For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 32:3
What does Deuteronomy 32:3 mean?
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Deuteronomy 32:3
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The phrase "ascribe greatness" is an invitation, not just a command, calling us to actively declare God's magnificence. It suggests that God's greatness isn't just a passive reality, but something that requires our vocal and intentional recognition to be fully known and experienced.
For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is about to deliver a song to the Israelites, a powerful and poetic recounting of their history with God. This song serves as both a testament to God's faithfulness and a stark warning about the consequences of their own disobedience and idolatry, which would soon manifest as they entered the Promised Land. The verses leading up to this one set the stage for this divine indictment, emphasizing God's steadfastness in contrast to Israel's potential for unfaithfulness.
Why does Moses start this powerful song by talking about proclaiming God's name? It's more than just an introduction; it reveals the core reason behind this entire message.
Moses declares, 'I will proclaim the name of the LORD.' This isn't just about announcing who God is. The original Hebrew emphasizes making His name known, revealing His character and actions.
A Divine Announcement
After the proclamation, there's a call to action. What is the appropriate response to learning about God's greatness?
The second part of the verse is a command: 'ascribe greatness to our God!' This isn't a suggestion; it's an imperative, a call to worship and acknowledge God's supreme worth.
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More Than Just Greatness
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the self-existent God of Israel, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises.
This song is Moses' farewell address, delivered just before Israel enters the Promised Land. It's a powerful reminder of their journey: God's unwavering faithfulness contrasted with Israel's consistent rebellion. Moses calls them to remember God's character—His perfection, justice, and truth—even as he foretells the consequences of their disobedience.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt under Moses' leadership, leading them through the Red Sea and into the wilderness.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Forty Years in the Wilderness
The Israelites wandered in the desert, sustained by God's provision (manna, water from rock) and guidance, but also repeatedly tested God's faithfulness with rebellion and unbelief.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Final Address
As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses delivered his final speeches and songs, including Deuteronomy 32, to remind them of God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death
Moses ascended Mount Nebo, viewed the Promised Land, and died there, having passed the leadership to Joshua. His final words served as a powerful testament to God's character and His people's history.
This Psalm directly echoes the call to 'ascribe greatness' by commanding us to 'ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name' and to bring offerings, highlighting the theme of public worship and acknowledgment of God's majesty.
Isaiah 12:4This passage is a direct response to God's deliverance, echoing the sentiment of Deuteronomy 32:3 with a call to 'give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples, [and] recount that his name is exalted'.
1 Chronicles 16:28-29This verse is a powerful parallel, urging people to 'ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name' and to worship Him, reinforcing the idea of acknowledging God's greatness.
Philippians 2:9-11This New Testament passage shows the ultimate fulfillment of ascribing greatness, as God highly exalts Jesus and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, demonstrating the universal acknowledgment of divine greatness.
calvinDeuteronomy 32:1-52: "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth."
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Ipsi ad zelum provocaverunt me, in eo quod non est Deus, ad iracundiam me provocaverunt in vanitatibus suis: et ego ad zelum provocabo eos in eo qui non…
ellicottDeuteronomy 32:3: "Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God."
(3)—“For (or when) it is the Name JEHOVAH that I utter; Give ye greatness to our God.”
The phrase "ascribe greatness" is an invitation, not just a command, calling us to actively declare God's magnificence. It suggests that God's greatness isn't just a passive reality, but something that requires our vocal and intentional recognition to be fully known and experienced.
Moses is about to deliver a song to the Israelites, a powerful and poetic recounting of their history with God. This song serves as both a testament to God's faithfulness and a stark warning about the consequences of their own disobedience and idolatry, which would soon manifest as they entered the Promised Land. The verses leading up to this one set the stage for this divine indictment, emphasizing God's steadfastness in contrast to Israel's potential for unfaithfulness.
Moses is about to deliver a song to the Israelites, a powerful and poetic recounting of their history with God. This song serves as both a testament to God's faithfulness and a stark warning about the consequences of their own disobedience and idolatry, which would soon manifest as they entered the Promised Land. The verses leading up to this one set the stage for this divine indictment, emphasizing God's steadfastness in contrast to Israel's potential for unfaithfulness.
"For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!" — The phrase "ascribe greatness" is an invitation, not just a command, calling us to actively declare God's magnificence. It suggests that God's greatness isn't just a passive reality, but something…
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Last reviewed October 2026