Deuteronomy 7:6
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Israel is called a "treasured possession" not because they were inherently valuable, but because God decided to cherish them, much like a king valuing a rare jewel above all else in his kingdom. This divine "choice" means their worth isn't based on their performance, but on God's devoted affection and purpose for them.
“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is about to instruct the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations living in the land He's giving them, forbidding any alliances or intermarriage. This verse serves as the foundational reason why such drastic separation is necessary: Israel is set apart, chosen by God as His own precious possession. This unique relationship with God demands a lifestyle distinct from the surrounding idolatrous cultures.
The word 'holy' often sounds distant or abstract, but here it's a core part of God's identity for Israel. What does it truly mean to be holy?
In Deuteronomy 7:6, Israel is called a "holy people." This doesn't mean they were sinless or morally perfect. Instead, 'holy' (from a Hebrew root meaning 'to cut off' or 'to separate') signifies being set apart from everyone else.
Separated unto God
God didn't just choose Israel; He chose them to be something incredibly valuable to Him. What does this "treasured possession" status mean?
The verse calls Israel God's 'treasured possession' (in Hebrew, ). This isn't just about being 'chosen' in a general sense; it signifies a unique, intimate, and valuable relationship.
Ask a follow-up
More Than Just Election
Understand the original words
qādôš · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated specifically to God for His purposes and service. It implies a state of moral purity and belonging exclusively to the LORD.
bāḥar · Hebrew Verb
The divine act of selecting or electing individuals or a people for a specific purpose or relationship. In scripture, this is rooted in God’s sovereign grace rather than the merit of the chosen party.
segullâ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to something uniquely valuable, a special treasure or property held in high regard by the owner. In this context, it describes Israel’s unique status as God's own special people.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy 7:6 directly, calling believers a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God' to declare His praises. It shows how this concept of a 'holy, chosen people' extends from ancient Israel to the New Testament church.
Exodus 19:5-6This earlier passage lays the groundwork for the idea of Israel as God's special possession, stating they would be His 'treasured possession among all peoples' if they obeyed Him. Deuteronomy 7:6 builds on this by stating it as a foundational truth for their identity and obedience.
Malachi 3:17This verse refers to God's people as His 'special possession' on the day He makes up His treasured jewels. It highlights God's perspective on His people, seeing them as precious and uniquely valuable, much like Deuteronomy describes them as a 'treasured possession'.
Isaiah 43:20-21Here, God declares He has prepared water for the wilderness and rivers in the desert, providing for 'my people, my chosen' whom He formed for Himself to declare His praise. This shows God's active role in sustaining and cherishing His chosen people, aligning with the idea of them being His special possession.
Titus 2:14Paul describes Jesus as giving Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. This New Testament passage uses similar language ('people for His own possession') to describe the church's identity in Christ, echoing the Old Testament concept.
clarkeDeuteronomy 7:6: "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."
Thou art a holy people - And therefore should have no connection with the workers of iniquity. A special people - סגלה segullah, - Septuagint, λαον περιουσιον, - a peculiar people, a private property. The words as they stand in the Septuagint are quoted by the apostle, 1 Peter 2:9.
pooleDeuteronomy 7:6: "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."
No text from Poole on this verse.
Israel is called a "treasured possession" not because they were inherently valuable, but because God decided to cherish them, much like a king valuing a rare jewel above all else in his kingdom. This divine "choice" means their worth isn't based on their performance, but on God's devoted affection and purpose for them.
God is about to instruct the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations living in the land He's giving them, forbidding any alliances or intermarriage. This verse serves as the foundational reason why such drastic separation is necessary: Israel is set apart, chosen by God as His own precious possession. This unique relationship with God demands a lifestyle distinct from the surrounding idolatrous cultures.
God is about to instruct the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations living in the land He's giving them, forbidding any alliances or intermarriage. This verse serves as the foundational reason why such drastic separation is necessary: Israel is set apart, chosen by God as His own precious possession. This unique relationship with God demands a lifestyle distinct from the surrounding idolatrous cultures.
"“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." — Israel is called a "treasured possession" not because they were inherently valuable, but because God decided to cherish them, much like a king valuing a rare jewel above all else in his kingdom. Th…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
