Deuteronomy 32:33

KJV

Their wine [is] the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their wine {H3196} is the poison {H2534} of dragons {H8577}, and the cruel {H393} venom {H7219} of asps {H6620}.

Complete Jewish Bible

their wine is snake poison, the cruel venom of vipers.

Berean Standard Bible

Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras.

American Standard Version

Their wine is the poison of serpents, And the cruel venom of asps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:33, a potent line from the prophetic "Song of Moses," employs vivid and visceral metaphors to depict the utterly destructive nature of those who oppose God or of Israel's own apostasy. It declares that the "wine" – representing the essence, practices, and fruit – of the wicked is not merely intoxicating but is, in fact, the deadly "poison of dragons" and the "cruel venom of asps." This verse serves as a stark warning, illustrating the insidious and lethal consequences of spiritual corruption, idolatry, and rebellion against the divine covenant, underscoring God's righteous judgment against such profound evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:33 is situated within the extensive "Song of Moses" ([Deuteronomy 32:1-43](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses")), a profound prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This song functions as a solemn covenant lawsuit, a divine indictment, and a prophetic warning to Israel regarding their future faithfulness. It contrasts God's unwavering character and redemptive acts with Israel's anticipated unfaithfulness and subsequent divine discipline. The verses immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 32:33](/deuteronomy/32-33 "Deuteronomy 32:33 - The Poison of Dragons") describe the "vine" of Israel's enemies (or apostate Israel) as corrupt, bearing "grapes of poison" and "bitter clusters" ([Deuteronomy 32:32](/deuteronomy/32-32 "Deuteronomy 32:32 - Their Vine is from Sodom")). Verse 33 intensifies this imagery, elevating the "wine" from mere bitterness to lethal poison, signifying the ultimate, deadly fruit of their wickedness and rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Moses was delivered at a pivotal moment in Israelite history: on the threshold of entering Canaan, a land teeming with pagan cultures and idolatrous practices. The Israelites were about to face immense temptation to abandon their covenant with Yahweh and adopt the worship and customs of the surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, wine was a staple beverage, often associated with joy, celebration, and prosperity, but also with intoxication and moral corruption. Serpents and venomous creatures were universally recognized symbols of danger, death, and malevolent forces (e.g., the serpent in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity")). The imagery of "dragons" (often large serpents or sea monsters) and "asps" (a type of cobra) would have immediately evoked a sense of profound, inescapable dread and lethal danger to an ancient audience, underscoring the severity of the spiritual threat being described.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Apostasy**, highlighting the dire consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, revealing God's unwavering commitment to hold His people and their enemies accountable for their actions, particularly their spiritual rebellion. The verse also vividly portrays the **Nature of Sin and Evil**, not as a minor transgression but as an inherently corrupting and ultimately lethal force, akin to a deadly poison. Furthermore, it serves as a **Prophetic Warning**, preparing Israel for the spiritual battles ahead and the inevitable outcome of choosing paths contrary to God's revealed will, contrasting the life-giving nature of God's commands with the death-dealing nature of sin, as seen in the choice between [life and death](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life") presented in [Deuteronomy 30](/deuteronomy/30 "Deuteronomy 30 - Choose Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** While literally referring to fermented grape juice, in this context, "wine" functions as a powerful metaphor. It represents the essence, doctrine, practices, or the very fruit of the "vine" described in the preceding verse – the spiritual output and way of life of those who are corrupt or apostate. It suggests something that might initially appear appealing or intoxicating, but whose true nature is revealed as deadly.
* **Poison/Venom (Hebrew, _ḥemah'_ / _ro'sh'_):** The KJV uses "poison" for *ḥemah* and "venom" for *ro'sh*. *Ḥemah* (חֵמָה) primarily means "heat," "rage," or "wrath," but in poetic contexts, it frequently denotes "venom" or "poison," especially of serpents, emphasizing its burning, destructive effect. *Ro'sh* (רֹאשׁ) literally means "head," but it also refers to a poisonous herb (like gall or hemlock) and, by extension, the venom of serpents. The dual use of these terms intensifies the sense of lethal toxicity, indicating something that is inherently and utterly deadly, not merely harmful.
* **Dragons/Asps (Hebrew, _tannin'_ / _peten'_):** *Tannin* (תַּנִּין) can refer to large serpents, sea monsters, or mythical dragons, evoking a sense of ancient, formidable, and monstrous evil. *Peten* (פֶּתֶן) specifically denotes a highly venomous snake, likely a cobra or asp, known for its swift and fatal strike. Together, these creatures symbolize the most dangerous and lethal forms of natural evil, serving as potent metaphors for the insidious, cruel, and inescapable destruction wrought by spiritual rebellion and wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their wine [is] the poison of dragons":** This clause establishes the core metaphor. The "wine" – the very essence or output of the wicked (whether Israel's enemies or apostate Israelites) – is not merely bad or harmful, but fundamentally and intrinsically poisonous. The "poison of dragons" suggests a venom of immense power, ancient malevolence, and overwhelming lethality, implying a spiritual corruption that is deeply rooted and utterly destructive.
* **"and the cruel venom of asps":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism, reiterating and intensifying the first. The "venom of asps" reinforces the idea of a swift, merciless, and fatal spiritual toxin. The addition of "cruel" emphasizes the malicious and unpitying nature of this destructive force, highlighting that the consequences of embracing evil or false worship are not just accidental but are inflicted with deliberate, deadly intent.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:33 is rich in **Metaphor**, where "wine" stands for the spiritual essence or practices of the wicked, and "poison of dragons" and "venom of asps" represent the lethal consequences of such corruption. The verse employs strong **Imagery**, conjuring vivid mental pictures of deadly serpents and their fatal venom, designed to evoke fear and revulsion towards spiritual rebellion. The structure exhibits clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and the cruel venom of asps") largely repeats and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Their wine [is] the poison of dragons"), reinforcing the message of inherent deadliness. The use of such extreme and terrifying imagery also leans towards **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the destructive nature to underscore the severity of the warning and the absolute danger of spiritual compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful verse serves as a stark theological declaration about the nature of evil and the certainty of divine judgment. It underscores that sin and spiritual rebellion are not benign or merely regrettable choices, but are inherently toxic, corrupting the very core of one's being and leading inevitably to spiritual death. The imagery of poison and venom highlights the insidious way sin works, often appearing attractive or harmless at first, like wine, but ultimately delivering a fatal blow. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the wages of sin are death, emphasizing God's righteous character which cannot tolerate such profound corruption and will ultimately bring judgment upon it.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin")
* [Proverbs 23:31](/proverbs/23-31 "The Deceptive Nature of Wine")
* [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:33 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, urging profound spiritual discernment in a world brimming with deceptive allurements. We are called to be acutely aware of what we "consume" spiritually, intellectually, and morally. Just as ancient Israel faced the temptation to partake in the "wine" of pagan cultures, we too are constantly exposed to philosophies, ideologies, entertainment, and lifestyles that, while seemingly appealing or harmless, carry spiritual "poison." This verse serves as a potent warning against spiritual compromise; adopting worldly values or practices contrary to God's Word can lead to insidious spiritual decay and ultimately, destruction. To avoid the "poison of dragons" and "venom of asps," we must remain firmly rooted in God's truth, diligently studying His Word, cultivating a vibrant prayer life, and seeking fellowship with those who uphold biblical truth. Our spiritual diet must consist of the pure, life-giving nourishment of Christ, not the deadly concoctions of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wine" or cultural influences in my life might be subtly introducing spiritual "poison" or "venom"?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and reject deceptive teachings or practices that appear appealing but are ultimately destructive?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my faith, and what steps can I take to remain firmly rooted in God's truth?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in this verse, whose wine is poison?**

