Deuteronomy 14:2

Authorized King James Version

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For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 2 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קָדוֹשׁ֙ For thou art an holy H6918
קָדוֹשׁ֙ For thou art an holy
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 3 of 19
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
אַתָּ֔ה H859
אַתָּ֔ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 4 of 19
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יְהוָ֗ה and the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֗ה and the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּבְךָ֞ H0
וּבְךָ֞
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 19
בָּחַ֣ר hath chosen H977
בָּחַ֣ר hath chosen
Strong's: H977
Word #: 8 of 19
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָ֗ה and the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֗ה and the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִֽהְי֥וֹת H1961
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 10 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לוֹ֙ H0
לוֹ֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 19
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 12 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
סְגֻלָּ֔ה thee to be a peculiar H5459
סְגֻלָּ֔ה thee to be a peculiar
Strong's: H5459
Word #: 13 of 19
wealth (as closely shut up)
מִכֹּל֙ H3605
מִכֹּל֙
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 14 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 15 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 16 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֥י that are upon H6440
פְּנֵ֥י that are upon
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 18 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃ the earth H127
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃ the earth
Strong's: H127
Word #: 19 of 19
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis & Commentary

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Israel's holiness derives from God's choice, not their inherent worthiness. Election to covenant relationship creates obligation to reflect God's character through distinctive living.

The word holy means set apart, consecrated for special purpose. Israel's holiness was positional (set apart by God's choice) and practical (called to behave accordingly). Both aspects remain true for New Covenant believers - we are sanctified (set apart) in Christ and called to pursue sanctification in daily living.

The phrase peculiar people (Hebrew 'am segullah') means treasured possession. Israel belongs to God as His prized treasure, chosen from among all nations for special relationship and purpose. This election was pure grace - God loved them because He loved them, not because of any merit they possessed.

Above all the nations indicates not racial superiority but covenantal privilege and responsibility. Israel received unique revelation, promises, and calling. With privilege came accountability to represent God faithfully to watching world.

Historical Context

God chose Abraham's descendants to be His covenant people, establishing them as a nation at Sinai. This election served God's redemptive purposes - through Israel would come the Messiah who would bless all nations.

Peter applies this language to the church (1 Peter 2:9), showing that believers in Christ inherit Israel's covenant privileges as the true Israel of God.

Questions for Reflection

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