Deuteronomy 32:40
Deuteronomy 32:40 in Multiple Translations
For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever,
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
For I lift up my hand to heaven, And say, As I live for ever,
For lifting up my hand to heaven I say, By my unending life,
I hold up my hand to heaven and solemnly declare on my eternal life,
For I lift vp mine hand to heauen, and say, I liue for euer.
For I lift up unto the heavens My hand, And have said, I live — to the age!
For I lift up my hand to heaven and declare, as I live forever,
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
I will lift up my hand to heaven, and I will say: I live for ever.
I raise my hand toward heaven and solemnly declare that just as sure as I live forever,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:40
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 32:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אֶשָּׂ֥א
אֶל
שָׁמַ֖יִם
יָדִ֑/י
וְ/אָמַ֕רְתִּי
חַ֥י
אָנֹכִ֖י
לְ/עֹלָֽם
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
יָדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אָמַ֕רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
חַ֥י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
לְ/עֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:40
כִּֽי
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.
אֶשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
יָדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/אָמַ֕רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
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.
חַ֥י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
לְ/עֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:40
Context — The Song of Moses
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,
41when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. 42I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh— the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 6:17–18 | So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. |
| 2 | Genesis 14:22 | But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, |
| 3 | Revelation 10:5–6 | Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven. And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: “There will be no more delay! |
| 4 | Numbers 14:28–30 | So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:2 | and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” |
| 6 | Exodus 6:8 | And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’” |
Deuteronomy 32:40 Summary
In Deuteronomy 32:40, God is making a promise and guaranteeing its truth by saying 'As surely as I live forever.' This means that God's words are dependable and will come to pass, because He is the eternal and unchanging God (Psalm 102:27). We can trust God's promises, just like we see in Deuteronomy 7:9, where God is described as a faithful God. This truth can give us confidence and hope in our daily lives, knowing that God is always with us and will keep His promises (Joshua 1:5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'As surely as I live forever' in Deuteronomy 32:40?
This phrase is an oath, emphasizing the certainty and eternity of God's existence and promises, similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 31:26-27, where God's words are forever established.
Why is God declaring this in Deuteronomy 32:40?
God is declaring His eternal nature to underscore His authority and power, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:39, where He states that He is the only God and has the power to give life and death.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's eternal and unchanging nature, as seen in Psalm 102:27, where God's years have no end, and in Malachi 3:6, where God declares that He does not change.
What can we learn from God's declaration in Deuteronomy 32:40?
We can learn about God's faithfulness and reliability, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, where God is described as a faithful God who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness to a thousand generations.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God lives forever, and how does this impact your daily life and decisions?
- How does the certainty of God's eternal existence affect your trust in Him, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt?
- In what ways can you apply the truth of God's eternal nature to your relationships and interactions with others, as seen in Colossians 3:17?
- How does this verse encourage you to worship and praise God, as seen in Revelation 4:8-11, where the living creatures give glory and honor to God who lives forever?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up my hand to heaven,.... Which is a gesture used in swearing, Genesis 14:22, and is ascribed to a divine Person, Ezekiel 20:5; and particularly to Christ the angel, that is so wonderfully
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:40
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. For I lift up my hand to heaven - the usual form of solemn adjuration.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
I lift up my hand to heaven, i.e. I solemnly swear that I will do what here follows, that as I will deliver my people, so I will fully avenge myself upon all mine enemies, whom I have used as rods to scourge my people. I live for ever, i.e. As sure as I live. Compare ,6.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
Deuteronomy 32:40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.Ver. 40. And say, I live forever.] God can swear by no greater than himself.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
(40, 41) For I lift up my hand.—This is the form in taking an oath. (Comp. Revelation 10:5.) The two verses may be connected thus: “For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, As I live for ever, if I whet my lightning sword, and my hand take hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and repay them that hate me.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
Verse 40. For I lift up my hand to heaven] See concerning oaths and appeals to God in Clarke's note on "Deuteronomy 6:13".
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:40
40. lift up, etc.] Cp. Genesis 14:22, Exodus 6:8, Numbers 14:30 and many instances in Ezekiel.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:40
40. I live forever — The formula of an oath was, “The Lord liveth.” Comp. Numbers 14:21; 1 Samuel 14:39; Jeremiah 5:2.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Immutability of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and His Word. He highlights that while everything in the world may change, God remains constant. The preacher e |
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What Is a Cult by Ron Carlson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warning given by Jesus about the increase of false Christs and false prophets in the end times. He emphasizes the importance of preaching |
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Hope by Edgar F. Parkyns | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of hope and faith in relation to achieving one's heart's desires. He uses metaphors such as a stone in a sling and a DC-10 airplan |
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Marriage and Divorce - Part 3 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of church order and the role of men in their homes and marriages. He emphasizes that church order is crucial for the functioni |
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Marriage and Divorce - Part 4 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of church order and the role of men in their homes and marriages. He emphasizes that church order is crucial for the functioni |
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Spiritual Exercise - Life Within the Veil by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being broken in order to release Christ's life within us. He explains that this process is achieved through the enlightenmen |
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Living Within the Veil by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the role of priests in serving both God and the world. They are called to bear the testimony of Jesus and exhibit Christ through their lives |