Deuteronomy 32:39

KJV

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

See {H7200} now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god {H430} with me: I kill {H4191}, and I make alive {H2421}; I wound {H4272}, and I heal {H7495}: neither is there any that can deliver {H5337} out of my hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See now that I, yes, I, am he; and there is no god beside me. I put to death, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; no one saves anyone from my hand!

Berean Standard Bible

See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

American Standard Version

See now that I, even I, am he, And there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; And there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:39 stands as a monumental declaration within the "Song of Moses," asserting God's absolute and exclusive sovereignty over all creation. It proclaims Yahweh's unparalleled uniqueness as the one true deity, emphatically stating that no other god exists alongside Him. Furthermore, it powerfully conveys His ultimate control over life and death, health and sickness, emphasizing that His divine will is irresistible and His purposes cannot be thwarted by any power or entity. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, underscoring God's omnipotence, justice, and singular authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:39 is an integral part of the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a prophetic poem delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. This song functions as a covenant lawsuit, a divine witness against Israel's future apostasy, and a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. It begins with a call to heaven and earth to bear witness to God's righteous character and His benevolent care for Israel (Deuteronomy 32:1-6). The song then recounts Israel's rebellion and God's subsequent judgment, culminating in a promise of ultimate restoration and vindication. Verse 39 specifically falls within a section where God declares His impending judgment upon Israel's enemies and His ultimate vindication of His people, reinforcing His unique power as the only one capable of such comprehensive action. The preceding verses lament Israel's forsaking of God and their worship of "new gods that came newly up" (Deuteronomy 32:17), setting the stage for the emphatic declaration of God's singular identity and power in verse 39.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic beliefs and idolatrous practices. Surrounding nations worshipped a pantheon of deities, often associated with natural phenomena, fertility, or warfare (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Dagon). The declaration in Deuteronomy 32:39 directly confronts this pervasive polytheism by asserting the absolute monotheism of Yahweh. It served as a critical theological anchor for a people about to be immersed in a culture that would constantly tempt them to compromise their exclusive devotion to the one true God. The emphasis on God's control over life, death, wounding, and healing was particularly potent in a world where such matters were attributed to various, often capricious, deities or seen as outcomes of magical rites. This verse firmly places all such power solely in the hands of the God of Israel, distinguishing Him sharply from the impotent idols of the nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it champions **Divine Uniqueness and Monotheism**, emphatically declaring that [there is no god with Yahweh](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other"). This foundational truth distinguishes Israelite faith from all ancient Near Eastern religions and is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic literature, as seen in [Isaiah 45:5, "I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God"](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sole Deity"). Secondly, the verse highlights God's **Absolute Sovereignty over Life and Death**, asserting His comprehensive control over all existence. The phrases "I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal" underscore that no aspect of human destiny or natural process falls outside His ultimate authority, a theme echoed in [1 Samuel 2:6, "The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up"](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - Hannah's Prayer of God's Sovereignty"). Finally, it proclaims God's **Irresistible Power and Inescapable Judgment**, stating that "neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand." This emphasizes the futility of resistance against His will and the certainty of His divine purposes, whether in judgment or salvation, reinforcing the idea that [God's counsel stands forever](/psalms/33-11 "Psalm 33:11 - The Counsel of the Lord Stands Forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **אֲנִי אֲנִי הוּא (Hebrew, _'ani 'ani hu'_):** Translated as "I, even I, am he," this is an exceptionally emphatic declaration of self-existence and exclusive identity. The repetition of the first-person pronoun "I" (`'ani`) followed by "he" (`hu'`) creates a powerful, almost tautological, statement that underscores God's unique and incomparable being. It resonates with the divine self-revelation "I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as I AM"), signifying God's eternal, unchanging, and utterly independent existence. This phrase asserts not merely that God exists, but that He is the *only* true God, the ultimate reality from whom all other existence derives and upon whom it depends.
* **kill...make alive; wound...heal (Hebrew, _hēmît...hiḥyâ; māḥaṣ...rāpā'_):** These pairs of verbs represent a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts are used to express the whole. "Kill" and "make alive" encompass the entirety of life and death, while "wound" and "heal" cover the full spectrum of affliction and restoration. The active causative forms of the verbs ("I cause to die," "I cause to live," "I cause to wound," "I cause to heal") emphasize God's direct agency and comprehensive control over these fundamental aspects of human experience. This is not merely a statement of permission but of active, sovereign power over destiny, health, and well-being.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _naṣal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away, to rescue, to deliver." When used in the negative ("neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand"), it conveys the absolute irresistibility of God's power and judgment. It implies that once God's hand is set to act, whether in judgment or in a specific purpose, no one can intervene, escape, or rescue another from His decree. This highlights the futility of human or divine opposition to God's ultimate will and underscores His omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"See now that I, even I, am he":** This opening phrase is a powerful summons to perceive and acknowledge. "See now" (רְאוּ עַתָּה, _rĕ'û 'attâ_) is an imperative, demanding attention and understanding. The subsequent "I, even I, am he" is the core declaration of God's unique, self-existent, and incomparable identity. It is a direct challenge to any polytheistic notions and a foundational assertion of monotheism, calling Israel and all creation to recognize Yahweh as the sole and ultimate divine being.
* **"and there is no god with me":** This clause explicitly negates the existence of any other deity alongside Yahweh. It is a categorical rejection of polytheism and syncretism, reinforcing the absolute singularity of God. This is not merely a statement of superiority but of exclusive existence – there are no other divine beings who share His essence, power, or authority. His deity is unique and unshared.
* **"I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal":** This powerful set of parallel clauses illustrates the comprehensive scope of God's sovereign power. "I kill, and I make alive" signifies His ultimate authority over life and death, the beginning and end of all existence. "I wound, and I heal" extends this control to all forms of suffering, affliction, and restoration. Together, these phrases convey that God is the ultimate arbiter of all human circumstances, from the most severe judgment to the most profound restoration, encompassing both physical and spiritual states.
* **"neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand":** This concluding statement emphasizes the irresistibility and finality of God's actions. The "hand" of God is a common anthropomorphism representing His power, authority, and active involvement. To be "out of my hand" means to be beyond His control or to be rescued from His decree. This clause declares that when God acts, His will is absolute and His power is unchallengeable. No human, no nation, and no other supposed deity can thwart His plans, escape His judgment, or rescue anyone from His determined purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:39 is rich in **Emphasis**, primarily achieved through the repetition of the first-person pronoun in "I, even I, am he," which powerfully underscores God's unique and singular identity. This is further reinforced by the explicit negation, "and there is no god with me," creating a strong **Contrast** with the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding nations. The verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Merism**, in the phrases "I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal." By presenting two opposing extremes (life/death, wounding/healing), the text conveys the totality and comprehensive nature of God's power over all circumstances, from one end of the spectrum to the other. Finally, the phrase "out of my hand" is an **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human body part (hand) to God to symbolize His active power, control, and direct agency in the world. This vivid imagery makes God's omnipotence tangible and immediate to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:39 is a profound theological declaration that anchors the entire biblical narrative in the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. It asserts that God is not merely the greatest among many gods, but the *only* God, whose existence is self-derived and whose power is unparalleled. This truth forms the bedrock of Israelite monotheism, shaping their covenant relationship with God and distinguishing them from all other nations. It reminds Israel that their blessings and curses, their life and death, ultimately flow from the hand of this one, true, and all-powerful God. This understanding fosters both fear of the Lord and profound trust, knowing that no external force can thwart His purposes for His people, whether in judgment for their rebellion or in ultimate restoration according to His covenant faithfulness. The verse assures believers that even in suffering and death, God remains sovereign, capable of bringing life and healing from seemingly impossible situations, and that His ultimate justice will prevail.

