Deuteronomy 4:6
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮
Keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶם֒
therefore and do
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶם֒
therefore and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִ֤וא
H1931
הִ֤וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 22
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לְעֵינֵ֖י
in the sight
H5869
לְעֵינֵ֖י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 22
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
עַם
of the nations
H5971
עַם
of the nations
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׁמְע֗וּן
which shall hear
H8085
יִשְׁמְע֗וּן
which shall hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 22
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
all these statutes
H2706
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
all these statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
13 of 22
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
רַ֚ק
H7535
רַ֚ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
עַם
of the nations
H5971
עַם
of the nations
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
17 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְנָב֔וֹן
and understanding
H995
וְנָב֔וֹן
and understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
19 of 22
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
הַגּ֥וֹי
nation
H1471
הַגּ֥וֹי
nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
20 of 22
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Cross References
Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.1 Kings 4:34And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.2 Timothy 3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.Psalms 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Jeremiah 8:9The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.Malachi 3:12And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern nations had various law codes (Hammurabi, Lipit-Ishtar, etc.), yet Israel's Mosaic law was unique in deriving from the one true God. Surrounding peoples would observe Israel's just social order, humane treatment of the poor, weekly Sabbath rest, and Year of Jubilee provisions—all radically different from pagan societies. This distinctiveness served as testimony to Yahweh's wisdom and moral superiority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse emphasize that obedience to God's Word serves as powerful testimony to unbelievers?
- In what ways should Christian ethics distinctly differ from secular culture to demonstrate divine wisdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Covenant obedience serves as evangelistic witness—'this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.' The Hebrew 'chakhmah' (wisdom) and 'binah' (understanding) indicate not mere intellectual knowledge but practical righteousness reflecting divine character. God's law, when lived out, demonstrates His superiority over pagan religions and philosophies. This verse anticipates the Reformed doctrine of sanctification as the church's primary apologetic—transformed lives validate gospel truth (1 Peter 2:12). Israel's obedience was to magnify Yahweh's glory before watching nations.