King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:4 in the King James Version says “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”

Deuteronomy 6:4 · KJV

Context

2

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

4

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Read Deuteronomy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

This is the Shema (שְׁמַע, 'Hear'), the most important confession of faith in Judaism. The Hebrew declares Yahweh eloheinu Yahweh echad (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד), which can be translated several ways: 'The LORD our God, the LORD is one,' or 'The LORD our God is one LORD,' or 'The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.' All emphasize the absolute uniqueness and unity of Yahweh.

The word echad (אֶחָד, 'one') denotes unified oneness, the same word used in Genesis 2:24 ('one flesh'). This foundational statement of monotheism distinguished Israel from all surrounding nations with their polytheistic pantheons. Yahweh is not merely the chief god among many, nor is He divided into different aspects or localized manifestations. He is uniquely one—singular in being, undivided in essence, exclusive in worship.

Theologically, the Shema establishes: (1) monotheism as the foundation of biblical faith; (2) exclusive loyalty to Yahweh alone; (3) the unity and simplicity of God's nature; (4) the basis for the command to love God wholeheartedly (v. 5). Jesus identified this as the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29-30), and it remains the foundation of Christian orthodoxy, refined by Trinitarian theology which maintains divine unity while acknowledging three persons.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Shema and its surrounding exhortations were delivered as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with competing religious systems. Canaanite religion was polytheistic, with gods like Baal, Asherah, El, and Mot controlling different aspects of life—fertility, weather, death, etc. The temptation would be to hedge theological bets by worshiping Yahweh for some things while turning to Canaanite deities for others.

Ancient Near Eastern peoples generally practiced henotheism (devotion to one god while acknowledging others' existence) rather than monotheism. Egypt worshiped hundreds of deities, Mesopotamia had complex pantheons, and Canaan's religion was syncretistic. Israel's radical monotheism was unique in the ancient world, claiming that Yahweh alone is God and all other so-called gods are false.

The command to teach children (vv. 6-9) established intergenerational faith transmission as central to Israel's identity. Unlike surrounding nations whose priests controlled religious knowledge, Israel democratized spiritual responsibility—every household became a center for teaching Torah. This domestic religious education would preserve monotheism and covenant identity through subsequent generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Shema's emphasis on God's oneness challenge modern pluralism and religious syncretism?
  2. What does it mean practically to love God with 'all your heart, soul, and strength' in daily life?
  3. How should Christians balance grace (God's prior love) and responsibility (commanded love) in their relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שְׁמַ֖ע1 of 6

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל2 of 6

“O Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יְהוָ֥ה׀3 of 6

“LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ4 of 6

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יְהוָ֥ה׀5 of 6

“LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶחָֽד׃6 of 6

“is one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 6:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:29-32Isaiah 44:61 Timothy 2:5Isaiah 45:5-6John 17:3John 10:30

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 6 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes