To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

DEUTERONOMY 32:35KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:35 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:35 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:35 says that the right to take vengeance and repay wrongs belongs to God alone, and that those who do evil will eventually face consequences when the time is right. The verse warns that disaster for the wrongdoers is near and will come quickly when their appointed time arrives.

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, delivering a song from God that recounts Israel’s history and warns against turning away from God. This verse is part of a section where God declares that He, not humans, will judge and repay those who act wickedly, especially Israel’s enemies. The image of a foot slipping suggests that those who seem secure in wrongdoing will suddenly fall when their time of judgment comes.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:35

  • "Vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam) means payback or retribution. Here, it stresses that only God has the authority to settle scores and bring justice, not people.
  • "Slide" (מוֹט, mot) means to slip or stagger. The phrase "their foot shall slide" paints a picture of sudden and unexpected downfall, showing that judgment can come when least expected.
  • "Calamity" (אֵיד, ed) refers to disaster or ruin. The verse warns that the day of disaster for the wrongdoers is close, highlighting the certainty and nearness of God’s judgment.
  • "Haste" (חָשַׁף, chashaf) means to hurry or come quickly. This word underlines how swiftly consequences will arrive once the time is set.

Why Deuteronomy 32:35 matters

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 clarifies that vengeance is not for humans to take, but is reserved for God, correcting any idea that people should seek personal revenge.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s control over justice and timing, reminding the listener that even when wrongdoers seem to prosper, their downfall is certain and will come at the right moment.
  • In the context of Moses’ song, this verse reassures Israel that God is aware of injustice and will act, encouraging trust in His judgment rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Where else these words appear

“come” Hebrew H6264 · used in 6 verses

  • Esther 3:14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
  • Esther 8:13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
  • Job 15:24 Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

“vengeance” Hebrew H5359 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
  • Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
  • Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

“haste” Hebrew H2363 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • Psalms 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
  • Psalms 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

“calamity” Hebrew H343 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
  • Psalms 18:18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
  • Jeremiah 18:17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.