The Meaning of Deuteronomy 32:28 Explained

Deuteronomy 32:28

KJV: For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.

YLT: For a nation lost to counsels are they, And there is no understanding in them.

Darby: For they are a nation void of counsel, And understanding is not in them.

ASV: For they are a nation void of counsel, And there is no understanding in them.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For they [are] a nation  void  of counsel,  neither [is there any] understanding  in them. 

What does Deuteronomy 32:28 Mean?

Context Summary

Deuteronomy 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: 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

What do the individual words in Deuteronomy 32:28 mean?

For a nation void of counsel they [are] and [there is] not in them understanding
כִּי־ ג֛וֹי אֹבַ֥ד עֵצ֖וֹת הֵ֑מָּה וְאֵ֥ין בָּהֶ֖ם תְּבוּנָֽה

ג֛וֹי  a  nation 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular
Root: גֹּוי 
Sense: nation, people.
אֹבַ֥ד  void 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular construct
Root: אָבַד  
Sense: perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed.
עֵצ֖וֹת  of  counsel 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: עֵצָה 
Sense: counsel, advice, purpose.
הֵ֑מָּה  they  [are] 
Parse: Pronoun, third person masculine plural
Root: הֵם 
Sense: they, these, the same, who.
וְאֵ֥ין  and  [there  is]  not 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Adverb
Root: אַיִן 
Sense: nothing, not, nought n.
בָּהֶ֖ם  in  them 
Parse: Preposition, third person masculine plural
תְּבוּנָֽה  understanding 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: תְּבוּנָה 
Sense: understanding, intelligence.