Deuteronomy 4:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

Complete Jewish Bible:

For what great nation is there that has God as close to them as ADONAI our God is, whenever we call on him?

Berean Standard Bible:

For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?

American Standard Version:

For what great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh unto them, as Jehovah our God is whensoever we call upon him?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For what nation^{H1471} is there so great^{H1419}, who hath God^{H430} so nigh^{H7138} unto them, as the LORD^{H3068} our God^{H430} is in all things that we call^{H7121} upon him for?

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 4:7

Deuteronomy 4:7 is part of Moses' second discourse to the Israelites, which is set in the plains of Moab just before they are to enter the Promised Land. This verse reflects on the unique relationship between the Israelites and God, emphasizing several key themes:

1. **Divine proximity**: The verse highlights the exceptional nature of the Israelites' relationship with God, who is described as being near to them. This proximity is both physical, in terms of His guidance through the pillar of cloud and fire, and spiritual, through His readiness to respond when they call upon Him.

2. **Covenantal relationship**: Israel is depicted as a nation chosen by God to be in a special covenantal relationship. This relationship is characterized by God's active involvement in their lives and His expectation of their loyalty and obedience in return.

3. **God's accessibility**: The verse suggests that the Israelites have direct access to God through prayer and invocation. This accessibility is a cornerstone of their faith, setting them apart from other nations who do not have such an intimate connection with the divine.

4. **Monotheism**: The verse underscores the monotheistic nature of Israelite religion, contrasting the singular God of Israel with the multiple deities worshipped by other nations.

5. **National pride and identity**: Deuteronomy 4:7 serves to instill a sense of pride and identity in the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering Canaan. It is a reminder of their unique status as God's chosen people and the blessings that come with that status.

6. **Historical context**: Historically, this verse is part of the broader Deuteronomic Code, which reflects the religious reforms and theological perspectives of the 7th century BCE. It is a period when the worship of Yahweh was being centralized and other cultic practices were being marginalized, emphasizing the singularity and supremacy of Yahweh.

In summary, Deuteronomy 4:7 is a declaration of the distinctive nature of Israel's relationship with God, emphasizing His nearness, the mutual obligations of the covenant, the accessibility of the divine, and the monotheistic foundation of their faith, all of which contribute to the formation of Israel's national identity on the eve of their entry into the Promised Land.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1471
   There are 511 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גּוֹי
   Transliteration: gôwy
   Pronunciation: go'-ee
   Description: rarely (shortened) גֹּי; apparently from the same root as גֵּוָה (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts; Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1419
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּדוֹל
   Transliteration: gâdôwl
   Pronunciation: gaw-dole'
   Description: or גָּדֹל; (shortened) from גָּדַל; great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent; [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very.
   
3. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7138
   There are 76 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרוֹב
   Transliteration: qârôwb
   Pronunciation: kaw-robe'
   Description: or קָרֹב; from קָרַב; near (in place, kindred or time); allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly).
   
5. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.