Deuteronomy 6:4

KJV

¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, O Israel {H3478}: The LORD {H3068} our God {H430} is one {H259} LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Sh'ma, Yisra'el! ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, Isra'el! ADONAI our God, ADONAI is one];

Berean Standard Bible

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.

American Standard Version

Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:4, famously known as the *Shema Yisrael* ("Hear, O Israel"), stands as the foundational declaration of monotheistic faith for Israel and a cornerstone of biblical theology. This profound verse articulates the unique, singular nature of the LORD, calling His people to an exclusive and undivided allegiance that sets them apart from all other nations and their polytheistic practices. It succinctly encapsulates the essence of God's identity and demands a responsive, wholehearted devotion from His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:4 is situated within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy itself serves as a covenant renewal document, a passionate retelling and re-emphasis of the Law given at Sinai, designed to prepare the new generation for life in the land. Chapters [Deuteronomy 5-11](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5-11 - Moses' Exhortation to Obedience") form a crucial section, beginning with a restatement of the Ten Commandments in [Deuteronomy 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments Restated") and leading into the profound call to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). The *Shema* (Deuteronomy 6:4) acts as the theological premise for this command, establishing *who* Israel is to love and *why* their love must be exclusive. It is the bedrock upon which all subsequent commands and exhortations in Deuteronomy are built.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a critical juncture, poised to enter Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures and idol worship. The surrounding nations, such as the Canaanites, worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, often associated with natural forces, fertility, or specific localities. In this religious landscape, the declaration of "The LORD our God is one LORD" was not merely a theological statement but a radical, counter-cultural mandate. It demanded a complete break from syncretism and a singular focus on Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This declaration served as a constant identifier for Israel, distinguishing them from their neighbors and safeguarding their covenant relationship with the one true God, preventing the adoption of foreign deities and their associated immoral practices.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:4 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Absolute Monotheism**, asserting that there is only one God, Yahweh, who is utterly unique and incomparable. This is not merely a numerical singularity but a statement of His indivisible nature and exclusive claim to worship, directly countering the prevailing polytheism of the ancient Near East. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Uniqueness and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is not just *a* god but *the* only God, establishing His supreme authority over all creation and all other purported deities. Furthermore, the imperative "Hear" (Hebrew: *Shema*) introduces the theme of **Responsive Obedience**, signifying a call to active listening, understanding, internalizing, and ultimately, acting upon God's word. This deep hearing is foundational to the covenant relationship and is inextricably linked to the command to love God wholeheartedly in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). The *Shema* thus serves as the **Foundation of Israel's Identity and Faith**, providing the theological bedrock for their distinctiveness and their relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _Shema'_):** This imperative verb is far more profound than simply perceiving sound with the ears. In biblical Hebrew, *shema* implies an attentive, intelligent, and responsive listening that leads to obedience. It encompasses understanding, internalizing, and acting upon what is heard. Thus, "Hear, O Israel" is a call to not just intellectual assent but to a transformative, obedient engagement with God's truth.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah" and typically translated as "LORD" (in all caps) in English Bibles. It speaks to God's eternal, self-existent nature ("I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Declaration")). In Deuteronomy 6:4, the repetition of YHWH ("The LORD our God is one LORD") emphasizes His unique identity as the covenant-keeping God of Israel, distinct from all other deities.
* **one (Hebrew, _Echad'_):** This Hebrew word for "one" (אֶחָד) is crucial. While it certainly denotes numerical singularity, it often carries the connotation of a "compound unity" or a "collective oneness," rather than absolute, isolated singularity. For instance, in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Become One Flesh"), a man and woman become "one flesh" (*basar echad*), indicating a unified yet distinct plurality. Similarly, a cluster of grapes can be described as *echad*. In the context of Deuteronomy 6:4, *echad* primarily affirms God's absolute uniqueness and indivisibility in contrast to the many gods of the surrounding cultures. However, its nuanced meaning has allowed for later theological development, particularly in Christian Trinitarian doctrine, which posits a unified Godhead comprising three distinct persons.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, O Israel:"**: This opening phrase is an urgent, direct address from Moses to the entire nation, emphasizing the critical importance of the message that follows. It is an imperative call to attentive listening and responsive obedience, setting the stage for the foundational declaration of faith.
* **"The LORD our God"**: This identifies the specific God to whom Israel owes allegiance. "The LORD" (YHWH) is the personal, covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and relationship with Israel. "our God" (Eloheinu) emphasizes the intimate, possessive relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, underscoring their unique status as His covenant nation.
