Deuteronomy 32:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The Rock! His work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A trustworthy God who does no wrong, he is righteous and straight.

Berean Standard Bible:

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

American Standard Version:

The Rock, his work is perfect; For all his ways are justice: A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, Just and right is he.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He is the Rock{H6697}, his work{H6467} is perfect{H8549}: for all his ways{H1870} are judgment{H4941}: a God{H410} of truth{H530} and without iniquity{H5766}, just{H6662} and right{H3477} is he.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 18:30

  • [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psalms 18:31

  • For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God?

Psalms 92:15

  • To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.

Isaiah 26:4

  • Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Psalms 18:2

  • The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

2 Samuel 22:31

  • [As for] God, his way [is] perfect; the word of the LORD [is] tried: he [is] a buckler to all them that trust in him.

2 Samuel 22:32

  • For who [is] God, save the LORD? and who [is] a rock, save our God?

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 32:4

Deuteronomy 32:4 is part of the Song of Moses, which is found in the final book of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses himself. This song serves as a poetic summary of Israel's history, a warning to future generations, and a declaration of God's sovereignty and justice. The verse is set within the broader context of Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land without him.

In Deuteronomy 32:4, the themes of God's perfection, justice, and truth are emphasized. The verse describes God metaphorically as "the Rock," symbolizing His steadfastness, reliability, and strength. The assertion that His work is perfect reflects the belief that everything God does is without flaw or error. The mention of His ways being judgment suggests that God's actions and laws are rooted in fairness and righteousness. He is further characterized as a "God of truth," indicating that He is faithful and His promises can be trusted. The declaration that He is without iniquity underscores God's holiness and moral purity. Finally, the verse concludes by reiterating that God is just and right, highlighting the idea that His rule and decisions are the epitome of justice.

Historically, this verse would have served to reassure the Israelites of God's character as they stood on the brink of a new era without their leader Moses. It would have reminded them of the reliability and righteousness of God, encouraging them to remain faithful to the covenant relationship they had with Him. The verse also sets a standard for the people to emulate in their own lives, as they were called to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). In the broader narrative of the Bible, this verse contributes to the theological foundation that informs the understanding of God's nature, which is later affirmed and expanded upon in the New Testament.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H6697
    There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צוּר
    Transliteration: tsûwr
    Pronunciation: tsoor
    Description: or צֻר; from צוּר; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous); edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also בֵּית צוּר.
  2. Strong's Number: H6467
    There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: פֹּעַל
    Transliteration: pôʻal
    Pronunciation: po'-al
    Description: from פָּעַל; an act or work (concretely); act, deed, do, getting, maker, work.
  3. Strong's Number: H8549
    There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: תָּמִים
    Transliteration: tâmîym
    Pronunciation: taw-meem'
    Description: from תָּמַם; entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth; without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.
  4. Strong's Number: H1870
    There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
    Transliteration: derek
    Pronunciation: deh'-rek
    Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
  5. Strong's Number: H4941
    There are 406 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִשְׁפָּט
    Transliteration: mishpâṭ
    Pronunciation: mish-pawt'
    Description: from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong.
  6. Strong's Number: H410
    There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֵל
    Transliteration: ʼêl
    Pronunciation: ale
    Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.'
  7. Strong's Number: H530
    There are 490 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֱמוּנָה
    Transliteration: ʼĕmûwnâh
    Pronunciation: em-oo-naw'
    Description: or (shortened) אֱמֻנָה; feminine of אֵמוּן; literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity; faith(-ful, -ly, -ness, (man)), set office, stability, steady, truly, truth, verily.
  8. Strong's Number: H5766
    There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עֶוֶל
    Transliteration: ʻevel
    Pronunciation: eh'-vel
    Description: or עָוֶל; and (feminine) עַוְלָה; or עוֹלָה; or עֹלָה; from עֲוַל; (moral) evil; iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness).
  9. Strong's Number: H6662
    There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צַדִּיק
    Transliteration: tsaddîyq
    Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
    Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).
  10. Strong's Number: H3477
    There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָשָׁר
    Transliteration: yâshâr
    Pronunciation: yaw-shawr'
    Description: from יָשַׁר; straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).