Deuteronomy 6:4
What does Deuteronomy 6:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 6:4 means
This verse, known as the Shema—Hebrew for "hear"—is the cornerstone of Israelite faith. It declares the absolute singularity and unity of God. "Jehovah our God is one Jehovah" means there is only one true God, distinct from all pagan deities. This truth formed an exclusive claim on Israel's allegiance, demanding undivided loyalty. It is a fundamental affirmation of monotheism in a polytheistic world, emphasizing His unique nature and sovereignty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give ear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God <FI>is<Fi> one Jehovah;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Hear, Israel: Jehovah ourGod is one Jehovah;
Context
Following the call to listen and obey for the sake of blessings in the land (verse 3), this verse presents the foundational theological truth upon which all subsequent commands rest. It is the declaration of God's oneness, which immediately sets the stage for the command to love this singular God in verse 5, moving from who God is to how Israel should respond to Him.
v.3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath promised unto thee, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
v.4This passage
v.5and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ.
- John 10:30
I and the Father are one.
- Deuteronomy 5:6
I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
- Jeremiah 10:10
But Jehovah is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation.
- Isaiah 42:8
I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise unto graven images.
- Isaiah 44:6
Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.
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