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<!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 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/05_Deu_04_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 4:6 - An Exhortation to Obedience" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." /><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/4-6.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/4-6.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 6</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="/ad6.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/4-5.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:5">◄</a> Deuteronomy 4:6 <a href="/deuteronomy/4-7.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:7">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a> Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, &#8220Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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!’ <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.’ <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a> 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.’ <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So keep and do them, for that 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.’ <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, &#8216Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “So keep and do them, for that 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.’ <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You shall keep and do them, for that 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.’ <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So keep and do them, for that 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.’ <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.’ <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, &#8216This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.&#8217 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Faithfully obey these laws. This will show the people of the world your wisdom and insight. When they hear about all these laws, they will say, "What wise and insightful people there are in this great nation!" <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Obey them faithfully, and this will show the people of other nations how wise you are. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, 'What wisdom and understanding this great nation has!' <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Observe them carefully, because this will show your wisdom and discernment in the eyes of people who'll listen to all these decrees. Then they'll say: 'Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people.' <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ?Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.? <a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> So be sure to do them, because this will testify of your wise understanding to the people who will learn of all these statutes and say, "Indeed, this great nation is a very wise people." <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which will hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have kept and done [them] (for it [is] your wisdom and your understanding) before the eyes of the peoples who hear all these statutes, and they have said, Surely a people wise and understanding [is] this great nation. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and ye have kept and done them (for it is your wisdom and your understanding) before the eyes of the peoples who hear all these statutes, and they have said, Only, a people wise and understanding is this great nation. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And watch and do: for it is your wisdom and your understanding before the eyes of the peoples who shall hear all these laws, and say, Only this great nation a wise and understanding people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And you shall observe, and fulfil them in practice. For this is your wisdom, and understanding in the sight of nations, that hearing all these precepts, they may say: Behold a wise and understanding people, a great nation. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you shall observe and fulfill these in practice. For this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, so that, upon hearing all these precepts, they may say: ‘Lo, a wise and understanding people, a great nation.’ <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people.” <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you shall keep them, 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 will say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall keep and you shall do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding before the eyes of the nations who will hear all of these laws, and they shall say: ‘This great people is wise and learned.’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Observe therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that, when they hear all these statutes, shall say: 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And ye shall keep and do them: for this is your wisdom and understanding before all nations, as many as shall hear all these ordinances; and they shall say, Behold, this great nation is a wise and understanding people. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-6.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=1153" 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/4.htm">An Exhortation to Obedience</a> …5See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess. 6<a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Observe them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: ū·šə·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">carefully,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·maṯ·ḵem (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">will show your wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: ū·ḇî·naṯ·ḵem (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 2mp) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">and understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: lə·‘ê·nê (Prep-l:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in the sight</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.">of 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.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·mə·‘ūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">will hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/2706.htm" title="2706: ha·ḥuq·qîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Something prescribed or owed, a statute. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment.">statutes</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7535.htm" title="7535: raq (Adv) -- The same as raq as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e. limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although.">“Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gā·ḏō·wl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">great</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: hag·gō·w (Art:: N-ms) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nation</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">is a wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: wə·nā·ḇō·wn (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">and understanding</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.">people.”</a> 7For 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?…<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="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a> but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! <a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a> in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a> O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</a> And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ... <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a> For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a> Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. <a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Isaiah 33:6</a> He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.this is your<a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.<a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a> The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.<a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Surely<a href="/1_kings/4-34.htm">1 Kings 4:34</a> And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.