ tahpukâh H8419 perversity N-fp
הֵ֔מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 son N-mp
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
אֵמֻ֥ן ʼêmûwn H529 faithful N-ms
בָּֽ/ם Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:20

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַסְתִּ֤ירָה çâthar H5641 "to hide" V-Hiphil-1cs
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
פָנַ/י֙ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מֵ/הֶ֔ם "" Prep | Suff
אֶרְאֶ֖ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מָ֣ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אַחֲרִיתָ֑/ם ʼachărîyth H319 "end" N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ד֤וֹר dôwr H1755 "generation" N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
תַּהְפֻּכֹת֙ tahpukâh H8419 "perversity" N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
הֵ֔מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵמֻ֥ן ʼêmûwn H529 "faithful" N-ms
Faithful means being trustworthy and reliable, like God's promises in the Bible. It describes someone who is loyal and true to their word. This word is used in the Old Testament to describe God's faithfulness.
Definition: 1) faithfulness, trusting 1a) faithful, trusty (as adj.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful), truth. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 13:17.
בָּֽ/ם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 31:17–18 On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods.
2 Luke 7:31–32 “To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
3 Deuteronomy 32:5 His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the spot on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation.
4 Isaiah 65:2–5 All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations, to a people who continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in the gardens and burning incense on altars of brick, sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
5 Isaiah 30:9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.
6 2 Chronicles 20:20 Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”
7 Matthew 11:16–17 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
8 Isaiah 7:9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”
9 Isaiah 64:7 No one calls on Your name or strives to take hold of You. For You have hidden Your face from us and delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
10 Mark 9:19 “O unbelieving generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.”

Deuteronomy 32:20 Summary

In Deuteronomy 32:20, God says that He will hide His face from His people because they have turned away from Him and become a perverse generation. This means that He will stop blessing and protecting them, and instead, let them face the consequences of their actions, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:17. This is a serious warning to us today to remain faithful to God and not turn to idols or sinful desires, but instead to seek Him with all our hearts, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13. By doing so, we can avoid the judgment that comes from turning away from God and instead experience His love, mercy, and presence in our lives, as promised in Psalm 16:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'hide His face' from His people?

When God says He will hide His face from them, it means He will withdraw His presence and blessings from them, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:17 and Psalm 30:7, resulting in a sense of darkness and abandonment.

Why does God call them a 'perverse generation'?

God calls them a perverse generation because they have turned away from Him and chosen to follow their own sinful desires, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:18, and this is a result of their unfaithfulness to Him, similar to what is described in Romans 1:18-25.

What is the 'end' that God will see?

The 'end' that God will see refers to the ultimate outcome or consequence of their sinful actions, which could be judgment, destruction, or restoration, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:21-22 and Proverbs 29:1, depending on their response to His warnings.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse shows that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate sin and rebellion, as stated in Exodus 34:6-7 and Hebrews 12:29, but at the same time, He is a patient and long-suffering God who desires to see His people repent and turn back to Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have ignored or forgotten God in my own life, and how can I turn back to Him?
  2. How does the concept of God hiding His face from me impact my understanding of His presence and blessings in my life?
  3. In what ways am I contributing to a perverse generation, and how can I instead be a light for God in a dark world?
  4. What are some idols or worthless things that I have been provoked to anger or jealousy by, and how can I replace them with a passion for God?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:20

And he said, I will hide my face from them,.... Now the Lord proceeds to pass sentence on the Jews for their ill treatment of his Son, and of his followers; which respects judgments that should come

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:20

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:20

I will see what their end shall be; I will see and observe what will be the issue of all this, what will become of them at last; but this God doth not see only by way of speculation, but practically, i.e. considers with himself what he shall do with them, and how he shall punish them, and sees what he wills or purposes to do. A speech after the manner of men. Or I will see is put for I will make them and others to see, what the fruit of such actions shall be. Hebrew verbs in cal do ofttimes take the signification of hiphil. In whom there is no faith; perfidious, that have broken their covenant so solemnly made with me.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:20

Deuteronomy 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end [shall be]: for they [are] a very froward generation, children in whom [is] no faith.Ver. 20. I will see what their end shall be.] This is spoken after the manner of men; as likewise that in Deuteronomy 32:27. In whom is no faith,] i.e., Fidelity; as Matthew 23:23; there is no trusting them, or taking their words.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:20

(20) A very froward generation.—Literally, a generation of perversities.Children in whom is no faith.—Literally, children !—there is no relying on them. (Comp. Deuteronomy 5:5.) Faith is not used in the sense of “belief” or “confidence,” but as in the expression to “keep faith,” or to “break faith,” children who will keep no faith with one.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:20

Verse 20. Children in whom is no faith] לא אמן בם lo emon bam, "There is no steadfastness in them," they can never be depended on. They are fickle, because they are faithless.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:20

20. And he said] A gloss, it overloads the rhythm. Let me hide, etc.] Deuteronomy 31:17 f. their end] Lit. their afterwards, see on Deuteronomy 4:30. a very froward, etc.] Heb. is stronger, a generation of upturnings or overthrows (only here and in Prov.); not perverse but subversive; and so children in whom is no faithfulness, reliableness, or ‘staith.’

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:20

20. Children in whom is no faith — Sons in whom there is no faithfulness. Comp. Deuteronomy 31:17-18.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:20

SermonDescription
Bob Jones III God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless
William MacDonald Esther 1:1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing trepidation about attending a conference due to the abundance of food and treats. He then shares a personal experience that motivat
E.A. Johnston The Implosion of America by E.A. Johnston In this sermon, the speaker discusses three principles that lead to a nation's downfall and destruction. The first principle is the absence of spiritual leadership in the church, w
Edward Payson Sinners Wilful and Perverse. by Edward Payson Edward Payson preaches about the unreasonableness and perverseness of sinners, likening them to children who cannot be pleased no matter the means used to persuade them. He emphasi
Edward Payson Sinners Willful and Perverse by Edward Payson Edward Payson preaches about the unreasonableness and perverseness of sinners, likening them to children who refuse to participate in joyful or mournful activities. He emphasizes G
Zac Poonen The Parables of Jesus by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righte
James Bourne Letter 132. by James Bourne James Bourne addresses a person struggling with inconsistency in their conduct, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's counsel and cherishing His presence. He points out the c

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