For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

DEUTERONOMY 32:36KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:36 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:36 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:36 says that the LORD will judge his people and show compassion to his servants when he sees they have no strength left and no one is left to help them. This verse describes a turning point where God, after seeing his people brought low, chooses to act with mercy rather than only with judgment.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, delivering a song that warns them about turning away from God but also promises that God will not abandon them forever. The verse highlights God’s awareness of his people’s suffering and his willingness to respond with pity when they are completely helpless.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:36

  • The word “judge” (דִּין, din) here means more than just passing sentence; it can also mean to bring justice or to act on behalf of someone, suggesting God’s intervention for his people’s good.
  • “Repent himself” comes from the Hebrew נָחַם (nacham), which often means to feel sorrow, pity, or to be moved with compassion. In this context, it shows God’s emotional response to his servants’ distress, not that God made a mistake, but that he is moved to show mercy.
  • “Power” is יָד (yad), literally “hand,” a common Hebrew way to talk about strength or ability. The verse says their “hand” is gone, meaning they have no strength or resources left.
  • “Servants” (עֶבֶד, eved) refers to those who belong to God, emphasizing a relationship of loyalty and care.

Why Deuteronomy 32:36 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s judgment is only about punishment; it shows that God’s justice includes mercy and compassion, especially when his people are at their weakest.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Deuteronomy 32, where God warns of consequences but also promises not to abandon his people completely.
  • It reminds readers that God’s response is not mechanical or distant—he sees, he feels, and he acts out of concern for those who serve him, even after they have failed.

Where else these words appear

“gone” Hebrew H235 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
  • Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
  • Jeremiah 2:36 Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

“judge” Hebrew H1777 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
  • Psalms 7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

“none” Hebrew H657 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
  • Psalms 67:7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
  • Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

“up” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 14:10 Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.