Deuteronomy 4:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮
H8104
Keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶם֒
H6213
therefore and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
הִ֤וא
H1931
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
#5
חָכְמַתְכֶם֙
H2451
them for this is your wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#6
וּבִ֣ינַתְכֶ֔ם
H998
and your understanding
understanding
#7
לְעֵינֵ֖י
H5869
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
עַם
H5971
of the nations
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
יִשְׁמְע֗וּן
H8085
which shall hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#11
אֵ֚ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
H2706
all these statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#14
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
H428
these or those
#15
וְאָֽמְר֗וּ
H559
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
רַ֚ק
H7535
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#17
עַם
H5971
of the nations
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#18
חָכָ֣ם
H2450
is a wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#19
וְנָב֔וֹן
H995
and understanding
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#20
הַגּ֥וֹי
H1471
nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#21
הַגָּד֖וֹל
H1419
Surely this great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#22
הַזֶּֽה׃
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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