Deuteronomy 32:21
Deuteronomy 32:21 in Multiple Translations
They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding.
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; They have provoked me to anger with their vanities: And I will move them to jealousy with those that are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
They have given my honour to that which is not God, moving me to wrath with their false worship: I will give their honour to those who are not a people, moving them to wrath by a foolish nation,
They have made me jealous by worshiping things that are not God; they have made me angry with their useless idols. So I will make them jealous using a people that aren't really a nation; I will make them angry using ignorant foreigners.
They haue moued me to ielousie with that which is not God: they haue prouoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will moue them to ielousie with those which are no people: I wil prouoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
They have made Me zealous by 'no-god,' They made Me angry by their vanities; And I make them zealous by 'no-people,' By a foolish nation I make them angry.
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God. They have provoked me to anger with their vanities. I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people. I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
They have provoked me with that which was no god, and have angered me with their vanities: and I will provoke them with that which is no people, and will vex them with a foolish nation.
They made me very angry because of their worshiping idols, which are not really gods; they have caused me to be jealous [MET] because I want them to worship only me. So now, in order to cause them to become jealous, I will send to attack them an army of a nation of worthless and foolish people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:21
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 32:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֚ם
קִנְא֣וּ/נִי
בְ/לֹא
אֵ֔ל
כִּעֲס֖וּ/נִי
בְּ/הַבְלֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/אֲנִי֙
אַקְנִיאֵ֣/ם
בְּ/לֹא
עָ֔ם
בְּ/ג֥וֹי
נָבָ֖ל
אַכְעִיסֵֽ/ם
הֵ֚ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
קִנְא֣וּ/נִי
qânâʼ
H7065
be jealous
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
בְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
אֵ֔ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
כִּעֲס֖וּ/נִי
kaʻaç
H3707
to provoke
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
בְּ/הַבְלֵי/הֶ֑ם
hebel
H1892
vanity
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אַקְנִיאֵ֣/ם
qânâʼ
H7065
be jealous
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
בְּ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
נָבָ֖ל
nâbâl
H5036
foolish
Adj
אַכְעִיסֵֽ/ם
kaʻaç
H3707
to provoke
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:21
הֵ֚ם
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.
קִנְא֣וּ/נִי
qânâʼ
H7065
"be jealous"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To be jealous means to feel envious or resentful of someone or something, often because of a perceived threat or rivalry. In the Bible, jealousy is sometimes portrayed as a negative emotion, as in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to envy, be jealous, be envious, be zealous 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to be jealous of 1a2) to be envious of 1a3) to be zealous for 1a4) to excite to jealous anger 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to jealous anger, cause jealousy
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous). See also: Genesis 26:14; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
בְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | 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.
אֵ֔ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
כִּעֲס֖וּ/נִי
kaʻaç
H3707
"to provoke"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
This verb means to provoke or make someone angry, like in Psalm 106 where it describes the Israelites' actions that angered God. It can also mean to grieve or be indignant. It's a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be vexed, be indignant 1a2) to be angry 1b) (Piel) to provoke to anger 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to vex 1c2) to vex, provoke to anger
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: be angry, be grieved, take indignation, provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth. See also: Deuteronomy 4:25; 2 Chronicles 28:25; Psalms 78:58.
בְּ/הַבְלֵי/הֶ֑ם
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
וַ/אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אַקְנִיאֵ֣/ם
qânâʼ
H7065
"be jealous"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To be jealous means to feel envious or resentful of someone or something, often because of a perceived threat or rivalry. In the Bible, jealousy is sometimes portrayed as a negative emotion, as in the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to envy, be jealous, be envious, be zealous 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to be jealous of 1a2) to be envious of 1a3) to be zealous for 1a4) to excite to jealous anger 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to jealous anger, cause jealousy
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous). See also: Genesis 26:14; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3.
בְּ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | 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.
עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
נָבָ֖ל
nâbâl
H5036
"foolish"
Adj
A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.
