What Does Deuteronomy 32:31 Mean in the King James?
For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The striking claim is that even the enemies can judge the difference between the two rocks.
THE MEANING
This verse meets the reader wherever competing sources promise safety. They may both be called rocks, but they do not have the same nature or strength; even opposition can recognize the difference.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that every shelter is equal, or that naming something a refuge makes it one. The verse says the difference is visible even to an adversary.
THE ROOT
צוּר
tsur
GROWS FROM
צור
Rock or cliff; figuratively, a firm refuge.
The same Hebrew noun names both sides: their rock is צוּרָם (tsuram, “their rock”), and our Rock is צוּרֵנוּ (tsurenu, “our Rock”). The verse keeps the name the same while declaring the nature unequal, so the difference can be seen even by opponents.
ALSO GROWS
tsuram: Their rock
צוּרָם
This form names the rival source of security with the same word used for the other side’s refuge.
tsurenu: Our Rock
צוּרֵנוּ
The possessive form makes the refuge personal; set beside “their rock,” it reveals that sharing a name does not mean sharing the same nature.
THE PATTERN
The Rock is distinguished from rival sources by the shelter and stability it provides, not by who claims the name.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.THE THREAD
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?Both verses use צוּר (tsur, “rock”). Deuteronomy says even the enemies can judge the difference; this verse gives that distinction the form of a question.
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