CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/14-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/05_Deu_14_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 14:2 - Clean and Unclean Animals" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/14-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/14-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm" title="Deuteronomy 14:1">◄</a> Deuteronomy 14:2 <a href="/deuteronomy/14-3.htm" title="Deuteronomy 14:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/14.htm">New International Version</a> for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/14.htm">King James Bible</a> For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/14.htm">New King James Version</a> For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> for you are a holy people [set apart] to the LORD your God; and the LORD has chosen you out of all the peoples who are on the earth to be a people for His own possession. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> for you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be his own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> for you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.&#8221 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God, and Jehovah hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Out of all the nations on this earth, the LORD your God chose you to be his own. You belong to the LORD, so don't behave like those who worship other gods. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You are people who are holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the people who live on earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his own special possession. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> You belong to the LORD your God; he has chosen you to be his own people from among all the peoples who live on earth. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> because you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD chose to make you his precious possession from among all the peoples of the earth." <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/14.htm">NET Bible</a> For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. He has chosen you to be his people, prized above all others on the face of the earth. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For thou art a holy people to the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people to himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/14.htm">World English Bible</a> For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for you [are] a holy people to your God YHWH, and YHWH has fixed on you to be to Him for a people, a peculiar treasure, out of all the peoples who [are] on the face of the ground. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for a holy people art thou to Jehovah thy God, and on thee hath Jehovah fixed to be to Him for a people, a peculiar treasure, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the ground. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For thou a holy people to Jehovah thy God, and Jehovah chose in thee to be to him for a people of acquisition above all people which are upon the face of the earth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God: and he chose thee to be his peculiar people of all nations that are upon the earth. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you are a holy people, for the Lord your God. And he chose you, so that you may be a people particularly his, out of all the nations on earth. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/14.htm">New American Bible</a> For you are a people holy to the LORD, your God; the LORD, your God, has chosen you from all the peoples on the face of the earth to be a people specially his own. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For you are a people holy to the LORD your God; it is you the LORD has chosen out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a beloved people to himself, above all the peoples that are on the face of the earth. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because you are holy people to LORD JEHOVAH your God and LORD JEHOVAH your God chose you that you would be the most beloved people to him of all of the nations upon the face of the Earth.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For thou art a holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be His own treasure out of all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God, and the Lord thy God has chosen thee to be a peculiar people to himself of all the nations on the face of the earth. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=4101" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/14.htm">Clean and Unclean Animals</a> 1You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, 2<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">are a people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qā·ḏō·wōš (Adj-ms) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/ū·ḇə·ḵā (Conj-w:: Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bā·ḥar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">has chosen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: lih·yō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">you to be</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: lə·‘am (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">a people</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for His</a> <a href="/hebrew/5459.htm" title="5459: sə·ḡul·lāh (N-fs) -- Possession, property. Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth.">prized possession</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">out of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘am·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the peoples</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the face</a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: hā·’ă·ḏā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">of the earth.</a> 3You must not eat any detestable thing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a> Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a> He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. <a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Leviticus 20:26</a> You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. <a href="/isaiah/62-12.htm">Isaiah 62:12</a> And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of The LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-20.htm">1 Corinthians 6:20</a> you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Malachi 3:17</a> “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a> For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm">Psalm 135:4</a> For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. <a href="/isaiah/43-21.htm">Isaiah 43:21</a> The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/jeremiah/2-3.htm">Jeremiah 2:3</a> Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her were found guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16-18</a> What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” / “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” / And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” <a href="/amos/3-2.htm">Amos 3:2</a> “Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you are an holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a peculiar people to himself, above all the nations that are on the earth.<a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21</a> Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.<a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a> 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/26-18.htm">Deuteronomy 26:18,19</a> And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/12-21.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-26.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Peculiar</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-7.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-29.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-6.htm">Special</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Treasured</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-6.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-18.htm">Peculiar</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-4.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-18.htm">Special</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-18.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-18.htm">Treasured</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 14</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">God's children are not to disfigure themselves in mourning</a> 3. