King James Version

What Does Exodus 19:5 Mean?

Exodus 19:5 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Exodus 19:5 · KJV


Context

3

And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

4

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

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:

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.

7

And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

The conditional 'if' establishes covenant structure—God's promises are sure, but Israel's enjoyment depends on faithfulness. 'Obey my voice' (שָׁמוֹעַ בְּקֹלִי, shamoa bekoli) literally means 'hear-obey my voice'—the Hebrew concept where hearing and doing are inseparable. 'Peculiar treasure' (סְגֻלָּה, segullah) denotes a king's personal possession, something precious chosen from among many. Though 'all the earth is mine,' God sovereignly selects Israel as His special treasure. This particularity doesn't negate God's universal ownership but demonstrates His elective love—choosing the few to bless the many.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The segullah concept appears in ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties, where a king might designate certain territories or peoples as his personal domain. God adopts this familiar political language but fills it with covenantal meaning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's universal ownership ('all the earth is mine') relate to His particular choice of Israel?
  2. What does it mean to be God's 'peculiar treasure' in the New Covenant era (1 Peter 2:9)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אִם2 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙3 of 17

Now therefore if ye will obey

H8085

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

תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙4 of 17

Now therefore if ye will obey

H8085

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

בְּקֹלִ֔י5 of 17

my voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם6 of 17

and keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת7 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּרִיתִ֑י8 of 17

my covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וִֽהְיִ֨יתֶם9 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֤י10 of 17
H0
סְגֻלָּה֙11 of 17

then ye shall be a peculiar treasure

H5459

wealth (as closely shut up)

מִכָּל12 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים13 of 17

unto me above all people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּי14 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לִ֖י15 of 17
H0
כָּל16 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

for all the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 19:5 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 Exodus 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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