Definition: foolish, senseless, fool
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.
אַכְעִיסֵֽ/ם
kaʻaç
H3707
"to provoke"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to provoke or make someone angry, like in Psalm 106 where it describes the Israelites' actions that angered God. It can also mean to grieve or be indignant. It's a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be vexed, be indignant 1a2) to be angry 1b) (Piel) to provoke to anger 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to vex 1c2) to vex, provoke to anger
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: be angry, be grieved, take indignation, provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth. See also: Deuteronomy 4:25; 2 Chronicles 28:25; Psalms 78:58.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:21
Context — The Song of Moses
19When the LORD saw this, He rejected them, provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.
20He 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.
21They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding.
22For a fire has been kindled by My anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and scorches the foundations of the mountains. 23I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 10:19 | I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” |
| 2 | Romans 9:25 | As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” |
| 3 | Romans 11:11–14 | I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 16:26 | For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sins, which he caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 16:13 | This happened because of all the sins Baasha and his son Elah had committed and had caused Israel to commit, provoking the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger with their worthless idols. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:16 | They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations. |
| 7 | Jonah 2:8 | Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion. |
| 8 | Psalms 78:58 | They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols. |
| 9 | Psalms 31:6 | I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 14:22 | Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things. |
Deuteronomy 32:21 Summary
This verse means that when we turn to things that are not God, like idols or false gods, it makes God very angry. He is a jealous God, as seen in Exodus 20:5, and He will not share our affection with anything else. Because the Israelites turned to idols, God says He will make them jealous by using other nations to provoke them, showing that our actions have consequences, and that God is sovereign over all nations (Romans 11:11). This is a reminder to keep our focus on the one true God, and to avoid turning to worthless idols that can lead to God's judgment, as seen in Leviticus 26:27-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to provoke God's jealousy?
According to Deuteronomy 32:21, provoking God's jealousy means turning to idols and false gods, which angers Him, as seen in Exodus 20:5 where God says He is a jealous God. This verse shows the severity of idolatry in God's eyes.
Who are the people that God will make the Israelites jealous with?
The verse does not specifically name the people, but it refers to those who are not a people, implying that God will use pagan nations to provoke Israel to jealousy, much like He used the Israelites to provoke other nations to jealousy in Romans 11:11.
What is the consequence of idolatry according to this verse?
The consequence of idolatry is God's anger and judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:21-23, where God says He will kindle a fire of anger that will consume the earth, and heap disasters upon the people, similar to the judgments described in Leviticus 26:27-28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse shows that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, and He can use any nation to accomplish His purposes, including provoking His people to jealousy, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-7 where God uses the Assyrian nation to discipline Israel.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that can provoke God's jealousy in my life?
- How can I ensure that I am not turning to worthless idols, and instead, keeping my focus on the one true God?
