Deuteronomy 4 6

Deuteronomy 4:6 kjv

Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Deuteronomy 4:6 nkjv

Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'

Deuteronomy 4:6 niv

Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."

Deuteronomy 4:6 esv

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'

Deuteronomy 4:6 nlt

Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, 'How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!'

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 6 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:6 conveys that Israel's diligent observance and active practice of God's statutes and judgments would be visible proof of their exceptional wisdom and understanding to the surrounding nations. This obedience, stemming from their divine covenant, would lead other peoples to recognize Israel as a uniquely blessed and insightful nation, thereby bringing glory to God. It highlights that true wisdom is not inherent intelligence but faithful adherence to God's revealed will, resulting in a righteous and prosperous society that serves as a testament to His character.

Deuteronomy 4 6 Context

Deuteronomy 4:6 is situated within Moses' impassioned discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. The immediate context, particularly Deuteronomy 4:1-5, emphasizes the critical importance of keeping the Lord's statutes and rules, adding nothing to them and taking nothing from them. Moses is reminding the people of their covenant obligations established at Mount Horeb (Sinai) and urging them to obey for the sake of their life and possession of the land.

Historically and culturally, Israel stood unique among ancient Near Eastern nations. Their law code, delivered directly from Yahweh, emphasized monotheism, justice, mercy, and a direct covenant relationship, profoundly differing from the polytheistic, often arbitrary, and sometimes oppressive laws of their neighbors (e.g., Hammurabi's Code). This verse posits Israel's faithful adherence to these divine laws as the ultimate public demonstration of God's wisdom through their nation. It indirectly challenges the "wisdom" derived from human ingenuity, idol worship, or self-serving political systems prevalent among other peoples, affirming that true wisdom originates from the divine.

Deuteronomy 4 6 Word analysis

• Keep them therefore and do them:
  • Keep them (Hebrew: שָׁמַר, shamar): Signifies guarding, observing, preserving, watching over carefully. It implies not just mental assent or passive knowledge, but an active, diligent vigilance against corruption or neglect.
  • and do them (Hebrew: עָשָׂה, asah): Refers to performance, active obedience, carrying out the commandments. It highlights the practical application of the statutes, emphasizing action over mere intellectual understanding. Together, "keep and do" represent a comprehensive obedience – remembering, guarding, and performing God's will.
• for this is your wisdom and your understanding:
  • This: Refers back directly to the "statutes and judgments" previously mentioned (Dt 4:5) and, by extension, the entire body of the Law.
  • Wisdom (Hebrew: חָכְמָה, chochmah): Encompasses practical skill, sound judgment, good sense, and often, the ability to live successfully and righteously according to divine principles. It's not mere intellectual capacity, but "skill in living."
  • Understanding (Hebrew: בִּינָה, binah): Refers to discernment, insight, the ability to distinguish, separate, and grasp the meaning of things. It's the faculty to interpret and apply wisdom correctly. Both terms suggest a deep, functional intelligence applied to life that would be evident to outsiders.
• in the sight of the peoples:
  • in the sight of: Highlights the public and demonstrable nature of Israel's obedience. Their actions and the resulting national life would be observed externally.
  • the peoples: Refers to the surrounding nations and pagan cultures who would observe Israel's unique way of life.
• who shall hear all these statutes: The nations would not only witness the outcome of Israel's obedience but also become aware of the divine laws that governed their lives. This suggests an influence beyond mere observation.
• and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.':
  • Say: Implies an verbal declaration of recognition and admiration from the Gentile nations.
  • Surely: Emphasizes a firm conviction, an undeniable conclusion drawn from observation.
  • this great nation (Hebrew: גּוֹי גָּדוֹל, goy gadol): Refers to Israel, recalling the Abrahamic promise of a great nation (Gen 12:2). This "greatness" is demonstrated not by military might alone, but by a moral and judicial superiority derived from God's law. The nations would recognize Israel's societal order, justice, and prosperity as stemming from profound wisdom, rather than mere human ingenuity.
  • wise and understanding people: Reinforces the earlier assertion, framing Israel's reputation to the world.

Deuteronomy 4 6 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a core theological concept often referred to as Israel's "witness vocation" or "missional purpose." Their existence was meant to attract others to the one true God, not primarily through evangelistic programs, but through the observable quality of their lives and society as governed by divine law. It links external respect and influence directly to internal covenant fidelity. The wisdom Israel possesses is unique because it is divinely revealed, unlike the wisdom of other nations which is earth-bound or derived from human philosophy or false gods. This wisdom is designed to build a functioning, just, and distinct society, acting as a "city on a hill." It highlights that God's character (His wisdom and justice) is made evident through the way His people live when they faithfully follow His instruction.

Deuteronomy 4 6 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:6 serves as a powerful missional statement within Moses' covenant address. It asserts that Israel's obedience to God's commandments is not merely for their internal spiritual benefit or physical survival, but has a crucial outward dimension. Their faithful adherence would elevate them as a beacon among nations, a living demonstration of the superior wisdom that emanates from the Lord God. This wisdom manifests not as abstract philosophical knowledge, but as practical righteousness, societal justice, and national well-being, directly stemming from their divine law. The outcome of such obedience is a God-honoring reputation where external observers would attribute Israel's success and stability to their profound understanding, implicitly acknowledging the greatness of the God who gave them these perfect statutes. The verse underscores that true wisdom lies in heeding God's Word, and that such living wisdom naturally bears fruit visible to the world, testifying to the divine source of that wisdom. For believers today, this echoes the call to let our light shine, displaying good works that prompt others to glorify God (Matt 5:16).