The Meaning of Deuteronomy 32:31 Explained

Deuteronomy 32:31

KJV: For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

YLT: For not as our Rock is their rock, (And our enemies are judges!)

Darby: For their rock is not as our Rock: Let our enemies themselves be judges.

ASV: For their rock is not as our Rock, Even our enemies themselves being judges.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For their rock  [is] not as our Rock,  even our enemies  themselves [being] judges. 

What does Deuteronomy 32:31 Mean?

Context Summary

Deu 32:15-35 - Moses' Song: Israel's Response
"Jeshurun" is a pet name for Israel, implying affection and endearment. The metaphor employed is derived from a pampered animal which, in consequence of rich and plentiful feeding, becomes mischievous and vicious.
Let us be warned by these denunciations against backsliding and willful sin. The greatness of our privileges will be the measure of the anguish of our doom. They who are exalted to Heaven by privilege must be cast down to Hades if they refuse and reject. The most fervent love becomes the hottest fire when it turns to jealousy. O my soul, it becomes thee to fear God as well as love Him. Remember Hebrews 10:26.
But what privileges await those who obey! When we abide in God, no enemy can stand against us. Five, strong in His miraculous fellowship, can chase a hundred, and a hundred, ten thousand. See Leviticus 26:8; also 1 Samuel 14:1, etc. God shows "Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." See 2 Chronicles 16:9. [source]

Chapter Summary: Deu 32

1  Moses' song, which sets forth God's mercy and vengeance
46  He exhorts them to set their hearts upon it
48  God sends him up to mount Nebo to see the land, and to die

What do the individual words in Deuteronomy 32:31 mean?

for not like our Rock their rock [is] and Even our enemies themselves [being] judges
כִּ֛י לֹ֥א כְצוּרֵ֖נוּ צוּרָ֑ם וְאֹיְבֵ֖ינוּ פְּלִילִֽים

כְצוּרֵ֖נוּ  like  our  Rock 
Parse: Preposition-k, Noun, masculine singular construct, first person common plural
Root: צוּר 
Sense: rock, cliff.
צוּרָ֑ם  their  rock  [is] 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, third person masculine plural
Root: צוּר 
Sense: rock, cliff.
וְאֹיְבֵ֖ינוּ  and  Even  our  enemies  themselves 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine plural construct, first person common plural
Root: אֹיֵב  
Sense: (Qal) enemy.
פְּלִילִֽים  [being]  judges 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural
Root: פָּלִיל  
Sense: judge, assessment, estimate.