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.

DEUTERONOMY 14:2KJV
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Deuteronomy 14:2 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 14:2 mean?

Deuteronomy 14:2 describes how the Israelites are set apart as a special, holy people belonging to the LORD their God, chosen by Him to be distinct from all other nations on earth. The verse emphasizes their unique relationship with God and their role as His treasured possession.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. He reminds them that their identity comes from being chosen by the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible), and that this sets them apart from other nations. This idea of being “peculiar” means they are God’s own, not odd or strange, but uniquely His, with a calling to live differently because of that relationship.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:2

  • The word “holy” (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) means set apart or dedicated for a special purpose. Here, it signals that Israel is not just morally upright, but specially chosen for God’s purposes.
  • The word “peculiar” (סְגֻלָּה, segullah) refers to a treasured possession or special property. This word paints a picture of something highly valued and personally owned, showing how God views Israel.
  • The word “chosen” (בָּחַר, bachar) means to select or pick out. It highlights that God’s relationship with Israel is intentional, not accidental.
  • The word “people” (עַם, am) is used both for Israel and for other nations, underlining that the difference is not in their humanity, but in their relationship with God.

Why Deuteronomy 14:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Israel’s special status is not about superiority, but about being set apart for a purpose by God’s choice.
  • It connects to the surrounding chapters, which lay out laws and practices that flow from this identity, showing that their way of life is meant to reflect their relationship with God.
  • The language of being “chosen” and “peculiar” helps explain why Israel is called to different standards and practices than other nations, grounding their distinctiveness in God’s initiative and love.

Where else these words appear

“peculiar” Hebrew H5459 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
  • Deuteronomy 26:18 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;
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.