Deuteronomy 32:29
New International Version
If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!

New Living Translation
Oh, that they were wise and could understand this! Oh, that they might know their fate!

English Standard Version
If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!

Berean Standard Bible
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.

Berean Literal Bible
If only they were wise, that they understood this, they would consider their latter end!

King James Bible
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

New King James Version
Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!

New American Standard Bible
“If only they were wise and they understood this; If only they would discern their future!

NASB 1995
“Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!

NASB 1977
“Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!

Legacy Standard Bible
Would that they were wise, that they had insight into this, That they would understand their future!

Amplified Bible
“O that they were wise, that they understood this, That they could discern their future and ultimate fate!

Berean Annotated Bible
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.

Christian Standard Bible
If only they were wise, they would comprehend this; they would understand their fate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If only they were wise, they would figure it out; they would understand their fate.

American Standard Version
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!

Contemporary English Version
If you did, you could see where you are headed.

English Revised Version
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If only they were wise enough to understand this and realize what will happen to them!

Good News Translation
They fail to see why they were defeated; they cannot understand what happened.

International Standard Version
O, that they were wise to understand this and consider their future!

NET Bible
I wish that they were wise and could understand this, and that they could comprehend what will happen to them."

New Heart English Bible
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.

Webster's Bible Translation
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.

World English Bible
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If only they were wise, "" They would deal wisely [with] this, "" They would attend to their latter end!

Berean Literal Bible
If only they were wise, that they understood this, they would consider their latter end!

Young's Literal Translation
If they were wise -- They deal wisely with this; They attend to their latter end:

Smith's Literal Translation
Would they were wise! will they look at this? Will they discern to their latter part?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
O that they would be wise and would understand, and would provide for their last end.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I wish that they would be wise and understanding, and would provide for the very end.’

New American Bible
If they had insight they would realize this, they would understand their end:

New Revised Standard Version
If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern what the end would be.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If only they were wise and they understood this and considered their end!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If they were wise, they would understand this, They would discern their latter end.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
They had not sense to understand: let them reserve these things against the time to come.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Song of Moses
28Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them. 29If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. 30How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?…

Cross References
If only they were wise,

Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

Psalm 107:43
Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
they would understand it;

Proverbs 28:5
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

Proverbs 2:5
then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 14:6
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
they would comprehend their fate.

Psalm 73:17
until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.

Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Psalm 37:38
But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.

Isaiah 1:3
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”

Jeremiah 4:22
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”


Treasury of Scripture

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

O that

Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Psalm 81:13
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!

Psalm 107:15,43
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! …

they would

Isaiah 10:3
And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

Isaiah 47:7
And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

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Deuteronomy 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












If only they were wise,

Israel had received God’s law, witnessed His deliverance from Egypt, and experienced His provision in the wilderness. Yet the nation repeatedly resisted the knowledge that should have guided its covenant life.

Hos 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;…
Psa 107:43 Let him who is wise pay heed to these things…
Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…

they would understand it;

True understanding would have led them to recognize that obedience brought blessing and rebellion brought judgment. Their repeated unbelief showed not a lack of evidence, but a refusal to heed what God had made known.

Pro 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek…
Pro 2:5 then you will discern the fear of the LORD…
Pro 14:6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes…

they would comprehend their fate.

Moses warns that Israel’s coming calamities would be the result of abandoning the Lord and breaking the covenant. The later invasions, exile, and suffering of the nation confirmed the seriousness of those warnings.

Psa 73:17 until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
Jer 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule…
Psa 37:38 But the transgressors will all be destroyed;…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering his final messages to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being reminded of their covenant with God and the consequences of disobedience.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, representing God's promise and blessing.

4. God
The central figure, whose wisdom and understanding are being contrasted with the lack of insight among the Israelites.

5. Song of Moses
The context of this verse, a poetic reminder of God's faithfulness and a warning against Israel's potential unfaithfulness.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God and is essential for understanding our purpose and destiny.

Understanding Consequences
Recognizing the consequences of our actions is crucial for living a life that honors God.

Seeking God’s Guidance
We should actively seek God's wisdom and guidance in our daily lives to make informed decisions.

Reflecting on Our Fate
Contemplating our spiritual journey and ultimate destiny can lead to a more intentional and faithful walk with God.

The Role of Scripture in Gaining Insight
Regular engagement with Scripture is vital for gaining the wisdom and understanding needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 32:29?

2. How does Deuteronomy 32:29 encourage us to seek God's wisdom in decisions?

3. What does "consider their latter end" teach about consequences of our actions?

4. How can we apply the wisdom of Deuteronomy 32:29 in daily life?

5. What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of understanding God's will?

6. How does Deuteronomy 32:29 challenge us to reflect on our spiritual journey?

7. What does Deuteronomy 32:29 reveal about God's desire for human wisdom and understanding?

8. How does Deuteronomy 32:29 challenge our perception of divine foresight and human responsibility?

9. In what ways does Deuteronomy 32:29 emphasize the importance of discernment in life choices?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 32?


(29) Consider their latter end.--Have some discernment as to their hereafter, what their destiny was, and what they will miss, if they fail to fulfil it.

Verse 29. - Oh that they were wise, that they understood this; rather, If they were wise they would understand this. They would consider their latter end! i.e. the end to which they were going, the inevitable issue of the course they were taking.

Deuteronomy 32:29 captures God’s grieving invitation: choose wisdom, see His hand, and grasp where disobedience leads. The verse warns against spiritual dullness while assuring that true understanding is available to all who fear the Lord and trust His Word.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If only
ל֥וּ (lū)
Preposition
Strong's 3863: If, would that!

they were wise,
חָכְמ֖וּ (ḥā·ḵə·mū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2449: To be wise

they would understand
יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ (yaś·kî·lū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

it;
זֹ֑את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

they would comprehend
יָבִ֖ינוּ (yā·ḇî·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

their fate.
לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃ (lə·’a·ḥă·rî·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 319: The last, end, the future, posterity


Additonal Resources
Deuteronomy 32:29 Blue Letter Bible
Deuteronomy 32:29 Bible Gateway
Deuteronomy 32:29 Bible.com

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Deuteronomy 32:29 NASB
Deuteronomy 32:29 KJV

Deuteronomy 32:29 Study Bible
Deuteronomy 32:29 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 32:29 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 32:29 French Bible
Deuteronomy 32:29 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:29 Oh that they were wise that they (Deut. De Du)

Deuteronomy 32:28
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