Deuteronomy 32:32

KJV

For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes [are] grapes of gall, their clusters [are] bitter:

KJV (with Strong's)

For their vine {H1612} is of the vine {H1612} of Sodom {H5467}, and of the fields {H7709} of Gomorrah {H6017}: their grapes {H6025} are grapes {H6025} of gall {H7219}, their clusters {H811} are bitter {H4846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Rather, their vine is from the vine of S'dom, from the fields of 'Amora -their grapes are poisonous, their clusters are bitter;

Berean Standard Bible

But their vine is from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poisonous; their clusters are bitter.

American Standard Version

For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, And of the fields of Gomorrah: Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:32, a poignant verse within Moses' prophetic "Song," employs vivid agricultural imagery to lament Israel's anticipated spiritual and moral decline. It starkly portrays God's chosen people as a "vine" that, instead of yielding righteous fruit, produces the poisonous grapes of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing profound apostasy and the bitter consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a solemn warning, highlighting the depth of Israel's future rebellion and the inevitable divine judgment that would follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within "The Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a lengthy poetic oracle delivered by Moses just before his death and the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. The song functions as a covenant lawsuit, a solemn witness against Israel, foretelling their future rebellion, the subsequent divine judgment, and ultimately, God's vindication of His name and justice. Throughout the song, God's perfect character, unwavering faithfulness, and providential care for His people are starkly contrasted with Israel's anticipated spiritual decline and idolatry. Verse 32 specifically intensifies the indictment, illustrating the extreme nature of their apostasy by likening their spiritual fruit to the notorious wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, leading into the themes of divine vengeance and recompense that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the vine and vineyard was deeply significant in ancient Israel, a predominantly agrarian society. The vine often symbolized Israel itself, chosen and cultivated by God to produce good fruit (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). This verse subverts that positive symbolism, depicting a complete degeneration. Historically, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")) served as a foundational warning against pervasive wickedness and a powerful testament to God's righteous judgment. By associating Israel's "vine" with these cities, Moses invokes the most potent biblical symbol of extreme depravity and divine wrath, emphasizing the severity of Israel's future betrayal of the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai. The geographical setting, just prior to entering Canaan, underscores the urgency of Moses' warning against adopting the corrupt practices of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Song of Moses and the broader Deuteronomic narrative. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Apostasy**. Israel, intended to be God's holy nation and a "good vine," is prophesied to become utterly corrupt, betraying their covenant relationship. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, as the "bitter" fruit necessitates God's righteous response to their unfaithfulness. The verse also highlights the theme of **Prophetic Warning and Witness**, as Moses' song serves as an enduring testimony against Israel's future actions, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from the Lord. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Purity versus Corruption**, vividly illustrating how spiritual compromise can lead to a complete perversion of one's intended purpose, transforming a source of life into a source of poison, as seen in the contrast between God's original intention for Israel and their predicted degeneration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** In biblical literature, the "vine" (גפן) is a recurring and potent metaphor for Israel, often depicting their intimate relationship with God as the divine Vinedresser. It signifies God's careful planting, cultivation, and expectation of good fruit (e.g., [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalm/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-16 - God's Vine, Israel")). In Deuteronomy 32:32, the phrase "their vine" refers to Israel, but the subsequent comparison to "the vine of Sodom" immediately subverts this positive imagery, indicating a profound spiritual corruption and a complete failure to live up to their covenant identity and purpose.
* **Sodom and Gomorrah (Hebrew, _s'dom_ and _'amoráh'_):** These cities (סְדֹם and עֲמֹרָה) are archetypal symbols of profound human wickedness, sexual perversion, and rebellion against God, resulting in their catastrophic destruction by divine fire (Genesis 19). Their names evoke the ultimate example of depravity and the severity of God's judgment. By linking Israel's "vine" to "Sodom" and "Gomorrah," Moses employs a shocking hyperbole, suggesting that Israel's future apostasy would reach a level of moral and spiritual corruption comparable to these infamous cities, a betrayal so deep it would warrant similar divine wrath.
* **Gall (Hebrew, _ro'sh'_):** The Hebrew word "gall" (ראש) typically refers to a poisonous or bitter herb, often associated with hemlock or other toxic plants. It is frequently used metaphorically in the Old Testament to denote bitterness, poison, or destructive judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:14](/jeremiah/8-14 "Jeremiah 8:14 - Water of Gall")). In this verse, "grapes of gall" signifies that the fruit of Israel's spiritual degeneration is not merely unpleasant or sour, but actively toxic and deadly, leading to spiritual death and divine condemnation rather than life and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom":** This clause establishes the shocking comparison. "Their vine" refers to Israel, whom God had carefully cultivated. The phrase "of the vine of Sodom" means that Israel has adopted the character, nature, and practices of the wicked inhabitants of Sodom. It implies a complete spiritual transformation from a holy, set-apart people into one whose very essence is defined by extreme godlessness and moral decay, contrary to their covenant identity.
* **"and of the fields of Gomorrah":** This phrase serves as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the preceding comparison. By adding "and of the fields of Gomorrah," Moses emphasizes the pervasive nature of their corruption. It suggests that not only their core identity ("vine") but also their entire sphere of influence and activity ("fields") have become contaminated by the wickedness associated with Gomorrah, leaving no aspect of their spiritual life untouched by depravity.
* **"their grapes [are] grapes of gall":** Moving from the identity of the vine to its produce, this clause describes the fruit of Israel's apostasy. "Grapes of gall" indicates that their actions, their spiritual output, and the consequences of their choices are not merely bad, but poisonous and destructive. This "gall" represents the bitter and deadly outcome of their sin, signifying spiritual death, judgment, and the complete opposite of the life-giving fruit God expected from His people.
* **"their clusters [are] bitter":** This final clause further emphasizes the negative and unpleasant nature of the fruit. "Bitter" (מְרֹרֹת, _m'rorot_) reinforces the idea of something repulsive, painful, and sorrowful. It signifies that the cumulative effect of their widespread corruption, represented by "clusters," will be a harvest of suffering, divine displeasure, and a complete lack of the sweetness and blessing that should characterize a people in right relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:32 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. Israel is metaphorically represented as a "vine," a common biblical symbol for God's chosen people. This metaphor is then powerfully subverted by likening it to "the vine of Sodom," symbolizing utter spiritual corruption. The "grapes" and "clusters" symbolize the actions, character, and consequences of Israel's apostasy. The use of "gall" is a potent **Symbol** for poison and deadly bitterness, emphasizing the destructive nature of their sin. The verse also employs a strong **Allusion** to the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, leveraging their well-known biblical history as epitomes of wickedness and divine judgment to underscore the severity of Israel's predicted moral decline. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** between "their grapes are grapes of gall" and "their clusters are bitter," where the second phrase reiterates and intensifies the first, creating a sense of inescapable and pervasive negativity. The stark imagery and extreme comparison also lean towards **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of Israel's corruption to shock and warn the audience about the gravity of their potential unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:32 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant faithfulness and the inevitable consequences of apostasy. It underscores God's expectation for His people to bear good fruit, reflecting His character and covenant stipulations. When Israel, God's specially chosen "vine," degenerates to the level of Sodom and Gomorrah, it signifies a complete betrayal of their identity and purpose, necessitating divine judgment. This verse highlights the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and spiritual corruption invariably leads to a bitter harvest. It is a powerful reminder that God's justice is unwavering, and His people are held to a higher standard, with their unfaithfulness provoking a righteous and severe response. The imagery foreshadows later prophetic condemnations of Israel's spiritual barrenness and idolatry, emphasizing the consistent theme of divine disappointment with a people who fail to live up to their calling.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Degenerate Vine")
* [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel, a Degenerate Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:32 offers a timeless and sobering warning for all who claim to be God's people. It compels us to critically examine the "fruit" of our own lives: are our thoughts, words, and actions truly reflecting the character of Christ, or are we, like the vine of Israel, allowing the corrupting influences of the world to produce "grapes of gall" and "bitter clusters"? This verse challenges us to consider the insidious nature of spiritual compromise, reminding us that even subtle deviations from God's truth can, over time, lead to a profound and destructive apostasy. It calls for constant vigilance, discernment, and a radical commitment to purity and righteousness. Our spiritual vitality depends on remaining deeply rooted in the "true vine," Jesus Christ, and actively resisting the pervasive influences of a world alienated from God. We are called to be a people who bear good fruit, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, rather than yielding to the bitterness and poison of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" am I producing in my life, and does it align with the character of Christ or the influences of the world?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly compromising, allowing "Sodom-like" influences to take root?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper connection to the "true vine" (Jesus) to ensure I bear good, life-giving fruit?**
* **What steps can I take to actively resist the corrupting influences of culture and maintain spiritual purity?**

