Deuteronomy 32:25

KJV

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sword {H2719} without {H2351}, and terror {H367} within {H2315}, shall destroy {H7921} both the young man {H970} and the virgin {H1330}, the suckling {H3243} also with the man {H376} of gray hairs {H7872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Outside, the sword makes parents childless; inside, there is panic, as young men and girls alike are slain, sucklings and graybeards together.

Berean Standard Bible

Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man.

American Standard Version

Without shall the sword bereave, And in the chambers terror; It shall destroyboth young man and virgin, The suckling with the man of gray hairs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:25, a potent declaration within the prophetic "Song of Moses," serves as a grim and comprehensive warning to ancient Israel. It vividly portrays the multifaceted and devastating nature of divine judgment that would inevitably befall the nation should they abandon their covenant fidelity to Yahweh and succumb to idolatry. This verse underscores the severity and totality of the consequences, depicting a society utterly consumed by both external warfare and internal dread, with no demographic spared from the impending calamity, from the most vulnerable to the most respected.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:25 is deeply embedded within "The Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32), a profound poetic composition delivered by Moses just prior to his death and Israel's imminent entry into the Promised Land. This song functions as a prophetic witness, recounting God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel despite their inherent tendency towards rebellion and outlining the covenant blessings for obedience alongside the severe curses for disobedience. It serves as a solemn, enduring reminder of the consequences of apostasy. Verse 25 specifically details the horrifying extent of these curses, emphasizing that divine judgment would be all-encompassing, affecting every segment of society from the most innocent to the most aged. The song as a whole serves as a legal testimony, a "witness" (Deuteronomy 31:19), against Israel, foreknowing their future unfaithfulness and the resulting divine discipline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Moses is delivered to a generation standing on the precipice of a new era, having witnessed God's miraculous provision and formidable judgment during their wilderness wanderings. They are poised to enter Canaan, a land teeming with pagan cultures and idolatrous practices, which would pose a constant temptation to deviate from the exclusive worship of Yahweh, as commanded by the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods"). The covenant established at Sinai, meticulously reiterated and expounded upon in Deuteronomy, stipulated clear blessings for obedience and dire curses for disobedience. This verse, therefore, reflects the ancient Near Eastern treaty format where suzerains (overlords) would outline the dire consequences for vassals who broke their allegiance. It also highlights the corporate nature of Israelite society, where the actions of the nation as a whole could bring judgment upon all its members, underscoring a collective responsibility before God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness against sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The comprehensive nature of the destruction, affecting "the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs," highlights the theme of **Total Judgment**, emphasizing that no one would be exempt from the widespread calamity brought about by national apostasy. Furthermore, the distinction between "the sword without" and "terror within" introduces the theme of **Multifaceted Consequences**, indicating that God's judgment would manifest through both external warfare and internal societal collapse or psychological dread. This dire prophecy reinforces the **Seriousness of Disobedience** and the sanctity of the covenant relationship, echoing warnings found in passages like [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25 - God's Judgment Through the Sword") and foreshadowing the historical experiences of Israel, such as the Babylonian exile described in [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation"). The song ultimately points to God's ultimate faithfulness, even in judgment, as a means to bring His people back to Himself (cf. [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1-10 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Return to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This term (H2719) is derived from a root meaning "drought" or "to lay waste," and thus signifies a cutting instrument, often used for its destructive effect. In biblical contexts, _chereb_ is a potent and frequently used metaphor for war, violence, and particularly divine wrath. It signifies an instrument of judgment, often wielded by God or by nations acting as His agents to bring about punishment for rebellion and sin. In this verse, "the sword without" specifically refers to external military assault and the devastation wrought by foreign enemies.
