Deuteronomy 32:9
Deuteronomy 32:9 in Multiple Translations
But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance.
For the LORD’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
For Jehovah’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
For the Lord's wealth is his people; Jacob is the land of his heritage.
But the Lord's people are his, Israel is his chosen one.
For the Lordes portion is his people: Iaakob is the lot of his inheritance.
For Jehovah's portion [is] His people, Jacob [is] the line of His inheritance.
For the LORD’s portion is his people. Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
But the Lord’s portion is his people: Jacob the lot of his inheritance.
But Yahweh decided that we would be his people; he chose us, the descendants of Jacob, to belong to him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 32:9
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 32:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
חֵ֥לֶק
יְהֹוָ֖ה
עַמּ֑/וֹ
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
חֶ֥בֶל
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חֵ֥לֶק
chêleq
H2506
portion
N-ms
יְהֹוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
חֶ֥בֶל
chebel
H2256
cord
N-cs
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 32:9
כִּ֛י
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.
חֵ֥לֶק
chêleq
H2506
"portion"
N-ms
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
יְהֹוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
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.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
חֶ֥בֶל
chebel
H2256
"cord"
N-cs
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 32:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:9
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:9
Context — The Song of Moses
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.
10He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye. 11As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 10:16 | The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance— the LORD of Hosts is His name. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:9–10 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. |
| 3 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 4 | 1 Kings 8:53 | For You, O Lord GOD, as Your inheritance, have set them apart from all the peoples of the earth, as You spoke through Your servant Moses when You brought our fathers out of Egypt.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 8:51 | For they are Your people and Your inheritance; You brought them out of Egypt, out of the furnace for iron. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:19 | The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and of the tribe of His inheritance— the LORD of Hosts is His name. |
| 7 | Isaiah 43:21 | The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 26:18–19 | And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, that He will set you high in praise and name and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as He has promised. |
| 9 | Psalms 135:4 | For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession. |
| 10 | Exodus 15:16 | and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by. |
Deuteronomy 32:9 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 32:9, tells us that among all the nations, God has chosen a special people for Himself, represented by Jacob, or Israel. This means God loves and cares for them in a unique way, as His own inheritance, similar to how it's described in Psalm 135:4 that God has chosen Jacob for Himself. Being part of God's inheritance is a special privilege, and for believers, it means being loved and cared for by God, as part of His plan, as seen in Romans 8:16-17 where believers are called heirs of God. This understanding can help us feel loved, valued, and connected to God's bigger plan, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises a future and a hope for those who are His.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD's portion is His people?
This means that among all the nations, God has chosen the people of Israel, represented by Jacob, as His special inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:9 and also in Deuteronomy 7:6 where it says God has chosen them to be a people for Himself.
How does this relate to the idea of God giving nations their inheritance in Deuteronomy 32:8?
While God gave the nations their inheritance, His own portion and inheritance is the people of Israel, demonstrating His special love and care for them, as also highlighted in Exodus 19:5-6 where Israel is called a treasure and a kingdom of priests.
What is the significance of Jacob being called God's allotted inheritance?
Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, represents the people of God, and being called God's allotted inheritance signifies God's enduring commitment and love for them, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3 where it says God has loved Israel with an everlasting love.
How does this concept apply to believers today?
For believers in Jesus Christ, this concept extends to include all those who are in Christ, as they are also considered God's inheritance, as seen in Ephesians 1:18, where believers are called God's inheritance, highlighting God's love and plan for their lives.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you personally that you are part of God's inheritance, if you are a believer?
- How does understanding God's special love for Israel help deepen your appreciation for the Bible and God's plan?
- In what ways can you reflect God's love and care for His people in your interactions with others?