- What does it mean to be a people who provoke God to anger, and how can I avoid this in my own life?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on my own heart and motivations, and to seek a deeper relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:21
They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God,.... With a false messiah; for after the death of Jesus, the true Messiah, God as well as man, many false Christs arose, as he predicted,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:21
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
With those which are not a people, i.e. with the Gentile or heathenish nations, who are none of my people, who scarce deserve the name of a people, as being without yoke, without the knowledge and fear of God, which is the foundation of all true policy and government, and without righteous and necessary laws; and many of them are destitute of all government, and laws, and order, barbarous and rude, and savage, and brutish in their manners. And yet these people I will prefer before you, and take in your stead; receive them, and reject you; which, when it came to pass, how desperately it provoked the Jews to jealousy, may be gathered from ,3 22:21-23 ,16. A foolish nation; so the Gentiles were both in the opinion of the Jews, and in truth and reality, notwithstanding all their pretences to wisdom, , there being nothing more foolish or brutish than the worship of idols. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.Ver. 21. And I will move them to jealousy.] Thus God delights to retaliate and proportion jealousy to jealousy, provocation to provocation; so frowardness to frowardness, contrariety to contrariety. With a foolish nation.] With the conversion of the Gentiles, which the good Jews could not easily yield to at first. And the rest could never endure to hear of it. See 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16. At this day they solemnly curse the Christians thrice a day in their synagogues, with a Maledic, Domine, Nazarais. They have a saying in their Talmud, Optimus qui inter gentes est, dignus cui caput conteratur tanquam serpenti; The best among the Gentiles is worthy to have his head broke as the serpent had. Yea, they think they may kill any idolater. Therefore Tacitus saith of them, There was Misericordia in promptu apud suos, sed contra omnes alios hostile odium, mercy enough toward their own, but against all others they bare a deadly hatred.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
(21) “They have made me jealous with a no-god; They have provoked me with their vanities: And I will make them jealous with a no-people; With a foolish nation will I provoke them.” St. Paul comments on this in Romans 10, as proving that Israel was informed of the calling of the Gentiles, and compares Isaiah 65:1, “I was found of them that sought me not. I made myself manifest unto those that inquired not after me.” Rashi quotes, perhaps not quite inappropriately Isaiah 23:13, and gives this explanation, “A no-people,” i.e., a nation without a name; as it is said, “Behold the land of the Chaldseans: this people was not.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
Verse 21. They have moved me to jealousy] This verse contains a very pointed promise of the calling of the Gentiles, in consequence of the rejection of the Jews, threatened Deuteronomy 32:19; and to this great event it is applied by St. Paul, Romans 10:19.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:21
21. moved … to jealousy] See on Deuteronomy 32:16. Mark the antitheses: no-god (lo’-’el), no-people (lo’-‘am, as hitherto outside the nations known and to be reckoned with, by Israel, as unfit to serve any Divine purpose); and vanities (lit. breaths, or as we should say, bubbles, so in Jer. of the heathen gods, Deuteronomy 8:19, etc.) and foolish (nabal, chosen perhaps both because of its probable root-meaning fading, worthless, parallel to vanities, and because it was used in a religious sense, godless, infidel). See Paul’s application of the v. in Romans 10:19. 22For a fire has flared from my wrath, And burned to the lowest Shĕ ?’ól, It devours earth and her increase, It flames round the roots of the hills. 23I will sweep up evils upon them, Against them exhaust mine arrows. 24Drained by famine, devoured by fever (?) And poisonous pestilence (?), The teeth of brute beasts will I send them, With venom of things that crawl in the dust. 25Abroad shall the sword bereave, And terror be in the chambers— As well the youth as the maiden, The suckling and gray-headed man.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21
21. In strong terms Moses represents Jehovah as rejecting disobedient Israel, and bringing upon them terrible retribution. Israel is to be punished. Paul, Romans 10:19, quotes this verse to indicate the adoption of the Gentiles.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Future of Israel (Part 1) by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the speaker is asked how his God can be great when there is so much evil, sin, despair, and violence in the world. The speaker responds by saying that the person is |
|
Demonstration 5 (Of Wars) by Aphraates | Aphraates preaches about the prophetic visions in the book of Daniel, highlighting the rise and fall of kingdoms, the humbling of the proud, and the ultimate victory of God's Kingd |
|
The Law and the Commandments by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the authentic root of one's life in God before delivering a message. He compares this to athletes who war |
|
|
Finn-03 Israel in Flight by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for believers to have faith in God, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. He emphasizes that God will come to the aid of thos |
|
Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-02 More Like Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher, Robert Chapman, emphasizes the importance of having a servant's attitude. He acknowledges that serving others is not our natural inclination, but as b |
|
|
K-509 the Children of Promise (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a transformative encounter with God. He describes a final showdown where a conniving individual comes to the end of himself and |
|
Gentile Dogs Have Hope Too by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into Ephesians 1, emphasizing the significance of hearing the Word of Truth, the Gospel of salvation, and believing in Christ for salvation. It explores the dist |