* **Terror (Hebrew, _ʼêymâh'_):** The word (H367) denotes fright, dread, panic, or horror. It suggests a profound internal disarray, psychological torment, or widespread fear that paralyzes a community from within. This internal "terror" could stem from famine, pestilence, internal strife, or the sheer psychological burden of divine abandonment and the consequences of moral decay, complementing the external threat of the sword. It speaks to a state of being consumed by fear from within their own borders.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** This primitive root (H7921) primarily means "to miscarry" or "to suffer abortion." By analogy, it extends to "to bereave" or "to make childless." While translated as "destroy" in KJV, its deeper meaning here conveys a catastrophic loss of life, particularly focusing on the removal of children or the productive members of society, leading to a state of barrenness or depopulation. This nuance emphasizes the devastating impact on the future generations and the continuity of the nation, highlighting a profound and lasting desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sword without":** This phrase refers to external threats, specifically warfare, invasion, and military conquest by foreign enemies. It signifies the physical destruction, death, and desolation that would come upon Israel from outside their borders as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness to the covenant. This speaks to the external pressures and violence that would dismantle their society.
* **"and terror within":** In stark contrast to the external sword, this clause points to internal threats. "Terror" here implies a pervasive sense of dread, panic, and internal collapse—perhaps due to famine, disease, civil strife, or the psychological impact of divine judgment—that would consume the nation from within its own social fabric. It suggests a breakdown of order and a pervasive sense of fear and hopelessness among the people themselves.
* **"shall destroy both the young man and the virgin":** This specifies the initial demographic scope of the destruction, employing the primary meaning of _shâkôl_ (to bereave/make childless). "Young man" (H970, _bâchûwr_, meaning "chosen" or "youth") and "virgin" (H1330, _bᵉthûwlâh_, meaning "separated" or "maid") represent the vibrant, productive, and future-bearing segment of society. Their destruction signifies the decimation of the nation's strength, hope, and continuity, crippling its ability to reproduce and thrive.
* **"the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs":** This extends the scope of destruction to the absolute extremes of the age spectrum, completing the picture of comprehensive judgment. The "suckling" (H3243, _yânaq_, referring to a nursing child) represents the most innocent and vulnerable, utterly dependent on others, while the "man of gray hairs" (H7872, _sêybâh_, referring to old age and wisdom) represents the oldest, wisest, and most respected members of the community. This merism emphasizes the total, indiscriminate, and comprehensive nature of the judgment, sparing no one regardless of age, status, or vulnerability, ensuring that the entire societal structure is dismantled.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark and unforgettable message of divine judgment. **Merism** is prominently used in the phrase "both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs." This rhetorical device uses two contrasting or extreme parts (youth and age, male and female) to represent the entirety of the population, effectively communicating that the judgment would spare no one, from the youngest and most vulnerable to the oldest and most respected. The phrase "the sword without, and terror within" utilizes striking **Antithesis** and **Metonymy**. "Sword without" is a metonym for external military conflict and its destructive power, while "terror within" represents the internal psychological and societal collapse. The antithetical pairing highlights the dual, comprehensive nature of the impending calamity, attacking the nation from all sides—physically from without and psychologically/socially from within. The entire verse functions as a vivid **Prophecy** and a solemn **Warning**, painting a graphic picture of future desolation intended to impress upon Israel the gravity of covenant fidelity. The stark imagery evokes a sense of dread, serving as a powerful deterrent against apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:25 stands as a profound theological statement on God's justice, holiness, and the inviolable nature of His covenant. It reveals that God is not merely a benevolent provider but also a righteous judge who holds His people accountable for their fidelity. The comprehensive nature of the judgment underscores the corporate responsibility of Israel, where the nation's collective sin brings consequences upon all its members. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His patience has limits, and His divine order demands a response of obedience and worship. The "Song of Moses" as a whole, and this verse in particular, functions as a prophetic witness, foretelling the inevitable outcome of Israel's predicted apostasy and serving as a theological anchor for understanding later periods of national suffering and exile, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. It powerfully articulates the principle that divine judgment is a just response to persistent rebellion and a necessary act to uphold God's holy character and the sanctity of His covenant.