* [1 Samuel 2:6](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - Hannah's Prayer of God's Sovereignty")
* [Isaiah 43:10](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10 - God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty")
* [Job 5:18](/job/5-18 "Job 5:18 - God Wounds and Heals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:39 offers a profound anchor for faith in a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty. For the believer, it provides immense comfort and a call to exclusive trust. When facing trials, suffering, or even the inevitability of death, this verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control. His power extends over all circumstances, and He can bring healing and life even out of wounding and death, demonstrating His redemptive power to restore what is broken. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any "gods" we might implicitly serve – whether they be wealth, power, reputation, or even our own abilities – and to reaffirm our exclusive devotion to the one true God. Recognizing that "neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand" should instill a healthy reverence for God's justice and His unyielding will, prompting us to align our lives with His purposes. This verse calls us to surrender our anxieties, knowing that our ultimate destiny rests securely in the hands of the omnipotent, unique, and faithful Creator. It is a powerful invitation to worship Him alone, acknowledging that only He is truly capable of saving, sustaining, and delivering us through every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me" challenge any idols (material or ideological) that might compete for my ultimate allegiance today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust God's sovereignty over "killing" (difficult circumstances, loss) and "making alive" (restoration, new beginnings)?**
* **Considering God's power to "wound and heal," how does this verse shape my understanding of suffering and God's redemptive purposes within it?**
* **What does it mean practically to live with the conviction that "neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand," and how does this impact my pursuit of worldly security or solutions?**

