Deuteronomy 7:6 - For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 7:6" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 7:6, expresses a foundational concept in the relationship between God (Yahweh) and the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God..."
"Holy" (Hebrew: kadosh): This means set apart, sacred, dedicated, consecrated. It implies a separation from the common, profane, and impure, and dedication to God's service. Holiness involves moral purity, obedience, and reflecting God's character.
"People to Yahweh your God": The Israelites are not just any group of people. They have a unique relationship with Yahweh; they belong to Him. Their identity is defined by this relationship.
"...Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession..."
"Chosen" (Hebrew: bachar): This is a key concept in understanding Israel's identity. God didn't choose them based on their size or power (Deuteronomy 7:7). It was a deliberate act of God's love, grace, and sovereign will.
"People for his own possession" (Hebrew: segullah): This is a treasure, a special possession, a valued property. It signifies that Israel is precious and valuable in God's eyes. They are His special inheritance. This evokes the idea of ownership, responsibility, and care. God values the Israelites as a person values their most prized possession.
"...above all peoples who are on the face of the earth."
This emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel's relationship with God. While God is the Creator of all people, He entered into a special covenant relationship with Israel. They were chosen to be a model nation, reflecting His character and will to the world. This doesn't necessarily imply superiority in terms of inherent worth, but rather a unique calling and responsibility.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:6 declares that the Israelites are a people set apart, holy, and chosen by God to be His special treasure. This election was not based on any merit of their own, but solely on God's grace and love. This unique relationship comes with the responsibility to obey God's laws and be a light to the nations.
Important Considerations:
Responsibility and Covenant: This "chosenness" is not a claim of superiority or a license to disregard others. It comes with great responsibility to live according to God's commandments and be a blessing to all nations. The entire covenant agreement outlined in Deuteronomy details those responsibilities.
Purpose: The verse helps us understand that this was intended as an example for the world of how a nation or people can live in relationship with God.
Potential for Misinterpretation: Throughout history, this concept of being "chosen" has been misinterpreted to justify prejudice and mistreatment of others. It is essential to understand the context of the entire Bible and the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love, compassion, and humility.
In essence, this verse highlights the unique covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their special role and the responsibilities that come with it. It emphasizes God's choice and love, not human merit.
Deuteronomy 7:6 - For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.
What does "Deuteronomy 7:6" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 7:6, expresses a foundational concept in the relationship between God (Yahweh) and the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God..."
"Holy" (Hebrew: kadosh): This means set apart, sacred, dedicated, consecrated. It implies a separation from the common, profane, and impure, and dedication to God's service. Holiness involves moral purity, obedience, and reflecting God's character.
"People to Yahweh your God": The Israelites are not just any group of people. They have a unique relationship with Yahweh; they belong to Him. Their identity is defined by this relationship.
"...Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession..."
"Chosen" (Hebrew: bachar): This is a key concept in understanding Israel's identity. God didn't choose them based on their size or power (Deuteronomy 7:7). It was a deliberate act of God's love, grace, and sovereign will.
"People for his own possession" (Hebrew: segullah): This is a treasure, a special possession, a valued property. It signifies that Israel is precious and valuable in God's eyes. They are His special inheritance. This evokes the idea of ownership, responsibility, and care. God values the Israelites as a person values their most prized possession.
"...above all peoples who are on the face of the earth."
This emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel's relationship with God. While God is the Creator of all people, He entered into a special covenant relationship with Israel. They were chosen to be a model nation, reflecting His character and will to the world. This doesn't necessarily imply superiority in terms of inherent worth, but rather a unique calling and responsibility.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:6 declares that the Israelites are a people set apart, holy, and chosen by God to be His special treasure. This election was not based on any merit of their own, but solely on God's grace and love. This unique relationship comes with the responsibility to obey God's laws and be a light to the nations.
Important Considerations:
Responsibility and Covenant: This "chosenness" is not a claim of superiority or a license to disregard others. It comes with great responsibility to live according to God's commandments and be a blessing to all nations. The entire covenant agreement outlined in Deuteronomy details those responsibilities.
Purpose: The verse helps us understand that this was intended as an example for the world of how a nation or people can live in relationship with God.
Potential for Misinterpretation: Throughout history, this concept of being "chosen" has been misinterpreted to justify prejudice and mistreatment of others. It is essential to understand the context of the entire Bible and the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love, compassion, and humility.
In essence, this verse highlights the unique covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their special role and the responsibilities that come with it. It emphasizes God's choice and love, not human merit.