- How does the concept of being God's allotted inheritance influence your sense of identity and purpose?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 32:9
For the Lord's portion [is] his people, Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 32:9
When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
It is no wonder God had so great a regard to this people, for he chose them out of all mankind to be his peculiar portion and treasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
Deuteronomy 32:9 For the LORD’ S portion [is] his people; Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance. Ver. 9. For the Lord’ s portion.] Dear to God, though despised of the world. They are the Lord’ s "inheritance," "peculiar" ones, the people of his purchase, that comprehended all his gettings, his "glory," his "ornament," his "throne," his "diadem," "heirs of the kingdom," saith St James, heads destinated to the diadem, saith Tertullian.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
(8, 9) Comp. Deuteronomy 21:16. “when the Most High made nations to inherit, When He parted the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the peoples, According to the number of the sons of Israel. For the portion of Jehovah is His people, Jacob the cord [7] of His inheritance” [7] i.e., limit.The allusion is to the dispersion from Babel (Genesis 10, 11). The Jews were accustomed to reckon seventy nations and languages in that dispersion. Seventy members of Jacob’s household went down into Egypt. And literally they interpret this passage to mean that in dividing the lands to the peoples, Jehovah left room for His own, so that they might inherit the promised land without any undue pressure upon other nations. It is noticeable that the children of Lot and Esau were carefully preserved from disturbance by Israel (Deuteronomy 2). But this is the bare literal interpretation. The true meaning of the passage is given by St. Paul in his speech at Athens: “He determined (for all nations) times before appointed, and the setting of the boundaries of their habitation, that they might seek the Lord.” The nations were so disposed in the world, and so developed, that each might have its opportunity of seeking Jehovah, in due season, through contact with His people—“if, as was certainly not impossible, they might feel after Him and find Him, who is not far from any one of us.
For we are even His offspring.” Hence He appoints our inheritance. With some such thought as this, the LXX. translate the latter half of Deu 32:8, “He set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the angels of God” The chosen people were to be His messengers to the nations. He chose Israel for His own portion, that through them He might inherit the world. And yet in the face of this glorious calling and mission, the undutiful behaviour of Israel was their one great blot. They had only to accept the position already prepared for them, and they refused!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 32:9
Verse 9. The Lord's portion is his people] What an astonishing saying! As holy souls take GOD for their portion, so GOD takes them for his portion. He represents himself as happy in his followers; and they are infinitely happy in, and satisfied with, God as their portion. This is what is implied in being a saint. He who is seeking for an earthly portion, has little commerce with the Most High.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 32:9
9. portion] Or lot; in Deuteronomy 12:12 with inheritance. his people] LXX removes Jacob to this line, and to the end of the following adds Israel. In that case his people is superfluous both to the sense and to the rhythm. lot] Lit. measuring-rope, i.e. scale or range; cp. Deuteronomy 9:26, Psalms 105:11.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 32:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #19 Ch. 29:31 - Ch. 31:14 the Sons of Israel by Chuck Missler | In this 19th study in the book of Genesis, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapter 29, verse 31, through chapter 31, verse 14. He begins by sharing an anecdote about meeting Malcolm |
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Going Through a Dry Spell by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the experience of spiritual dryness that many believers face, emphasizing that even in moments of feeling distant from God, faith and love for Jesus remai |
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Dangers in the Way #2 "Dangers of Prosperity and Adversity" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the dual dangers of prosperity and adversity in the Christian life, emphasizing that both can lead to spiritual peril. He illustrates how prosperity can foster |
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Hilarius Pictaviensis by John Gill | John Gill discusses the teachings of Hilarius Pictaviensis regarding predestination, emphasizing that God has a determinate number of elect individuals chosen for eternal glory. Hi |
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God's Inheritance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink expounds on the profound truth that God's inheritance is found in His people, emphasizing that God chose not the world or angels, but humanity as His special treasure. He |
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You Are Mine! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that believers are cherished by God, who created, redeemed, and called them by name. He highlights that each individual is precious in G |
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The Lord's People His Portion by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that God's people are His treasured possession, highlighting the profound love and regard God has for them as expressed in Scripture. He explains that God |