* **"[is] one LORD:"**: This is the climactic declaration, asserting the absolute singularity and unique nature of Yahweh. It is a powerful statement of monotheism, distinguishing Yahweh from all other gods and demanding exclusive worship and devotion. The repetition of "LORD" (YHWH) further emphasizes His singular identity and supreme authority.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Declaration**, as the verse states a fundamental theological truth about God's nature. The opening phrase, "Hear, O Israel," is an example of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, here the nation of Israel, drawing them into immediate engagement with the text. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Hear" underscores the urgency and mandatory nature of the command. The repetition of the divine name, "The LORD our God [is] one LORD," serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses), reinforcing the singular identity and authority of Yahweh. This repetition is not redundant but rather a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the absolute uniqueness and indivisibility of God. The entire verse functions as a **Creed** or **Confession of Faith**, designed to be recited, memorized, and internalized, shaping the identity and worldview of the Israelite people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration of God's oneness in Deuteronomy 6:4 is a foundational truth that reverberates throughout the entire biblical narrative, serving as the bedrock for all subsequent commands and theological understandings. It establishes the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh, directly informing the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), which prohibits having any other gods before Him. This absolute monotheism distinguishes Israel from all other nations and their polytheistic practices, emphasizing God's unique sovereignty and His sole claim to allegiance. Jesus Himself affirmed the paramount importance of the *Shema*, quoting it as the [greatest commandment](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - Jesus Quotes the Shema") when asked by a scribe, linking it inextricably with the command to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Apostle Paul, in the New Testament, continues to uphold this truth, reminding believers that [there is "one God, the Father"](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, the Father") from whom all things come, reinforcing the consistency of this core theological tenet across both testaments.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment Against Other Gods")
* [Mark 12:29](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - Jesus Affirms the Shema as the Greatest Commandment")
* [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - Paul's Declaration of One God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:4 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a constant and urgent call to absolute devotion and undivided loyalty to the one true God. In a world characterized by competing allegiances, distractions, and subtle forms of idolatry—whether it be the pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, or even self-worship—the *Shema* challenges us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies. It compels us to recognize God's unique and singular nature, demanding that He hold the supreme place in our hearts, minds, and lives. This foundational truth encourages a unified and focused worship, reminding us that we serve the same incomparable Lord, fostering unity within the body of Christ. Furthermore, internalizing the *Shema* provides a robust theological framework for understanding God's character and attributes, shaping our worldview and guiding our interpretation of His Word. Just as the Israelites were commanded to bind these words as signs on their hands and as frontlets between their eyes ([Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Keeping God's Words Visible")), we are called to keep God's oneness and His commands at the forefront of our daily thoughts and actions, allowing this truth to permeate every aspect of our existence and inform our every decision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" or competing allegiances might be subtly demanding your devotion in today's world, challenging the singularity of the LORD in your life?**
* **How does the call to "Hear" (Shema) in this verse challenge your understanding of listening and obedience in your walk with God?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate undivided loyalty to the "one LORD" in your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word "echad" (one) in Deuteronomy 6:4, and how does it relate to Christian theology?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *echad* (אֶחָד) in Deuteronomy 6:4, translated as "one," signifies not merely a numerical singularity but often a "compound unity" or "collective oneness." While it unequivocally declares God's absolute uniqueness and indivisibility in contrast to the polytheistic deities of the ancient world, its nuanced meaning allows for a profound theological understanding. For example, in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Become One Flesh"), a man and woman become "one flesh" (*basar echad*), highlighting a unity composed of distinct individuals. This concept of a unified yet complex oneness has been a significant point of discussion in Christian theology, particularly in the development of the doctrine of the Trinity. While Deuteronomy 6:4 primarily emphasizes monotheism, the nature of *echad* does not preclude the later revelation of God as a unified being existing in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a concept fully developed in the New Testament. It affirms God's singular essence while allowing for internal distinctions within the Godhead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:4, with its emphatic declaration of the "one LORD," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the *Shema* powerfully asserts the singular nature of God, the New Testament reveals this one God as a Triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus, as the [Son of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is explicitly identified as God in passages like [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") ("the Word was God") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ") ("in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form"). His life, death, and resurrection perfectly embody the undivided loyalty and love demanded by the *Shema*, as He perfectly loved and obeyed the Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, Christ Himself affirmed the *Shema* as the [greatest commandment](/mark/12-29-30 "Mark 12:29-30 - Jesus on the Greatest Commandment"), demonstrating that true worship of the "one LORD" is expressed through loving God with all one's being and loving one's neighbor as oneself. Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out this radical devotion to the one God, fulfilling the spirit of the *Shema* not merely as an external command but as an internal transformation that aligns their hearts with the Triune God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 12:29

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Mark 12:32

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Isaiah 45:6

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else.

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.