Deuteronomy 26 19

Deuteronomy 26:19 kjv

And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.

Deuteronomy 26:19 nkjv

and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the LORD your God, just as He has spoken."

Deuteronomy 26:19 niv

He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.

Deuteronomy 26:19 esv

and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised."

Deuteronomy 26:19 nlt

And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised."

Deuteronomy 26 verses

Deuteronomy 26 19 Meaning

Deuteronomy 26:19 conveys God's purpose to exalt Israel above all other nations, not by their own strength, but by His direct intervention and grace. This elevation would manifest as worldwide renown in praise, name, and honor, specifically because they are a holy people consecrated to the Lord. It signifies a fulfilled covenant blessing, dependent on their obedient commitment to His commands, as solemnly declared by God Himself.

Deuteronomy 26 19 Context

Deuteronomy 26 culminates a significant block of covenant instruction given by Moses to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. The chapter begins with commands regarding the bringing of firstfruits and tithes (Deut 26:1-15), acts of obedience and worship that acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision. Immediately preceding verse 19, Moses reiterates the mutual commitment: Israel vows to obey the Lord, and the Lord declares He will be their God (Deut 26:16-18). Verse 19 serves as the magnificent climax of this covenant reaffirmation, presenting the grand result of Israel's faithfulness. It summarizes God's overarching purpose for them: not just material blessing, but a distinct spiritual and renowned status among nations, stemming directly from their unique relationship as a holy people dedicated to Him. Historically, this promise would have served as both motivation and solemn warning as they prepared to inhabit a land surrounded by idolatrous and powerful kingdoms, reinforcing that their true strength and identity lay in their distinct covenant with Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 26 19 Word analysis

• And that he may make you high: The Hebrew phrase is וּלְתִתְּךָ עֶלְיוֹן (u’letit’teka ‘elyon).

  • וּלְתִתְּךָ (u’letit’teka): This is a Hiphil infinitive construct with a second person singular suffix, literally "and to put you" or "and to make you." It signifies a causative action—God actively setting Israel in a position.
  • עֶלְיוֹן ('elyon): This adjective means "highest," "Most High," "supreme." It's often used for God Himself (e.g., El Elyon, God Most High). Its application to Israel here signifies a divinely bestowed, incomparable elevation above others, a reflection of God's own supreme nature on His people. This isn't self-elevation but a status granted by the ultimate sovereign.

• above all nations which he has made: Reinforces God's universal sovereignty. His ability to exalt Israel is predicated on His being the Creator and controller of all nations. This isn't merely about political supremacy, but a unique standing recognized by humanity, sourced from God's decree.

• in praise: Hebrew: תְּהִלָּה (tehillah).

  • תְּהִלָּה (tehillah): Means "praise," "glory," "renown," or "hymn." It suggests that Israel will become a subject of commendation, a living testimony to God's power and faithfulness, inspiring wonder and acclamation from other peoples. Their existence and blessing would evoke praise, not to themselves, but to the God who exalted them.

• and in name: Hebrew: שֵׁם (shem).

  • שֵׁם (shem): Means "name," "reputation," "fame," "renown." Beyond mere identification, a "name" in ancient Near Eastern thought often encapsulated a person's character, essence, and reputation. Here, Israel's "name" would carry significant weight and distinction, recognized universally for its unique connection to the Lord. It signifies a respected and distinguished identity among the peoples.

• and in honor: Hebrew: תִּפְאָרָה (tif’arah).

  • תִּפְאָרָה (tif’arah): Means "splendor," "glory," "beauty," "ornament," "honor." It speaks of an outward manifestation of greatness and distinction. It denotes a visible majesty and beauty that distinguishes Israel, reflecting the glory of God.

• and that you may be a holy people: Hebrew: לְעַם קָדוֹשׁ (le'am qadosh).

  • לְעַם (le'am): "To be a people" or "for a people." Indicates purpose and identity.
  • קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh): "Holy," "set apart," "sanctified," "consecrated." This is the foundational identity and precondition for their exaltation. Their distinction is not racial or national superiority, but spiritual uniqueness. They are "set apart" from other nations for God's special possession and "set apart" to God for His service and purposes. This holiness demands adherence to God's laws, moral distinctiveness, and worship according to His decrees, making them a "light" to other nations.

• unto the Lord your God: This clarifies the relationship and the source of holiness. Their holiness is not inherent but derived from their covenant with Yahweh, who is inherently holy. Their exalted status is ultimately for His glory.

• as he has spoken: Refers to previous divine promises and declarations made throughout the covenant. This phrase assures Israel that this extraordinary destiny is not an unexpected blessing but the faithful fulfillment of God's pre-declared intention, reaffirming His trustworthiness and the immutability of His word.

Words-Group Analysis:

• high above all nations... in praise, and in name, and in honor: This triad (praise, name, honor) forms a common biblical merism, encompassing the full scope of recognition and renown. It indicates that Israel's distinctiveness would be globally acknowledged, bringing glory to God through them. It signifies a complete, all-encompassing exaltation among the peoples.

• and that you may be a holy people unto the Lord your God: This clarifies the purpose and means of their exaltation. Their high standing among nations is directly linked to their sanctification and distinctive moral/religious practice. Their identity as "holy" to God is the basis for their praise, name, and honor. Without this core holiness, their exaltation would be empty or impossible according to God's design.

Deuteronomy 26 19 Bonus section

The specific triple formulation of "praise, name, and honor" (תְּהִלָּה, שֵׁם, תִּפְאָרָה) is a common motif in biblical literature to express comprehensive fame or glory. It emphasizes that Israel's reputation would be sterling in every dimension, covering their character, renown, and outward appearance of dignity. This unique identity, conferred by God, sets Israel apart from all other nations. Their "holiness" serves as a polemic against the polytheistic, idolatrous, and often morally depraved practices of the surrounding cultures, demonstrating that true blessing and elevation come from allegiance to the one holy God, Yahweh, rather than from reliance on fertility cults, self-exaltation, or military aggression typical of their neighbors. The prophetic books, notably Isaiah and Zephaniah, pick up this theme, reiterating the promise of Israel's future exaltation and worldwide praise as God's faithful people, especially during eschatological times, despite their historical failures. This principle is ultimately fulfilled in Christ and extended spiritually to His Church, which is also called a "holy nation" and a "people for His own possession" (1 Pet 2:9), called to declare His excellencies.

Deuteronomy 26 19 Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:19 encapsulates the grand divine purpose for Israel: their elevation to a position of unique honor and global recognition. This promised exaltation, however, is not a unilateral declaration but a consequence of their faithful obedience to God's covenant. The triad of "praise, name, and honor" paints a picture of Israel becoming a living testimony among the nations, admired not for military might or economic prowess (though these could follow), but for the wisdom and blessing evident in their unique relationship with the true God. This outward glory stems from an inward reality: being a "holy people" (עם קָדוֹשׁ, am qadosh). This core identity—separated by God, consecrated to Him, and living by His distinct laws—is what would set them apart. Their holiness would be the magnetic draw, attracting the world's attention and ultimately leading them to glorify the Lord. The phrase "as he has spoken" anchors this promise firmly in God's faithfulness, reminding Israel that their destiny is secured by the unchanging character of their covenant God, provided they uphold their end of the agreement. This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant: Israel's obedience results in God's faithfulness to His promise, leading to their exalted position as a beacon for divine glory among humanity.