Deuteronomy 7:6
What does Deuteronomy 7:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 7:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 7:6 means
Deuteronomy 7:6 emphasizes the unique and special relationship between God and Israel. The verse highlights Israel's status as a "holy people," set apart by God for His purposes. This holiness is not inherent but comes from God's sovereign choice. The phrase "people for his own possession" illustrates God's exclusive claim over Israel, likening them to a treasured personal property. This choice elevates Israel "above all the peoples," signifying their distinct role and destiny in God's redemptive plan. The verse underscores God's initiative and unwavering commitment to His covenant people, grounding their identity and purpose in His divine selection rather than their own merit.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For you are a holy people to the Lord your God: marked out by the Lord your God to be his special people out of all the nations on the face of the earth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for a holy people <FI>art<Fi> thou to Jehovah thy God; on thee hath Jehovah thy God fixed, to be to Him for a peculiar people, out of all the peoples who <FI>are<Fi> on the face of the ground.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God. The Lord thy God hath chosen thee, to be his peculiar people of all peoples that are upon the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For a holy people art thou unto Jehovah thyGod: Jehovah thyGod hath chosen thee to be unto him a people for a possession, above all the peoples that are upon the face of the earth.
Context
This verse is part of Moses' address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. Directly preceding this verse, in Deuteronomy 7:1-5, Moses instructs them to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations and their idols, warning against intermarriage and covenant with them. Therefore, verse 6 provides the theological rationale for these commands: Israel must remain distinct and pure because of their special status as God's chosen possession. The following verses, 7:7-11, further elaborate on God's unwavering love and faithfulness as the basis for His choice, reinforcing the covenant obligations and blessings associated with their unique identity.
v.5But thus shall ye deal with them: ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and hew down their Asherim, and burn their graven images with fire.
v.6This passage
v.7Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God, and Jehovah hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.
- 2 Peter 2:5
and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
- Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:
- Deuteronomy 28:9
Jehovah will establish thee for a holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee; if thou shalt keep the commandments of Jehovah thy God, and walk in his ways.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;
- Deuteronomy 26:19
and to make thee high above all nations that he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that thou mayest be a holy people unto Jehovah thy God, as he hath spoken.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Deuteronomy 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Deuteronomy 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Faithfulness of God
God’s faithfulness is a cornerstone of our hope, revealing His unwavering character and His commitment to His promises through all generations.
What the Bible says about…