Deut 6:1-5
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
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Contents
Questions
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Lexical notes
Verse 1
- Judgments. The Hebrew word mishpat can mean "judgment, justice, or ordinance." In English, these meanings seem quite dissimilar at first blush. Judgment and justice come from the Indo-European root deik- which means to show or pronounce solemnly. Ordinance on the other hand comes from ar- meaning to fit together (as in establishing order). Two more similar English words from these same two roots are, respectively, dictum and ordinance—both are pronouncements made for the purpose of establishing order.
Verse 2
- Fear the Lord. The Hebrew word yare' can mean fear, reverence, or awe. Translated fear, this verse stands in contrast to the commandment to love God in verse 4 (cf. 1 Jn 4:18 and Moro 8:16). However, translated as reverence, this verse seems more similar to love in verse 4. (See also verses 13 and 24 on fear and 7:8 which includes several more cross-references in Deuteronomy on love.)
Verses 3-4
- Hear, O Israel. See Deut 7:12 for structural notes regarding this phrase.
Verse 5
- Love the Lord. Notice the contrast here with verse 2 (and the associated cross-references).
Exegesis
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Related links
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