are corrupt
The Hebrew word used here is "שָׁחַת" (shachat), meaning to destroy, ruin, or spoil. This term conveys a sense of moral decay and deviation from God's standards. In the context of Deuteronomy, it reflects the Israelites' failure to uphold the covenant, despite the numerous warnings and teachings they received. The corruption is not just a surface-level issue but a deep-seated spiritual and moral failing.

their children
This phrase indicates the generational impact of the Israelites' corruption. The Hebrew word "בָּנִים" (banim) means sons or descendants, emphasizing the continuity of unfaithfulness from one generation to the next. It serves as a warning about the consequences of failing to pass down faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments. The historical context shows that the Israelites often struggled with idolatry and rebellion, which were passed down through generations.

are unfaithful
The Hebrew word "לֹא־אֵמֻן" (lo emun) translates to "not faithful" or "untrustworthy." This term highlights a breach of trust and reliability in their relationship with God. Faithfulness is a key theme throughout the Bible, representing loyalty and steadfastness in following God's ways. The Israelites' unfaithfulness is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often leading to divine judgment and calls for repentance.

a warped
The word "עִקֵּשׁ" (iqqesh) in Hebrew means twisted or perverse. It suggests a deviation from the straight path that God has set for His people. This imagery of being warped or twisted is used throughout Scripture to describe moral and spiritual corruption. It implies a deliberate turning away from God's righteous standards, resulting in a distorted character and behavior.

and crooked
The Hebrew word "פְּתַלְתֹּל" (petaltol) means crooked or perverse. This term further emphasizes the moral deviation and lack of integrity among the Israelites. In biblical literature, the path of righteousness is often depicted as straight, while sin and rebellion are described as crooked paths. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments.

generation
The Hebrew word "דּוֹר" (dor) refers to an age group or a period of time, often used to describe the collective character of a people during a specific era. In this context, it underscores the widespread nature of the corruption and unfaithfulness among the Israelites. The term "generation" also serves as a call to reflection and repentance, urging each new generation to break the cycle of disobedience and return to God. Historically, the Israelites experienced cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, highlighting the need for continual renewal and commitment to God's covenant.

Their undutifulness,[5] that is their blot,

[5] Literally, they are no sons to him. (Comp. Deuteronomy 32:20.)

A froward and crooked generation !"

These first two lines are given up as hopeless by many interpreters, not because the words are difficult of translation, but from the great variety of possible interpretations. After careful consideration of the passage with a learned Christian Hebrew,[6] I venture to propound this as the true translation. It is substantially identical with that of the English margin. The Hebrew consists of five words only (1) "He-hath-corrupted (2) to-him (3) not (4) his-sons (5) their blemish." That the first two ought to be taken together, if the text is correct, seems certain. The same construction is found in Numbers 32:15, "ye shall destroy all this people," and also in 1Samuel 23:10, "to destroy the city." As to the third and fourth words, we have thought that their true relation is the same which we find in Deuteronomy 32:21, a "not-God," and a "not-people," and also in Deuteronomy 32:5, "not-wise." In like manner Israel are in this verse called "not-sons of His." Their not-sonship, their unfilial, undutiful, ungodly behaviour to Him who is the perfection of truth and sincerity, a very Rock of fidelity to them, that is their great blemish. He has said, "Israel is my son, even my firstborn." But all Israel's behaviour gives Him the lie. The contrast between the two descriptions--the faithful God of Deuteronomy 32:4, and the unfaithful children of Deuteronomy 32:5--is the cardinal point in the verse. In the form of the expression, lo-banav is strictly parallel to the Lo-ammi of Hosea 1:9. The "froward and crooked generation" supplies two words to Psalm 18:26, "with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward" Compare also the context of the two passages. Many other interpretations have been proposed, and some have altered the text. I believe the text to be correct, and that this is the true meaning. . . .

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