### FAQ
**Why is Israel compared to Sodom and Gomorrah in this verse?**

Answer: The comparison of Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah is a powerful and shocking hyperbole used by Moses to emphasize the extreme nature of their anticipated spiritual and moral corruption. Sodom and Gomorrah were notorious biblical cities synonymous with pervasive wickedness and divine judgment (see [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")). By drawing this parallel, Moses highlights that Israel's future apostasy would be so profound and their betrayal of the covenant so complete that their behavior would rival the very worst examples of human depravity, thus warranting a similar, severe divine response. It underscores the depth of God's disappointment and the gravity of their unfaithfulness.

**What does "gall" signify in the context of "grapes of gall"?**

Answer: In the context of Deuteronomy 32:32, "gall" (Hebrew: _ro'sh_) refers to a poisonous or extremely bitter plant, often associated with hemlock or other toxic herbs. When the verse speaks of "grapes of gall," it signifies that the fruit of Israel's spiritual corruption is not merely unpleasant or sour, but actively poisonous and destructive. It represents the deadly consequences of their sin and rebellion against God. This imagery emphasizes that their actions and character would lead to spiritual death, divine judgment, and a harvest of sorrow, rather than the life, blessing, and sweetness expected from God's chosen people. It's a vivid metaphor for the destructive nature of unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:32, with its grim portrayal of Israel as a degenerate vine yielding bitter fruit, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Israel failed to be the fruitful vine God intended, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), inviting believers to abide in Him to bear abundant, good fruit. The "grapes of gall" and "bitter clusters" that Israel produced represent the poisonous fruit of sin and rebellion, which ultimately led to judgment. Yet, Christ, though sinless, willingly bore the bitterness and gall of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming a curse for us (as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He experienced the full cup of God's wrath and judgment against sin, which was the bitter harvest due to humanity's apostasy. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus transforms the potential for "gall" and "bitterness" in our lives into the sweet fruit of righteousness and the Spirit (as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). He is the one who delivers us from the curse of a corrupted vine, offering new life and the ability to produce fruit that honors God, making us part of His redeemed vineyard, purified and made fruitful through His grace.

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

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Ezekiel 16:45

Thou [art] thy mother's daughter, that lotheth her husband and her children; and thou [art] the sister of thy sisters, which lothed their husbands and their children: your mother [was] an Hittite, and your father an Amorite.

Ezekiel 16:51

Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.

Isaiah 5:4

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Jeremiah 2:21

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;