Deuteronomy 7:7
Deuteronomy 7:7 in Multiple Translations
The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples:
The Lord did not give you his love or take you for himself because you were more in number than any other people; for you were the smallest of the nations:
It wasn't because there were so many of you that the Lord loved you more than any other nation, in fact he chose you though there were so few of you.
The Lord did not set his loue vpon you, nor chose you, because ye were more in number then any people: for ye were the fewest of all people:
'Not because of your being more numerous than any of the peoples hath Jehovah delighted in you, and fixeth on you, for ye [are] the least of all the peoples,
The LORD didn’t set his love on you nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all peoples;
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
Not because you surpass all nations in number, is the Lord joined unto you, and hath chosen you, for you are the fewest of any people:
“It was not because you were more numerous than any other people-group that Yahweh preferred you; you are one of the smallest people-groups on the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 7:7
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 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֣א
מֵֽ/רֻבְּ/כֶ֞ם
מִ/כָּל
הָֽ/עַמִּ֗ים
חָשַׁ֧ק
יְהוָ֛ה
בָּ/כֶ֖ם
וַ/יִּבְחַ֣ר
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
כִּֽי
אַתֶּ֥ם
הַ/מְעַ֖ט
מִ/כָּל
הָ/עַמִּֽים
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
מֵֽ/רֻבְּ/כֶ֞ם
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָֽ/עַמִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
חָשַׁ֧ק
châshaq
H2836
to desire
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בָּ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּבְחַ֣ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
הַ/מְעַ֖ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Art | N-ms
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עַמִּֽים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 7:7
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מֵֽ/רֻבְּ/כֶ֞ם
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
מִ/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.
הָֽ/עַמִּ֗ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
חָשַׁ֧ק
châshaq
H2836
"to desire"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To connect means to join or love something, as seen in Psalm 91:14 where God delights in those who love Him.
Definition: (Qal) to love, be attached to, long for
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: have a delight, (have a) desire, fillet, long, set (in) love. See also: Genesis 34:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalms 91:14.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
בָּ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּבְחַ֣ר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
בָּ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
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.
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הַ/מְעַ֖ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מִ/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.
הָ/עַמִּֽים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 7:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 7:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 7:7
Context — Drive Out the Nations
5Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.
6For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.
7The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.
8But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 10:22 | Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. |
| 2 | Romans 9:11–15 | Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not! For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” |
| 3 | Romans 11:6 | And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. |
| 4 | 1 John 4:10 | And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. |
| 5 | Romans 9:21 | Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? |
| 6 | Psalms 115:1 | Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness. |
| 7 | Matthew 7:14 | But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. |
| 8 | Romans 9:18 | Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden. |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:2 | Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. |
| 10 | Luke 12:32 | Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. |
Deuteronomy 7:7 Summary
This verse tells us that God did not choose the Israelites because they were the strongest or the biggest, but because He loved them and wanted a special relationship with them, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:7. This is similar to how God loves us today, not because of anything we have done, but because of His own love and kindness, as stated in Romans 5:8. It reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and that He often chooses the weak and the humble to do great things, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. This should give us hope and confidence in God's love and power, and encourage us to trust in Him and His sovereign plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God choose the Israelites as His people?
God chose the Israelites not because of their size or strength, but because of His love and faithfulness to them, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:7 and Deuteronomy 7:8, where it is written that He loved them and kept the oath He swore to their fathers.
What does it mean that the Israelites were the 'fewest of all peoples'?
This phrase emphasizes the humble beginnings of the Israelites, highlighting that God's choice of them was not based on their numerical strength, but rather on His sovereign will, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:7, and is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 to make him the father of a great nation.
How does this verse relate to God's love for us today?
Just as God chose the Israelites not based on their merits, but on His love, so too does He choose us today, as stated in Ephesians 1:4-5, where it is written that He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
What can we learn from the fact that God's choice is not based on human standards?
