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.