<a href="/1_kings/10-6.htm">1 Kings 10:6-9</a> And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom… <a href="/psalms/119-99.htm">Psalm 119:99</a> I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/10-16.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-19.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-4.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/numbers/29-12.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/genesis/42-23.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-24.htm">Show</a> <a href="/numbers/33-3.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-35.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-13.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/exodus/36-2.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-35.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-14.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-27.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-14.htm">Laws</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-7.htm">Nation</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Show</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/judges/15-2.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a> 41. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a> 44. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</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'; 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In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is reiterating the laws given to the Israelites. This careful observance is not just about legalistic adherence but a heartfelt commitment to God's covenant. The Hebrew word for "observe" implies guarding or keeping, suggesting a protective and diligent attitude towards God's commandments. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience as a demonstration of faith, seen in passages like <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a>, which calls believers to be doers of the word.for this will show your wisdom and understanding The wisdom and understanding referenced here are not merely intellectual but are deeply spiritual, rooted in the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The Israelites' adherence to God's laws was meant to set them apart from other nations, showcasing a divine wisdom that surpasses human understanding. This wisdom is a type of Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>. The laws were a foreshadowing of the perfect wisdom embodied in Jesus.in the sight of the peoples The phrase "in the sight of the peoples" indicates that Israel's obedience was meant to be a testimony to the surrounding nations. This public display of faithfulness was intended to draw others to the knowledge of the one true God. The geographical context of Israel, situated at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, made it a strategic location for such a witness. This anticipates the New Testament call for believers to be a light to the world (<a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>).who will hear of all these statutes The statutes refer to the detailed laws given to Israel, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects. The hearing of these statutes by other nations suggests that Israel's reputation would spread beyond its borders. Historically, Israel's unique legal system, which included provisions for justice, mercy, and social welfare, was unlike any other in the ancient Near East. This distinctiveness was meant to provoke curiosity and admiration among other peoples.and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” The acknowledgment by other nations that Israel is a "great nation" highlights the intended impact of their obedience. This greatness is not due to military might or economic power but is attributed to their relationship with God and adherence to His laws. The phrase echoes the Abrahamic promise that through Israel, all nations would be blessed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>). It also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, through whom all nations are invited into the wisdom and understanding of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and commandments to the people. He is the speaker in this passage, urging the Israelites to follow God's statutes. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who are being instructed to observe God's laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a> The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the brink of entering this land. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a> The surrounding peoples who will observe Israel's adherence to God's laws and recognize their wisdom and understanding. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god's_statutes_and_laws.htm">God's Statutes and Laws</a> The commandments given by God to the Israelites, which are meant to guide their conduct and set them apart as a holy nation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Observing God's laws is not just about legalism but about demonstrating wisdom and understanding. Our obedience can be a testimony to others. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_witness.htm">Wisdom as a Witness</a> The way we live out our faith can attract others to God. When we follow His commandments, we reflect His wisdom to the world. <a href="/topical/g/god's_laws_as_a_blessing.htm">God's Laws as a Blessing</a> The statutes given by God are meant to be a blessing, guiding us to live in a way that honors Him and benefits us. <a href="/topical/c/community_impact.htm">Community Impact</a> Our collective obedience as a community of believers can have a powerful impact on those around us, drawing them to inquire about our faith. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a> By living according to God's laws, we reflect His character and holiness, setting us apart as His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a> <a href="/q/is_israel_a_light_to_gentiles.htm">Is Israel a guiding light to the Gentiles?</a> <a href="/q/does_history_support_psalm_67_2's_claim.htm">In Psalm 67:2, does history or archaeology support the claim that all nations will know God’s ways through Israel’s blessings? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'christ_ends_the_law'_mean.htm">What does "Christ is the end of the law" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.--The laws of Jehovah in Israel, and the constant presence of Jehovah with Israel, would make an impression upon the world that it would not be easy to resist. For, he adds, "what nation is there so great, that hath God so nigh unto them?" <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Observe them וַעֲשִׂיתֶם֒ (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make carefully, וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ (ū·šə·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction this הִ֤וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will show your wisdom חָכְמַתְכֶם֙ (ḥā·ḵə·maṯ·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> Wisdom and understanding וּבִ֣ינַתְכֶ֔ם (ū·ḇî·naṯ·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> An understanding in the sight לְעֵינֵ֖י (lə·‘ê·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - cdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain of the peoples, הָעַמִּ֑ים (hā·‘am·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that shall hear יִשְׁמְע֗וּן (yiš·mə·‘ūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every these הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those statutes הַחֻקִּ֣ים (ha·ḥuq·qîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2706.htm">Strong's 2706: </a> Something prescribed or owed, a statute and say, וְאָמְר֗וּ (wə·’ā·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Surely רַ֚ק (raq) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7535.htm">Strong's 7535: </a> But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless this הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that great הַגָּד֖וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent nation הַגּ֥וֹי (hag·gō·w) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts [is] a wise חָכָ֣ם (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise and understanding וְנָב֔וֹן (wə·nā·ḇō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> To separate mentally, understand people.? עַם־ (‘am-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:7" /></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>