Deuteronomy 32:38
Deuteronomy 32:38 in Multiple Translations
which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter!
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink-offering? Let them rise up and help you, Let them be your protection.
Who took the fat of their offerings, and the wine of their drink offering? Let them now come to your help, let them be your salvation.
Who ate the fat of your sacrifices and drank the wine of your drink offerings? Have them come and help you; have them come and protect you!
Which did eate the fat of their sacrifices, and did drinke the wine of their drinke offring? let them rise vp, and help you: let him be your refuge.
Which the fat of their sacrifices do eat, They drink the wine of their libation! Let them arise and help you, Let it be for you a hiding-place!
which ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you! Let them be your protection.
Which ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink-offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
Of whose victims they ate the fat, and drank the wine of their drink offerings: let them arise and help you, and protect you in your distress.
You gave to those gods the best parts of the animals that you sacrificed, and you poured out wine for them to drink. So, they should begin to help you; they should be the ones who will protect you!
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:38
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 32:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
חֵ֤לֶב
זְבָחֵ֨י/מוֹ֙
יֹאכֵ֔לוּ
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
יֵ֣ין
נְסִיכָ֑/ם
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
וְ/יַעְזְרֻ/כֶ֔ם
יְהִ֥י
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
סִתְרָֽה
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חֵ֤לֶב
cheleb
H2459
fat
N-ms
זְבָחֵ֨י/מוֹ֙
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
N-mp | Suff
יֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יֵ֣ין
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
נְסִיכָ֑/ם
nᵉçîyk
H5257
libation
N-ms | Suff
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יַעְזְרֻ/כֶ֔ם
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
סִתְרָֽה
çêther
H5643
secrecy
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:38
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חֵ֤לֶב
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
זְבָחֵ֨י/מוֹ֙
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
N-mp | Suff
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
יֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
יִשְׁתּ֖וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
יֵ֣ין
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
נְסִיכָ֑/ם
nᵉçîyk
H5257
"libation"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a prince or leader, often one who has been anointed with oil. It is used in the Bible to describe leaders like Saul and David, who were anointed as kings of Israel. The concept of a prince is also seen in the Messiah, who is referred to as the anointed one.
Definition: 1) poured out, libation, molten image 1a) libation, drink-offering 1b) molten image
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: drink offering, duke, prince(-ipal). See also: Deuteronomy 32:38; Ezekiel 32:30; Psalms 83:12.
יָק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/יַעְזְרֻ/כֶ֔ם
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
סִתְרָֽה
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
N-fs
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:38
Context — The Song of Moses
36For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.
37He will say: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge,
38which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter!
39See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. 40For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 16:18–19 | You took your embroidered garments to cover them, and you set My oil and incense before them. And you set before them as a pleasing aroma the food I had given you—the fine flour, oil, and honey that I had fed you. That is what happened, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 2 | Psalms 50:13 | Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? |
| 3 | Judges 10:14 | Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you in your time of trouble.” |
| 4 | Leviticus 21:21 | No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God. |
| 5 | Hosea 2:8 | For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold— which they crafted for Baal. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 2:11 | The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place. |
Deuteronomy 32:38 Summary
This verse is saying that the idols the Israelites were worshiping couldn't really help them, because they were just useless statues that couldn't even eat or drink. God is showing that He is the only one who can truly provide for and protect His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:36 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from this verse to put our trust in the one true God, rather than relying on things that can't really help us, and to remember that He is our rock and our salvation, as stated in Psalm 18:2 and Psalm 62:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the idols eating the fat of sacrifices and drinking the wine of drink offerings in Deuteronomy 32:38?
This verse highlights the absurdity of idol worship, as the idols are incapable of consuming or benefiting from the sacrifices, unlike the one true God who is the giver of all things, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:39 and Psalm 115:4-8.
Why does God challenge the Israelites to call upon their idols for help in Deuteronomy 32:38?
God is emphasizing the futility of idol worship and the inability of false gods to provide salvation or protection, as stated in Isaiah 45:20 and Jeremiah 2:28, thereby demonstrating His own power and sovereignty.
How does Deuteronomy 32:38 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse showcases God's sovereignty by contrasting the inability of idols to provide help with His own ability to deliver and protect His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:36 and Psalm 121:2-3.
What is the main point God is trying to convey through this verse?
God is emphasizing that He is the one true God, and that the idols the Israelites have been worshiping are powerless and unable to provide any real help or salvation, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:39 and Exodus 15:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'idols' that I may be relying on for comfort or security, rather than trusting in the one true God?
- How can I apply the concept of God's sovereignty in my own life, trusting in His power and protection rather than relying on my own strength or the help of others?
- What are some ways that I can 'rise up and help' others who may be putting their trust in false gods or idols, and how can I point them to the one true God?
- How can I balance the concept of God's sovereignty with the idea of human responsibility, and what role do I play in trusting and obeying God's will for my life?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:38
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, [and] drank the wine of their drink offerings,.... Alluding to the fat of the sacrifices under the law, which was claimed by the Lord as his, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:38
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
i.e. To whom you offered sacrifices and oblations after the manner of the Gentiles. See . Let them help you, if they can do it. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
Deuteronomy 32:38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, [and] drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, [and] be your protection.Ver. 38. Which did eat.] Put them to a great deal of charge, but for no profit.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:38
38. Let them be a covert above you] So LXX, etc.; Heb. let it.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:38
38. Let them rise up — Comp. Jeremiah 2:28 : “But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of the trouble.” Men need divine protection.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Homily 38 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Paul's experiences in Athens, highlighting his encounters with idolatry, Jews, and philosophers. Paul's boldness in proclaiming Jesus and the Resurre |
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Homily 20 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God, emphasizing the need for a holy and acceptable lifestyle as a reasonable service in |
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Why Men Rest in Duties by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the reasons why men tend to rely on their own efforts and good works for salvation instead of fully trusting in Jesus Christ. He explains that this re |
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Hosea and Gomer - God's Endtime Strategy by Art Katz | Art Katz explores God's endtime strategy for restoring Israel through the metaphor of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God's deep grief over Israel's unfaithfulness. He emphasizes tha |
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Hosea 2:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of our blessings, which ultimately come from God. He warns against the tragic misuse of gifts when we fail to a |
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Changing the Course of History - by Prayer by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the power of prayer and obedience to God, emphasizing that Christians are not destined for defeat but for victory. He shares inspiring stories of how pray |