Deuteronomy 6:25
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
Original Language Analysis
וּצְדָקָ֖ה
And it shall be our righteousness
H6666
וּצְדָקָ֖ה
And it shall be our righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
1 of 15
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
תִּֽהְיֶה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִשְׁמֹ֨ר
if we observe
H8104
נִשְׁמֹ֨ר
if we observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֜וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֜וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
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 #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
9 of 15
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
לִפְנֵ֛י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֛י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
Deuteronomy 24:13In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Historical Context
This verse concludes Moses' explanation of why Israel must keep God's commandments. The Mosaic covenant operated on the principle of do this and live - obedience brought blessing within the land, while disobedience brought curse and exile.
This covenant structure differs from the Abrahamic covenant of promise and the new covenant of grace. The Mosaic covenant served as tutor (Galatians 3:24) preparing Israel for Christ's coming.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the righteousness described here differ from the righteousness that justifies us before God?
- In what sense does obedience remain important for Christians under the new covenant?
- How did the law's impossible standard drive Israel to trust God's mercy rather than their own works?
- What does it mean that Christ fulfilled this righteousness requirement on our behalf?
- How should believers pursue holiness without falling into legalism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. This crucial verse requires careful theological interpretation, as it addresses the relationship between obedience and righteousness within the old covenant framework.
In the old covenant context, obedience to God's commandments constituted covenant righteousness - maintaining right standing within the theocratic community of Israel. This is not the justifying righteousness that saves, but the covenant faithfulness that demonstrated genuine faith and preserved blessing within the nation.
Paul later argues (Romans 10:5-10) that this law-righteousness pointed forward to the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. The law revealed God's standard but could not provide the power to fulfill it. Only Christ achieved perfect obedience, and His righteousness is imputed to believers through faith.
Reformed theology maintains the law's threefold use: revealing sin, restraining evil, and guiding believers in sanctification. This verse reflects the third use - for redeemed Israel, obedience demonstrated covenant faithfulness and shaped them into holy people.