Bhagavad Gita 4.9 — Janma Karma Cha Me Divyam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ४.९ — जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
जन्म
janma
birth
कर्म
karma
activities, actions
च
cha
and
मे
me
of Mine
दिव्यम्
divyam
divine, transcendental
एवम्
evam
thus, in this way
यः
yaḥ
who
वेत्ति
vetti
knows
तत्त्वतः
tattvataḥ
in truth, in essence
त्यक्त्वा
tyaktvā
having abandoned, on leaving
देहम्
deham
the body
पुनः
punaḥ
again
जन्म
janma
birth
न एति
na eti
does not take, does not attain
माम्
mām
to Me
एति
eti
comes, attains
सः
saḥ
he
अर्जुन
arjuna
O Arjuna
Complete Translation
One who knows in truth the divine nature of My birth and actions does not take birth again on leaving the body, but comes to Me, O Arjuna.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 9
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the fourth chapter, Jnana-Karma-Sannyasa Yoga, Krishna reveals the secret of his divine descents across the ages to protect righteousness. Having declared that he appears age after age to uphold dharma, he assures Arjuna that those who grasp the transcendental nature of his birth and works are liberated from rebirth and attain him directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 4.9?▼
Krishna teaches that his birth and actions are divine and transcendental, not ordinary or material. Whoever truly understands this secret of the Lord's incarnation is liberated — upon leaving the body, such a person is not reborn but attains Krishna himself.
Why are Krishna's birth and actions called 'divine'?▼
Unlike ordinary beings who are born under the compulsion of karma, Krishna descends by his own free will and divine power (yoga-maya) to protect dharma. His body is not material, and his actions carry no binding karma — hence they are 'divyam', wholly transcendental.
How does knowing this verse lead to liberation?▼
Knowing the divine nature of the Lord in truth purifies the heart of material identification and fixes the mind on God. Such knowledge, born of devotion and understanding, dissolves the causes of rebirth, so that on leaving the body the devotee attains the Lord and is not born again.
When is this verse especially recited?▼
It is cherished during Janmashtami, the celebration of Krishna's birth, and in daily devotion to Lord Krishna. It directly affirms the divinity of his appearance, making it a favourite verse for contemplating and glorifying the Lord's avatara.
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