Deuteronomy 4:7
Deuteronomy 4:7 in Multiple Translations
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?
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?
For what great nation is there, that hath a god so nigh unto them, as Jehovah our God is whensoever we call upon him?
For what great nation has a god so near to them as the Lord our God is, whenever we are turned to him in prayer?
What nation is as great as us, having a god so close to them as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call on him?
For what nation is so great, vnto whome the gods come so neere vnto them, as the Lord our God is neere vnto vs, in all that we call vnto him for?
'For which [is] the great nation that hath God near unto it, as Jehovah our God, in all we have called unto him?
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to them as the LORD our God is whenever we call on him?
For what nation is there so great, which hath God so nigh to them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for ?
Neither is there any other nation so great, that hath gods so nigh them, as our God is present to all our petitions.
Even if other nations are great, there is none [RHQ] of them that has a god who is as near to them as Yahweh our God is to us! Whenever we call out to him to help us, he answers/helps us
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֚י
מִי
ג֣וֹי
גָּד֔וֹל
אֲשֶׁר
ל֥/וֹ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
קְרֹבִ֣ים
אֵלָ֑י/ו
כַּ/יהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
בְּ/כָּל
קָרְאֵ֖/נוּ
אֵלָֽי/ו
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
קְרֹבִ֣ים
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
קָרְאֵ֖/נוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֵלָֽי/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:7
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
קְרֹבִ֣ים
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קָרְאֵ֖/נוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֵלָֽי/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:7
Context — An Exhortation to Obedience
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.
6Observe 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.”
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?
8And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? 9Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 145:18 | The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 7:23 | And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:18 | The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. |
| 4 | Psalms 73:28 | But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. |
| 5 | James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. |
| 6 | Isaiah 55:6 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. |
| 7 | Psalms 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. |
| 8 | Psalms 148:14 | He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah! |
| 9 | Isaiah 43:4 | Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life. |
| 10 | Ephesians 2:12–22 | remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. |
Deuteronomy 4:7 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is always close to us and ready to help whenever we call on Him. It's a special promise that God made to the Israelites, but as we see in Psalm 34:18, God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. We can experience God's nearness in our own lives by praying to Him and following His commands, as stated in John 14:21, which says that those who love Jesus and keep His commands will be loved by God and have Jesus reveal Himself to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be 'near' to us?
This refers to God's intimate presence and availability to His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:7 and supported by Psalm 145:18, which says God is near to all who call on Him in truth.
Is this verse saying that other nations have no access to God?
No, this verse is highlighting the unique relationship between the Israelites and God, but as Romans 10:12-13 notes, God is not partial and anyone can call on Him and be saved.
How can we experience God's nearness in our lives?
We can experience God's nearness by calling on Him in prayer, as Deuteronomy 4:7 suggests, and by living according to His Word, as stated in James 4:8, which says to draw near to God and He will draw near to us.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's loving and personal nature, as seen in His desire to be near to His people, which is a theme repeated throughout the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 31:3, where God says He has loved Israel with an everlasting love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced God's nearness in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence?
- How does the fact that God is near to me whenever I call on Him impact my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate to others the wisdom and understanding that comes from following God's statutes and ordinances?
- What are some things that can hinder my experience of God's nearness, and how can I remove those obstacles?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:7
Ver. 7 For what nation is there so great,.... Not so much for their number, for they were the fewest of all people; nor for the largeness of their territories, for the land they were going to possess
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:7
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? What nation is there so great?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:7
God nigh unto them, by glorious miracles, by the pledges of his special presence, by the operations of his grace, and particularly, as it here follows, by his readiness to hear our prayers, and to give us those succours which we call upon him for.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:7
Deuteronomy 4:7 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]?Ver. 7. Who hath God so nigh unto them.] Yea, this was it that made them so great a nation, who otherwise were but methe mispar, few in number. This made Moses so passionately cry out, "Happy art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord!"
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:7
7. For what great nation … hath a god so nigh] Both noun, élohím, and adj., ḳ ?erobim, are plural. Elohîm may signify a god, or gods, as Deuteronomy 6:14 and elsewhere; or the general idea of Deity, this chiefly but not always in the mouth of, or addressed to, the heathen, e.g. Deuteronomy 5:24, Genesis 20:13, Exodus 31:18; or may stand for the God of Israel (cp. the deuteronomic 2 Samuel 7:23). Here it is either of the first three—a god, gods or God (R.V. marg.). The rest of the verse explains what is meant by nigh: He hears prayer and answers it by actual deeds. The prophets’ contrast of Israel’s experience of God with that of other nations is constant and remarkable—a proof of the experimental, practical quality of their religion. Jeremiah insists that the gods of the heathen are vanities and do not profit them (Deuteronomy 2:8; Deuteronomy 2:11; Deuteronomy 2:13 : broken cisterns, 28, Deuteronomy 16:19 f. etc.); cp. the Prophet of the Exile (Isaiah 44:9 f., Isaiah 47:12, Isaiah 48:17) and his argument that Jehovah alone promises and fulfils (Isaiah 41:21 ff.). To all the prophets, but especially to Isaiah, God; is not only the infinitely sublime, but the infinitely near, hearing prayer, ready to help, interested, vigilant and active in all the details of their everyday life. Legal Judaism lost this sense of the constant nearness of God, and did not compensate for the loss by its apocalypses.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ever-Present Help in the Time of Trouble by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a conversation with God. He highlights the fact that God is always near and ready to listen and deliver us from trou |
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The Presence of God by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and valuing the presence of God above all else, highlighting the danger of focusing on parts of faith rather than the whole relatio |
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Christ Our City of Refuge by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a |
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Coming to the Throne of Grace by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of coming to the throne of God, highlighting the need for wisdom that surpasses material wealth and the significance of dealing with eternal m |
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"Conditions of National Revival" by Colin Peckham | This sermon emphasizes the conditions for national revival as outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14, a well-known but often overlooked promise in the Bible. The verse provides a clear pres |
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The Prayer Meeting by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer meetings and being devoted to prayer, highlighting the significance of gathering together for prayer as a mark of true Christianity. |
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All to Jesus - Part 3 by Compilations | This sermon discusses different groups of people who have encountered Christ in various ways, from those who see Him as a utilitarian solution to their problems, to those who seek |