Deuteronomy 7:6

Authorized King James Version

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
קָדוֹשׁ֙
H6918
For thou art an holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#4
אַתָּ֔ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ
H430
thy 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
#7
בְּךָ֞
H0
#8
בָּחַ֣ר׀
H977
hath chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#9
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ
H430
thy 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
#11
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
לוֹ֙
H0
#13
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
סְגֻלָּ֔ה
H5459
thee to be a special
wealth (as closely shut up)
#15
מִכֹּל֙
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#17
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
פְּנֵ֥י
H6440
that are upon the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#20
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃
H127
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

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

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