Deuteronomy 6:4

Authorized King James Version

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis

שְׁמַ֖ע

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

O Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יְהוָ֥ה׀

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ

H430

our God

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

יְהוָ֥ה׀

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

is one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Mark 12:29 Mark 12:29
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
— The Lord our God is one Lord
² 1 Corinthians 8:4 1 Corinthians 8:4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
— There is none other God but one
³ James 2:19 James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
— There is one God

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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