Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 4:7
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?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses Israel on the plains of Moab, in a passage (vv. 6–8) that contrasts Israel's covenant position with every other nation.
The words — קְרֹבִים (qerovim), "near," from the root q-r-b (to draw close), is the load-bearing word: the claim is not that God exists but that He is approachable, a proximity no other nation possesses.
The thread — The claim of divine nearness is universalized in Psalms 145:18 and 34:18, while 2 Samuel 7:23 echoes the "one nation" language of Deuteronomy 4:7.
Why it lands — The rhetorical question forces a comparison: Israel's access to God is not a default but a specific grant, and the obligation that follows (vv. 6, 8) is to live in a way that makes that nearness visible to the nations watching.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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?
Cross-references
- Psalms 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.
- 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.
- Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
- 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.
- Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
- 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.
- Psalms 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
- 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!
- 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.
- Deuteronomy 5:26 For who of all flesh has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire, as we have, and survived?