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-3.htm">What may and may not be eaten</a> 4. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-4.htm">of animals</a> 9. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-9.htm">of fishes</a> 11. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-11.htm">of fowls</a> 21. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-21.htm">That which dies of itself may not be eaten</a> 22. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-22.htm">Tithes of Divine Service</a> 23. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-23.htm">Tithes and firstborns to be eaten before the Lord</a> 28. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-28.htm">The third year's tithe of alms and charity</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. This phrase emphasizes the concept of holiness, which means being set apart for a special purpose. In the context of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are reminded of their unique relationship with God. Holiness involves both moral purity and a distinct identity. The Israelites were to reflect God's character and live according to His commandments. This idea of being set apart is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy (<a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>). The holiness of the Israelites also foreshadows the holiness of the Church, the body of Christ, which is called to be distinct from the world.The LORD has chosen you The concept of divine election is central here. God's choice of Israel was not based on their merit but on His sovereign will and love (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-7.htm">Deuteronomy 7:7-8</a>). This election is a theme throughout the Bible, seen in God's choice of individuals like Abraham and David, and later in the New Testament with the election of believers (<a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4-5</a>). This choice underscores God's initiative in establishing a covenant relationship with His people, highlighting His grace and purpose.to be a people for His prized possession This phrase indicates a special relationship between God and Israel, where they are considered His treasured possession. This is reminiscent of <a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5</a>, where God calls Israel a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." The term "prized possession" suggests value and care, indicating that God holds His people in high regard. This relationship is not just about privilege but also responsibility, as Israel is to live in a way that honors God. In the New Testament, believers are described as God's possession, called to declare His praises (<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>).out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. This highlights the universal scope of God's sovereignty and His specific choice of Israel among all nations. It underscores the uniqueness of Israel's calling and mission. While God is the Creator of all, He chose Israel to be the vehicle through which He would reveal Himself to the world. This selection is part of the unfolding plan of redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to all nations (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>). The phrase also points to the future gathering of all peoples under Christ's lordship, as seen in <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9</a>, where a multitude from every nation worships before the throne.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, set apart to be holy and distinct from other nations. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God who has chosen Israel as His special possession. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a> The land given to the Israelites, where they are to live out their calling as a holy nation. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader and prophet who delivers God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a> The agreement between God and Israel, establishing them as His people and outlining their responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/holiness_as_a_calling.htm">Holiness as a Calling</a> As God's chosen people, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness. This involves being distinct in our values, actions, and relationships. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_choice.htm">Understanding Divine Choice</a> Recognize that being chosen by God is a privilege that comes with responsibility. It is not based on merit but on God's sovereign grace. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_god's_prized_possession.htm">Living as God's Prized Possession</a> Embrace your identity as God's treasured possession, which should inspire confidence and purpose in your daily life. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience.htm">The Role of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's commands is a response to His choosing us. It is an expression of our love and commitment to Him. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_identity.htm">Community and Identity</a> As part of God's people, we are called to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another in our walk of faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 14</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'peculiar_people'_mean.htm">What does "Peculiar People" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_deuteronomy_14_8_ban_pork.htm">Deuteronomy 14:8 forbids eating pork, but it is consumed safely today. What is the rationale behind this prohibition? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_deut._14_21_align_with_bible_ethics.htm">Deuteronomy 14:21 allows selling meat that dies of itself to foreigners. How does this reconcile with moral and compassionate principles elsewhere in the Bible? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_purity_laws_differ_from_mark_7_19.htm">Why do these verses prescribe certain purity laws for ancient Israel that seem inconsistent with Jesus’s teachings in Mark 7:19?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) For thou art an holy people.--This verse is repeated from <a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm" title="For you are an holy people to the LORD your God: the LORD your God has chosen you to be a special people to himself, above all people that are on the face of the earth.">Deuteronomy 7:6</a>, word for word, except the "and," which is added here. In the former passage, the principle is made the ground for destroying all monuments of idolatry in the land of Israel. Here it is made the basis of outward personal dignity and purity. This recalls the arrangement of the Book of Leviticus somewhat forcibly. The laws of ceremonial holiness stand first in that book, before the law of yearly atonement. Then follow the laws of moral holiness. But the principle and ground of all these laws is the same: "Ye shall be holy, for I am holy, and ye are Mine."Nations.--Rather, peoples. The commonwealth of Israel and its institutions are contrasted with other states and their institutions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - (Cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">Deuteronomy 7:6</a>.) The reason assigned here is an emphatic expansion of the statement in ver. 1. <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you אַתָּ֔ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are a holy קָדוֹשׁ֙ (qā·ḏō·wōš) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary people עַ֤ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock belonging to the LORD לַיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God. אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative The LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has chosen בָּחַ֣ר (bā·ḥar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> To try, select you to be לִֽהְי֥וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be His prized possession סְגֻלָּ֔ה (sə·ḡul·lāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5459.htm">Strong's 5459: </a> Possession, property out of all מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the peoples לְעַ֣ם (lə·‘am) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the face פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the earth. הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> Ground, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 14:2 For you are a holy people (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 14:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 14:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 14:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 14:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>