This teaches us that God's ways are not our ways, and that His choices are often counterintuitive to human thinking, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27, where it is written that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's sovereign choice at work in my own life, and how can I trust in His goodness and love for me?
- How does the fact that God chose the Israelites when they were at their weakest challenge my own perceptions of strength and weakness, and what does this say about God's power and love?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, recognize and respond to God's love and faithfulness in my life, and what are some practical steps I can take to deepen my relationship with Him?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's love, and how can I apply this understanding to my relationships with others, particularly those who may feel weak or marginalized?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 7:7
The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you,.... He had done both, and the one as the effect and evidence of the other; he loved them, and therefore he chose them; but neither of them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 7:7
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
To wit, at that time when God first declared his love to you, and choice of you for his peculiar people, which was done to Abraham. For Abraham had but one son concerned in this choice and covenant, to wit, Isaac, and that was in his hundredth year; and Isaac was sixty years old ere he had a child, and then they had only two children; and though Jacob had twelve sons, yet it was a long time ere they made any considerable increase. Nor do we read of any great multiplication of them till after Joseph’ s death, ,7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
(7) The Lord did not . . . choose you, because ye were more.—The danger lest Israel’s peculiar relation to the Most High should beget national pride is so obvious, that Moses takes special pains to counteract it by asserting God’s sovereignty in the choice. Ye were the fewest of all people.—It may be observed that the development of the Moabites, Ammonites, Ishmaelites, and Edomites (all, like Israel, descended from Terah), was far more rapid than that of the chosen line. Abraham had twelve grandsons through Ishmael, but only the same number of great grandsons through Isaac and Jacob. Edom, Moab, and Ammon all preceded Israel in the conquest of territory. Kings reigned in Edom “before there reigned any king over the children of Israel” (Genesis 36:31). It was only “when the time of the promise drew nigh” that “the (chosen) people grew and multiplied in Egypt.” The Scripture is throughout consistent in representing their development as due to the special providence of God. (See also on Deuteronomy 10:22.)
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 7:7
6–11. The reasons for the previous commands to destroy the peoples of the land, and to abstain from traffic with them, leading as this would to participation in their worship of other gods. Israel are for Jehovah alone: to this end He loved, chose, and redeemed them. This is one of the many cases in Deut. in which the principles or ideas offered for certain practices or acts of conduct commanded to Israel are of a far higher standard than these practices themselves, and therefore have endured as the essentials of religion when the practices are either no longer prescribed or actually forbidden (as in Christianity). The passage, which might appear to be founded on Exodus 19:5 f., is not certainly so; for Exodus 19:5 f. (on which see the note) has probably been expanded. The address changes to the Pl. in Deuteronomy 7:7-8, which are probably a later insertion: see below.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:7
7. Ye were the fewest of all people — Jehovah did not choose you for his people because you were a mighty nation like the Egyptian. Moses looks back to the call of Abraham, and the going down to Egypt of Jacob and his family.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 7:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Humility and the Fear of the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that these qualities lead to riches, honor, life, and wisdom. Humility is acknowledging ou |
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Continue by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of abiding in the love of Christ, emphasizing that continuing in His love is different from focusing on our love for Him. The Spirit encourages |
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Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans, particularly chapters 1-11. He highlights how Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, condemns the entire human race through |
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Grace and the Election of Israel - Part 1 by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the significance of Israel's election and covenant with God, arguing that this relationship is not based on human merit but solely on God's sovereign choice. He |
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Finn-01 Elijah the Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers and being pursued by God. He emphasizes the power of a word spoken in authority and how it |
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(Genesis) 36 - the Promise Fulfilled and the Weaning of Abraham by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various lessons from a chapter in the Bible. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His word and the superiority of His promises over world |
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(Romans) Romans 15:30-16:27 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our minds innocent of evil in a world filled with wickedness. He encourages listeners to avoid watching or reading |