Deuteronomy 5:26
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֡ר
For who is there of all flesh
H1320
בָּשָׂ֡ר
For who is there of all flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
4 of 14
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֣ע
that hath heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֣ע
that hath heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 14
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
חַיִּ֜ים
of the living
H2416
חַיִּ֜ים
of the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
9 of 14
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
speaking
H1696
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מִתּוֹךְ
out of the midst
H8432
מִתּוֹךְ
out of the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
11 of 14
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Historical Context
No other ancient nation claimed to have heard their deity speak audibly to the entire populace. Pagan religions relied on priests interpreting omens, dreams, or ecstatic utterances. Israel's experience was categorically unique—direct verbal revelation from the living God to the whole covenant community. This established Israel's Scripture as uniquely authoritative, grounded in public, historical revelation rather than private mystical experiences or human speculation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse emphasize the uniqueness of biblical revelation compared to pagan religions' claims?
- What does survival after hearing God's voice teach about divine mercy restraining His just wrath against sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical question 'For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?' emphasizes Israel's unique privilege and the danger of divine encounter. The phrase 'living God' contrasts Yahweh with lifeless pagan idols—He is dynamic, active, and speaking. That Israel survived hearing God's voice demonstrates divine grace and restraint. This verse acknowledges that unmediated exposure to God's holiness would destroy sinners. The marvel is not only that God spoke but that the people lived, validating God's covenant mercy.