And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

DEUTERONOMY 32:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:20 describes God declaring that He will turn away from the people of Israel to see what will happen to them, because they are a stubborn generation and do not trust Him. The verse shows God’s response to the people’s lack of faith and their rebellious attitude.

In this verse, Moses is quoting God as He speaks about the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The people have repeatedly turned away from God, so He says He will "hide His face," meaning He will withdraw His favor and protection for a time. The verse highlights the seriousness of Israel’s unfaithfulness and sets the stage for the consequences that follow in the rest of the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:20

  • "Hide" (סָתַר, satar): This word means to conceal or withdraw. Here, it suggests God is intentionally stepping back, not watching over or intervening for the people as He usually does.
  • "Face" (פָּנִים, panim): In Hebrew, "face" often represents presence or favor. God hiding His "face" means He is withholding His attention and blessing.
  • "Froward" (תַּהְפֻּכָה, tahpukhah): This word is often understood as twisted, perverse, or stubborn. It points to a generation that has turned away from what is right.
  • "Faith" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word means faithfulness, trust, or reliability. The verse says the children lack "emunah," highlighting their unreliability and unwillingness to trust God.

Why Deuteronomy 32:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s "hiding His face" is not abandonment but a purposeful response to persistent unfaithfulness, giving the people space to see the results of their choices.
  • The use of strong words like "froward" and "no faith" emphasizes the depth of Israel’s problem—not just disobedience, but a deep lack of trust and loyalty.
  • Deuteronomy 32:20 connects to the larger theme of the chapter, where Moses warns Israel about the consequences of turning away from God, setting up a pattern seen throughout Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“faith” Hebrew H529 · used in 5 verses

  • Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
  • Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
  • Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

“froward” Hebrew H8419 · used in 10 verses

  • Proverbs 2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
  • Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
  • Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

“end” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.