* [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25 - God's Judgment Through the Sword and Pestilence")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine, Sword, and Pestilence as God's Judgment")
* [Lamentations 2:21](/lamentations/2-21 "Lamentations 2:21 - Death of Young and Old in the Streets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:25, though rooted in ancient covenant theology, carries profound and enduring relevance for believers today. It compels us to confront the seriousness of spiritual disobedience and the reality of divine judgment, not as arbitrary punishment, but as the inevitable consequence of turning away from the source of life and truth. While the New Covenant establishes grace through faith in Christ as the basis of salvation, the principle that choices have consequences remains. A life lived in defiance of God's revealed will can lead to internal turmoil, spiritual barrenness, and external struggles, even if not the same physical destruction as ancient Israel. This verse calls us to a deeper appreciation for God's holiness and a renewed commitment to faithful obedience, recognizing that true flourishing comes from aligning our lives with His divine purposes. It serves as a sober reminder that God is not to be trifled with, and His love, though boundless, is always intertwined with His justice. For the church, it underscores the importance of corporate faithfulness and the potential for a community to experience internal and external challenges when it drifts from its foundational commitment to Christ and His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the severity of God's judgment in this verse deepen your appreciation for His boundless grace and mercy found in Christ?**
* **In what contemporary ways might "terror within" manifest in a community or an individual's life when there is spiritual departure from God's truth and ways?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the corporate responsibility of a community of faith, and how might that apply to the church today in maintaining spiritual integrity?**
* **How can the warnings of the Old Testament, like Deuteronomy 32:25, serve as a motivation for faithful living and a deeper pursuit of holiness rather than a cause for fear under the New Covenant?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God is cruel or arbitrary in His judgment?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is cruel or arbitrary. Instead, it underscores God's perfect justice and holiness in the context of a specific covenant relationship. The judgment described here is a direct, pre-warned consequence of Israel's persistent and deliberate unfaithfulness to the covenant they willingly entered into with God at Sinai. Throughout Deuteronomy, God repeatedly lays out the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). This verse is part of a prophetic song given by Moses as a "witness" against Israel, foreknowing their future rebellion. It highlights God's commitment to His own righteous character and the seriousness with which He views covenant breaking, demonstrating that His love is not sentimental but holy and just. The severity of the judgment reflects the gravity of the sin—turning away from the one true God to idolatry, which is a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship.

**How does this Old Testament warning apply to believers under the New Covenant?**

Answer: While believers under the New Covenant are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and are not under the Mosaic Law's covenant curses for salvation, the principles of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the consequences of spiritual rebellion remain. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God is not indifferent to sin, and that persistent disobedience can lead to severe consequences in this life, even for believers. While not necessarily physical destruction in the same manner as ancient Israel, "terror within" can manifest as spiritual barrenness, internal turmoil, broken relationships, and a loss of God's manifest blessing and peace. The New Testament also warns against the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in unrepentance (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Warning Against Deliberate Sin") and [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")). Ultimately, this verse points us to the absolute necessity of Christ, who bore the full weight of God's judgment for those who believe, thereby delivering us from the "sword without and terror within" of divine wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:25, with its stark portrayal of comprehensive divine judgment, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in two primary ways. First, it highlights the desperate need for a deliverer from such wrath. The "sword without" and "terror within" represent the just consequences of humanity's rebellion against a holy God. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fully absorbed this divine judgment on the cross, taking upon Himself the "sword" of God's wrath so that those who believe might be spared (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). He experienced the ultimate "terror within" as He cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (Matthew 27:46), bearing the spiritual desolation of sin's separation from God. Second, this verse foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment that will be meted out to all who reject God's gracious provision in Christ. While believers are now under a new covenant of grace (cf. [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")), the principle of divine justice remains, culminating in the final judgment where those outside of Christ will face eternal separation and the full weight of God's righteous anger (cf. [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Deuteronomy 32:25 not only warns of historical judgment but also powerfully points to the person and work of Christ as the sole means of escape from eternal judgment and the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 7:15

The sword [is] without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that [is] in the field shall die with the sword; and he that [is] in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

Lamentations 1:20

Behold, O LORD; for I [am] in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home [there is] as death.

Lamentations 4:4

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Leviticus 26:37

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.