Deuteronomy 26 8

Deuteronomy 26:8 kjv

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

Deuteronomy 26:8 nkjv

So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26:8 niv

So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26:8 esv

And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26:8 nlt

So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders.

Deuteronomy 26 verses

Deuteronomy 26 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 26:8 succinctly encapsulates Israel's foundational redemption narrative, affirming that the Lord, by His own powerful hand, delivered them from the bondage of Egypt. It describes this divine act using a series of impactful terms: "mighty hand," "outstretched arm," "great terror," "signs," and "wonders," emphasizing the overwhelming demonstration of God's sovereign power over human opposition and pagan deities, all leading to Israel's freedom. This verse is a statement of God's decisive intervention, forming the basis for Israel's gratitude and their offering of firstfruits.

Deuteronomy 26 8 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 26 belongs to the section of the book (Deut 12-26) which contains the detailed exposition of God's laws given at Mount Horeb. Specifically, verses 1-11 describe the offering of the firstfruits of the land. When an Israelite enters the promised land and gathers the first harvest, they are commanded to bring it to the priest and recite a declaration. This declaration (Deut 26:5-10) is a condensed creed, a historical liturgy, recounting God's covenant faithfulness. Verse 8, "And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders," is a core part of this confessional remembrance, linking Israel's present blessings to God's past redemptive work. It grounds their gratitude and worship in the tangible, miraculous reality of their national origin, underscoring that their possession of the land is solely by God's grace and power, not their own might. This historical recount serves as the basis for Israel's unique identity as a chosen people delivered by the mighty acts of God.

Deuteronomy 26 8 Word analysis

• And the LORD: (וַיֹּצִאֵ֞נוּ יְהוָ֤ה - Vayyotzi'enu Adonai) The Hebrew term for LORD is YHWH (Yahweh), the personal, covenantal name of God. This emphasizes that it was the specific God of Israel, not any general deity or force, who acted. It highlights His personal involvement and power in their deliverance, setting Him apart from the impersonal forces worshipped by other nations.
• brought us out: (וַיֹּצִאֵ֞נוּ - vayyotzi'enu) This verb means "He led us out," "He caused us to come out." It signifies divine agency. God was the active agent, initiating and accomplishing their liberation, highlighting Israel's complete inability to free themselves.
• of Egypt: (מִמִּצְרַ֗יִם - mimmitzrayim) The land of slavery and bondage. This specifies the location from which God redeemed His people, highlighting the contrast between the oppressor's domain and God's promised land of freedom. It points to a literal, historical event.
• with a mighty hand: (בְּיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ - b'yad chazakah)
  • Yad: Hand, often a metaphor for power, strength, or active intervention.
  • Chazakah: Strong, mighty, firm, severe.
  • This is a common anthropomorphism used throughout the Torah to describe God's overwhelming power. It speaks of divine authority and capability, particularly in exercising judgment or performing deliverance. It implies irresistible force and total control.
• and an outstretched arm: (וּבִזְרֹ֤עַ נְטוּיָה֙ - uvizro'a netuyah)
  • Zero'a: Arm, foreleg. Also symbolizes strength and power, especially in battle or exertion.
  • Netuyah: Stretched out, extended.
  • This phrase, often paired with "mighty hand," depicts God ready for battle, reaching out to strike or to pull. It signifies the exertion of power, unhindered and fully applied, in opposition to an enemy (Pharaoh and Egypt) or in protection of His people. This vivid image directly challenged the perceived might of Pharaoh and the impotency of his many gods (polemic). The Egyptian deities could not "stretch out their arm" to defend their land against God's power.
• and with great terror: (וּבְמוֹרָ֣א גָדֹ֔ל - uv'mora gadol)
  • Mora: Fear, dread, awe. It can imply the effect of awe-inspiring power, a fear that subjugates or intimidates.
  • Gadol: Great, much, severe.
  • This refers to the awe, dread, or reverence inspired by God's powerful deeds in Egypt (e.g., the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea). It was not just fear for Israel, but fear instilled in their enemies, forcing Pharaoh's hand and causing the Egyptians to dread the God of Israel. It also highlights the holy fear that should accompany divine encounter, challenging the nonchalance with which pagan gods were sometimes approached.
• and with signs: (וּבְאֹתֹ֖ת - uv'otot)
  • Ot: Sign, token, miracle, warning.
  • These are events with specific meaning or symbolic value, demonstrating divine power and providing proof of God's active involvement. They serve to authenticate God's messengers and messages. The plagues were both signs and judgments, clearly indicating God's identity and power. This contrasts with Egyptian magical practices which, though deceptive, lacked the genuine divine power of God's signs.
• and wonders: (וּבְמֹֽפְתִֽים׃ - uv'moftim)
  • Mophet: Wonder, miracle, omen, astounding deed.
  • These are actions that defy natural explanation, meant to inspire awe and astonish, serving as divine testimonials. Often paired with "signs," they confirm the extraordinary nature of God's work. They further served as direct refutations of Egyptian polytheism, showcasing YHWH's absolute sovereignty over creation and all perceived lesser gods. Pharaoh's magicians could not replicate all of God's "wonders," acknowledging the "finger of God" (Exod 8:19).

Deuteronomy 26 8 Bonus section

The recitation in Deuteronomy 26 is deeply pedagogical. It ensures that each generation recounts the story of God's redemptive power, making it personal ("brought us out") even though they did not physically experience the Exodus. This continuous remembrance safeguards against forgetfulness and self-sufficiency, ensuring the foundational truth of their divine deliverance remains central to their national consciousness and individual faith. The "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" become standard descriptors for any great act of deliverance by God in the Bible, signifying both His sovereign authority and active care for His people. This verse thus stands as a prototype of divine salvation, laying the groundwork for understanding greater salvations to come.

Deuteronomy 26 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:8 functions as a central tenet in Israel's confessional identity, serving as a constant reminder of their utterly dependent relationship with the Lord. It’s not merely a historical recount but a theological declaration: Israel’s existence, their freedom, and their very land are solely gifts born of God's overwhelming, irresistible power. The cumulative descriptors – "mighty hand," "outstretched arm," "great terror," "signs," and "wonders" – portray a comprehensive demonstration of divine supremacy. This was God's direct and powerful intervention, overpowering the greatest earthly empire and its pantheon of false gods, proving His singular sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promise. The language is polemical, implicitly rejecting the polytheism and magical beliefs prevalent in Egypt by demonstrating that only YHWH possesses such power. This foundational act of redemption shapes Israel's obligation of worship and obedience, manifested in the offering of firstfruits, acknowledging that all they have comes from God.