Deuteronomy 32:7

Deuteronomy 32:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.

King James Version KJV

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Remember the days of old, Consider the years of many generations: Ask thy father, and he will show thee; Thine elders, and they will tell thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Keep in mind the days of the past, give thought to the years of generations gone by: go to your father and he will make it clear to you, to the old men and they will give you the story.

Free Bible Version FBV

Remember the olden days; think about the generations of the past. Go and ask your father about them, and he will explain them to you. Talk to your elders, and they will tell you what you need to know.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Remember the dayes of olde: consider the yeeres of so many generations: aske thy father, and he will shewe thee: thine Elders, and they will tell thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Remember days of old — Understand the years of many generations — Ask thy father, and he doth tell thee; Thine elders, and they say to thee:

World English Bible WEB

Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will show thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Remember the days of old, think upon every generation: ask thy father, and he will declare to thee: thy elders and they will tell thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Think about what happened long ago; consider what happened to your ancestors. Ask your parents, and they will inform you; ask the older people, and they will tell you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:7

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 32:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB זְכֹר֙ יְמ֣וֹת עוֹלָ֔ם בִּ֖ינוּ שְׁנ֣וֹת דּוֹר וָ/ד֑וֹר שְׁאַ֤ל אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ וְ/יַגֵּ֔דְ/ךָ זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ וְ/יֹ֥אמְרוּ לָֽ/ךְ

זְכֹר֙ zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Impv-2ms

יְמ֣וֹת yôwm H3117 day N-mp

עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms

בִּ֖ינוּ bîyn H995 to understand V-Qal-Impv-2mp

שְׁנ֣וֹת shâneh H8141 year N-fp

דּוֹר dôwr H1755 generation N-ms

וָ/ד֑וֹר dôwr H1755 generation Conj | N-ms

שְׁאַ֤ל shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Impv-2ms

אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וְ/יַגֵּ֔דְ/ךָ nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ zâqên H2205 old Adj | Suff

וְ/יֹ֥אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:7

זְכֹר֙ zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

יְמ֣וֹת yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" 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.

בִּ֖ינוּ bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.

Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.

שְׁנ֣וֹת shâneh H8141 "year" N-fp

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

דּוֹר 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.

וָ/ד֑וֹר dôwr H1755 "generation" Conj | N-ms

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.

שְׁאַ֤ל shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וְ/יַגֵּ֔דְ/ךָ nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

זְקֵנֶ֖י/ךָ zâqên H2205 "old" Adj | Suff

This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.

Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

וְ/יֹ֥אמְרוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:7
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:7

Context — The Song of Moses

5His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the blemish on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation. 6Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?

7Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.

8When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. 9But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 78:3–4	that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed.
2	Job 8:8–10	Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding?
3	Psalms 44:1	We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.
4	Psalms 77:5–6	I considered the days of old, the years long in the past. At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered:
5	Isaiah 46:9	Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
6	Deuteronomy 4:32	Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported?
7	Exodus 13:14	In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
8	Isaiah 63:11	Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,
9	Psalms 77:11–12	I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.
10	Judges 6:13	“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.”

Deuteronomy 32:7 Summary

[Deuteronomy 32:7 is a call to remember and learn from the past, just like we do when we read about God's faithfulness in Exodus 14:13-14 and Joshua 24:31. By looking back, we can see how God has been working in our lives and in the lives of our ancestors, and trust in His goodness and love. This verse encourages us to ask our fathers and elders for their wisdom and insight, and to consider the years long past, so we can have a deeper understanding of God's ways and plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 100:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'remember the days of old' in Deuteronomy 32:7?

This phrase is calling the people of Israel to recall their history and the great things God has done for them, similar to what is written in Psalm 78:4 and Psalm 143:5, where the psalmist remembers the works of the Lord.

Why should we ask our fathers and elders in Deuteronomy 32:7?

Asking our fathers and elders is a way of seeking wisdom and learning from those who have come before us, as seen in Proverbs 1:8 and Proverbs 4:1, where the writer urges the reader to listen to their father's instruction and not forget it.

What can we learn from considering the years long past?

Considering the years long past allows us to see God's faithfulness and sovereignty throughout history, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His purposes will stand, and in Jeremiah 29:11, where He promises to prosper His people.

How does Deuteronomy 32:7 relate to our walk with God today?

Deuteronomy 32:7 reminds us to look back on God's faithfulness in our own lives and in the lives of our ancestors, just as the apostle Paul did in Acts 26:4-23, and to trust in His goodness and love, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 100:5.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can 'remember the days of old' and recall God's faithfulness in my own life?
How can I seek wisdom from my fathers and elders, and what can I learn from their experiences?
In what ways has God been faithful to me and my family throughout the years, and how can I pass on these stories to the next generation?
What are some lessons from the past that I can apply to my life today, and how can I use them to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:7

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations,.... That went before the times of Christ, and the Jews' rejection of him, and observe the instances of divine goodness to them; as in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:7

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7

The days of old, i.e. the history and events of ancient days or former ages, and thou wilt find that I had a respect unto thee, not only in Abraham’ s time, but long before it. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7

Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.Ver. 7. And they will tell thee.] And so they did.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7

(7) The fourfold division of this verse is manifest.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:7

7–14. Origin and Progress of Israel 7Remember the days of old, Scan the years, age upon age; Ask of thy sire that he shew thee, Thine elders, that they may tell thee. 8When the Highest gave nations their heritage, When He sundered the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples By the tale of Israel’s sons (?) 9For the Lord’s own lot is Jacob, Israel the scale of His heritage.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:7

7. Remember the days of old — In thought the speaker places himself in the midst of the moral degeneracy and apostasy of the people.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:7

	Sermon	Description
	Blessed Are They Who Consider by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his personal struggle with leaving his job and following God's calling. He shares how God spoke to him through the sight of four birds peck
	Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and
	Why History Matters pt.1 by Ted Byfield	Ted Byfield emphasizes the importance of history, particularly Christian history, in shaping civilizations and societies. He highlights the essentiality of simple moral rules in ma
	Sunday Lessons. the Principle of Selection by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman discusses the alterations in the Liturgy, particularly focusing on the selection of Sunday Lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament. He emphasizes the impor
	A Life of Victory in the Midst of Troubles by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not compromising with the world. He warns against trying to win people over by conforming
	Orthodoxy (How to Discern 3) by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch addresses the issue of individual interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of aligning our understanding with orthodox doctrine that has been established
	A Revival Sermon (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to world