Answer: The "they" in Deuteronomy 32:33 primarily refers to the enemies of Israel, as indicated by the preceding verses that describe their corrupt "vine" as being "from the vine of Sodom" ([Deuteronomy 32:32](/deuteronomy/32-32 "Deuteronomy 32:32 - Their Vine is from Sodom")). These are the nations whose idolatrous practices and wicked ways stand in opposition to God's covenant and His people. However, within the broader context of the "Song of Moses" as a warning to Israel, "they" can also prophetically refer to apostate Israel itself, should they turn away from God and adopt the very practices of these wicked nations. In this sense, the "wine" could represent the corrupt fruit of their own rebellion and unfaithfulness.

**Is the "wine" mentioned in this verse literal, or is it a metaphor?**

Answer: The "wine" in Deuteronomy 32:33 is unequivocally a metaphor. It does not refer to literal fermented grape juice but symbolizes the essence, character, practices, doctrines, or the very spiritual output of those who are wicked or rebellious against God. Just as wine is the product of a vine, this "wine" represents the ultimate fruit or consequence of a corrupt spiritual "vine" – a way of life, a system of belief, or a set of actions that is fundamentally antithetical to God's righteous standards and is inherently destructive.

**What do "dragons" and "asps" symbolize in this context?**

Answer: "Dragons" (Hebrew: *tannin*) and "asps" (Hebrew: *peten*) symbolize the most extreme forms of lethal, insidious, and cruel evil. "Dragons" evoke a sense of ancient, formidable, and monstrous power, representing a deep-seated, overwhelming malevolence. "Asps" (a type of cobra) signify a swift, merciless, and fatal strike, highlighting the immediate and inescapable deadliness of the spiritual "venom." Together, they powerfully convey that the "wine" of the wicked is not merely harmful or intoxicating, but possesses an inherent, active, and utterly destructive toxicity that leads to certain death, both physically and spiritually.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:33, with its chilling imagery of deadly spiritual poison, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who alone provides the antidote to humanity's fatal spiritual condition. The "wine" of the world, tainted by the "poison of dragons" and "cruel venom of asps" – representing sin, death, and the destructive influence of Satan ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon, Satan")) – has permeated all of humanity. Yet, Christ, the true Vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), offers a different "wine" – His own blood shed on the cross, the "new covenant in My blood" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). He did not merely warn against the poison; He absorbed it. On the cross, Jesus became sin for us, bearing the full "venom" of God's wrath against sin, so that we might be healed ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Through His death, He disarmed the spiritual "dragons" and "asps" of this world, destroying "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, the terrifying warning of Deuteronomy 32:33 ultimately points to the glorious salvation found in Christ, whose life-giving "drink" ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus")) offers eternal life, cleansing us from the deadly poison of sin and rebellion.

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

Psalms 58:4

Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;

Romans 3:13

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Psalms 140:3

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.

Jeremiah 8:14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Job 20:14

[Yet] his meat in his bowels is turned, [it is] the gall of asps within him.

Job 20:16

He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.