Deuteronomy 32:30
Deuteronomy 32:30 in Multiple Translations
How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
How should one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Except their Rock had sold them, And Jehovah had delivered them up?
How would it be possible for one to overcome a thousand, and two to send ten thousand in flight, if their rock had not let them go, if the Lord had not given them up?
How on earth could one man chase after a thousand, or two make ten thousand run away, unless their Rock of protection had sold them, unless the Lord had surrendered them?
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousande to flight, except their strong God had sold the, and the Lord had shut them vp?
How doth one pursue a thousand, And two cause a myriad to flee! If not — that their rock hath sold them, And Jehovah hath shut them up?
How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had delivered them up?
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
How should one pursue after a thousand, and two chase ten thousand? Was it not, because their God had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?
You would have realized why 1,000 of your soldiers would be defeated by only one of the enemy soldiers, and why two of your enemies would chase away 10,000 Israeli soldiers. You would realize that this would happen only if God, the one who always defended you [MET], had allowed your enemies to defeat you, because he had abandoned you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:30
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 32:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵיכָ֞ה
יִרְדֹּ֤ף
אֶחָד֙
אֶ֔לֶף
וּ/שְׁנַ֖יִם
יָנִ֣יסוּ
רְבָבָ֑ה
אִם
לֹא֙
כִּי
צוּרָ֣/ם
מְכָרָ֔/ם
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
הִסְגִּירָֽ/ם
אֵיכָ֞ה
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
יִרְדֹּ֤ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
יָנִ֣יסוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
רְבָבָ֑ה
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
N-fs
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹא֙
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צוּרָ֣/ם
tsûwr
H6697
rock
N-ms | Suff
מְכָרָ֔/ם
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
הִסְגִּירָֽ/ם
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:30
אֵיכָ֞ה
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יִרְדֹּ֤ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/שְׁנַ֖יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
יָנִ֣יסוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
רְבָבָ֑ה
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹא֙
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.
כִּי
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.
צוּרָ֣/ם
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
N-ms | Suff
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
מְכָרָ֔/ם
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הִסְגִּירָֽ/ם
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:30
Context — The Song of Moses
28Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them.
29If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
30How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?
31For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. 32But their vine is from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poisonous; their clusters are bitter.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 26:8 | Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. |
| 2 | Joshua 23:10 | One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:17 | A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. |
| 4 | Psalms 31:8 | You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open. |
| 5 | Psalms 44:12 | You sell Your people for nothing; no profit do You gain from their sale. |
| 6 | Judges 7:22–23 | And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites. |
| 7 | Isaiah 52:3 | For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:15–17 | Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God. Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction, Saul said to the troops who were with him, “Call the roll and see who has left us.” And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. |
| 9 | Judges 3:8 | Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram-naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 24:24 | Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash. |
Deuteronomy 32:30 Summary
[Deuteronomy 32:30 teaches us that without God's intervention, it's impossible for the few to overcome the many, emphasizing God's role in our victories and defeats. This reminds us of the importance of trusting in God as our Rock, similar to what is said in Psalm 28:1. By trusting in Him, we can understand our situation and have peace, even when things seem impossible, as seen in Isaiah 26:3-4. This trust is foundational to our faith and is encouraged throughout the Bible, including in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'their Rock had sold them' in Deuteronomy 32:30?
This phrase means that God, who is the Rock of Israel, had given them over to their enemies, allowing them to be defeated, as seen in other passages like Psalm 44:12 and Romans 1:24-25.
How can one man pursue a thousand or two put ten thousand to flight?
This is a rhetorical question emphasizing the impossibility of such a feat without divine intervention, highlighting God's role in the victories or defeats of nations, as also noted in Proverbs 21:31.
Is this verse suggesting that God is against Israel or has abandoned them?
No, this verse is part of a larger context where God is lamenting Israel's lack of understanding and faithfulness, similar to what is expressed in Hosea 11:1-4, indicating a deep sorrow over their condition rather than abandonment.
What role does faith play in the context of this verse?
Faith in God as the Rock of Israel is crucial, as it is the foundation of trust and understanding, enabling believers to comprehend their situation and fate, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 32:29 and throughout the Bible, such as in Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God as my Rock change my perspective on challenges and defeats?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty over all outcomes, including victories and defeats?
- What does it mean for me to 'understand' my fate in the context of God's plans, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:29?
- How can I deepen my faith and trust in God, especially in situations where outcomes seem impossible without His intervention?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight,.... This is said for the conviction of the Pagan Romans of their folly in behaving strangely, attributing to their gods what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand? whence should this miraculous change come, that whereas God had promised that five Israelites should chase an hundred of their enemies, &c., , now, on the contrary, one enemy should chase a thousand Israelites? Their Rock, i.e. their God, as before, ,18, who was their only refuge and defence; had sold them, to wit, for bond-slaves, had quitted his right and relation to them, and given them up into their enemies’ hands. Shut them up, as it were, in the net which their enemies had laid for them.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
Deuteronomy 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?Ver. 30. How should one chase a thousand?] i.e., How should one of the enemies chase a thousand Israelites, who had a promise of better things, but that having first sold themselves for nought, they were now sold by God, who would own them no longer?
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
(30) How should one (of their enemies) chase a thousand (of them).—Comp. the verse in Deuteronomy 28:25, and more especially Leviticus 26:8; Leviticus 26:17; Leviticus 26:36. Had sold them.—Here first used of Jehovah. It is a common expression in the book of Judges (Deuteronomy 2:14; Deuteronomy 3:8; Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 10:7; 1 Samuel 12:9). Had shut them up (into the hand of their enemies).—Comp. Psalms 78:62, “He shut up His people also unto the sword.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
Verse 30. How should one chase a thousand] If therefore they had not forgotten their Rock, God their author and defence, it could not possibly have come to pass that a thousand of them should flee before one of their enemies.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:30
30. How could one, etc.] Some ignominious rout of Israel. delivered them up] Cp. Deuteronomy 23:15 (16).
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:30
29, 30. O that they were wise — Better, If they were wise, they would understand this. They would consider their future.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w |
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America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin | Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's |
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"Stronger Than he." by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ, the 'Stronger than he,' empowers believers to overcome sin and Satan through the Holy Spirit. He stresses the necessity of maintaining our posi |
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Parables of Jesus - 02 Paying the Price by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parables of Jesus in Mark's Gospel, specifically the parables related to paying the price to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The firs |
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Isaiah Chapter 30 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of having a hard heart and not helping those in need. He tells a story of a brother who watched another brother drown multiple times |
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One a Majority! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that one person with God is a majority, illustrating that divine strength can overcome any odds. He references biblical examples such as Gideon, Abram, Mos |
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Eternal Inheritance by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challe |