Deuteronomy 7:6 - Chosen for holiness, distinct mission.

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Hebrew Text

כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה׃

English Translation

For thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God has chosen thee to be a special people to himself, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.

Transliteration

Ki am kadosh ata l'Adonai Elohecha, b'cha bachar Adonai Elohecha lihyot lo l'am segula mikol ha'amim asher al pnei ha'adama.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י עַ֤ם קָדוֹשׁ֙ אַתָּ֔ה לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ בְּךָ֞ בָּחַ֣ר ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ לִהְי֥וֹת לוֹ֙ לְעַ֣ם סְגֻלָּ֔ה מִכֹּל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָאֲדָמָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Jewish People

The verse states, "כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("For thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God"). Rashi explains that the term "קָדוֹשׁ" (holy) refers to separation and distinction. The Jewish people are set apart from other nations through their adherence to the mitzvot (commandments) and their unique relationship with Hashem. The Sforno adds that this holiness is not inherent but is achieved through fulfilling the Torah's directives.

Divine Election and Segulah

The verse continues, "בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה" ("the Lord thy God has chosen thee to be a special people to Himself"). The Ramban explains that "סְגֻלָּה" (treasured possession) implies a unique closeness to Hashem, akin to a king's most prized treasure. The Talmud (Chagigah 3b) teaches that this selection was not due to Israel's superiority in numbers or merit, but rather an expression of divine love, as stated in Devarim 7:7-8.

Distinction Among Nations

The phrase "מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה" ("above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth") emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel's role. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 14:2) compares this to a precious gem among ordinary stones. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:10) clarifies that this distinction comes with responsibility—to serve as a "light unto the nations" by upholding Torah and morality.

Practical Implications

Mitzvot as a Path to Holiness: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 611) teaches that the mitzvot sanctify the Jewish people, reinforcing their chosen status.
Humility in Election: The Chofetz Chaim warns against arrogance, noting that divine selection obligates greater accountability, not superiority.
Universal Mission: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that Israel's holiness is meant to inspire all humanity toward recognition of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 6b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the special status of the Jewish people and their relationship with God.

📖 Kiddushin 36a

The verse is cited to emphasize the unique sanctity of the Jewish people as chosen by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the Jewish people are a 'holy people' to Hashem?
A: The term 'holy people' (עם קדוש) means that the Jewish people are set apart for a special relationship with Hashem. Rashi explains that this holiness comes from fulfilling the commandments (mitzvot) and living according to Torah values. The Rambam adds that this holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve Hashem with devotion.

Q: Why did Hashem choose the Jewish people as a 'treasured nation' (עם סגולה)?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that Hashem chose the Jewish people not because they were greater in number or strength, but because of their willingness to accept the Torah and live by its laws. This choice reflects a covenant (brit) between Hashem and Israel, emphasizing loyalty and faithfulness to His commandments.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds Jews today of their unique role in the world. The Chofetz Chaim explains that being a 'holy people' means striving for ethical and spiritual excellence in daily life—through Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness. It also means recognizing the responsibility to be a 'light unto the nations' (Isaiah 42:6) by living according to Torah values.

Q: Does this verse mean Jews are better than other nations?
A: No, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 59a) teaches that all righteous people, Jewish or not, have a share in the World to Come. The selection of the Jewish people is about responsibility, not superiority. As the Ramban explains, being chosen means Jews have additional mitzvot to fulfill, not that they are inherently 'better' than others.

Q: What is the significance of being called a 'treasured nation' (עם סגולה)?
A: The term 'segulah' (treasured) implies a close, cherished relationship, like a king’s prized possession (Malbim). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) compares it to a precious jewel that Hashem guards with love. This teaches that Jews must strive to live in a way that honors this bond—through Torah observance and moral conduct.