Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
Now therefore if ye will obey
H8085
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
Now therefore if ye will obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
Now therefore if ye will obey
H8085
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
Now therefore if ye will obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם
and keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם
and keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִיתִ֑י
my covenant
H1285
בְּרִיתִ֑י
my covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
8 of 17
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וִֽהְיִ֨יתֶם
H1961
וִֽהְיִ֨יתֶם
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
סְגֻלָּה֙
then ye shall be a peculiar treasure
H5459
סְגֻלָּה֙
then ye shall be a peculiar treasure
Strong's:
H5459
Word #:
11 of 17
wealth (as closely shut up)
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
unto me above all people
H5971
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים
unto me above all people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 14:2For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.Deuteronomy 7:6For 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.Deuteronomy 26:18And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;Malachi 3:17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.Exodus 15:26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Deuteronomy 4:20But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Deuteronomy 10:14Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.Exodus 9:29And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
Historical Context
The segullah concept appears in ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties, where a king might designate certain territories or peoples as his personal domain. God adopts this familiar political language but fills it with covenantal meaning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's universal ownership ('all the earth is mine') relate to His particular choice of Israel?
- What does it mean to be God's 'peculiar treasure' in the New Covenant era (1 Peter 2:9)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
The conditional 'if' establishes covenant structure—God's promises are sure, but Israel's enjoyment depends on faithfulness. 'Obey my voice' (שָׁמוֹעַ בְּקֹלִי, shamoa bekoli) literally means 'hear-obey my voice'—the Hebrew concept where hearing and doing are inseparable. 'Peculiar treasure' (סְגֻלָּה, segullah) denotes a king's personal possession, something precious chosen from among many. Though 'all the earth is mine,' God sovereignly selects Israel as His special treasure. This particularity doesn't negate God's universal ownership but demonstrates His elective love—choosing the few to bless the many.