### FAQ

**What does "I, even I, am he" mean in the context of God's identity?**

Answer: The phrase "I, even I, am he" (Hebrew: אֲנִי אֲנִי הוּא, _'ani 'ani hu'_) is an emphatic declaration of God's unique and singular identity. It asserts His self-existence, meaning He is dependent on nothing for His being, and His incomparability, meaning there is no one like Him. It is a powerful statement of absolute monotheism, declaring that Yahweh is the *only* true God, distinct from and superior to all other supposed deities. This echoes His self-revelation as "I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as I AM"), signifying His eternal, unchanging, and exclusive divine nature.

**Does "I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal" imply that God is directly responsible for all evil and suffering?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and control over all aspects of life, including life and death, health and sickness. It means that nothing occurs outside of His ultimate knowledge and permission. While God is the ultimate orchestrator of all things, the Bible often distinguishes between God's direct causation and His sovereign permission. He may use suffering or even death as a means of judgment, discipline, or to bring about a greater redemptive purpose. For example, in [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Loss"), Job acknowledges God's hand in his suffering ("The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away"). This verse reassures us that even in the midst of pain and loss, God remains sovereign and capable of bringing about healing and new life, as seen in [Psalm 30:2-3](/psalms/30-2 "Psalm 30:2 - God's Healing and Deliverance"). It underscores His comprehensive power, not necessarily His direct authorship of all evil, which often stems from human sin and a fallen world.

**How does this verse, particularly "neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand," relate to human responsibility and free will?**

Answer: This statement highlights God's absolute power and the irresistibility of His decrees. It means that when God sets a course of action, whether in judgment or salvation, no one can thwart His plans or escape His ultimate authority. This does not negate human responsibility or free will, but rather places them within the larger framework of God's sovereignty. Humans are still morally accountable for their choices, and God interacts with them based on those choices. However, ultimately, God's purposes will prevail, and His "hand" signifies His unchallengeable power to execute His will. It serves as a warning against rebellion and an encouragement to trust in His divine plan, knowing that His ultimate control ensures that His righteous purposes will be fulfilled, as [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails") states, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:39 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration "I, even I, am he" resonates with Jesus's own "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, where He proclaims His divine identity and oneness with the Father (e.g., [John 8:58, "Before Abraham was, I am"](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus's Divine Claim")). Jesus, as God incarnate, embodies the very sovereignty declared in this Old Testament passage. His power to "kill, and make alive; to wound, and to heal" is vividly demonstrated throughout the Gospels. He healed the sick (e.g., [Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), cast out demons (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus's Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and most powerfully, raised the dead (e.g., [John 11:43-44, the raising of Lazarus](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). His own death and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of God's power over life and death, proving that He holds the keys of Hades and Death (as revealed in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Furthermore, the promise that "neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand" is fulfilled in Christ's ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice, He delivers us from the hand of judgment and brings us into eternal life, offering a salvation that no one can snatch away (as Jesus declares in [John 10:28, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand"](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus's Assurance of Eternal Life")). Thus, Deuteronomy 32:39 points forward to Christ as the embodiment of God's unique power, the source of true life and healing, and the ultimate, irresistible deliverer.

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

1 Samuel 2:6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Job 5:18

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

Isaiah 43:13

Yea, before the day [was] I [am] he; and [there is] none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].