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Deuteronomy 14:2 - Chosen for divine holiness.

Deuteronomy 14:2 - דברים 14:2

Hebrew Text

כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וּבְךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה׃

English Translation

For thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen thee to be a special possession to himself, out of all the nations that are upon the earth.

Transliteration

Ki am kadosh ata l'Adonai Elohecha uv'cha bachar Adonai lihyot lo l'am segula mikol ha'amim asher al p'nei ha'adama.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י עַ֤ם קָדוֹשׁ֙ אַתָּ֔ה לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וּבְךָ֞ בָּחַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֗ה לִֽהְי֥וֹת לוֹ֙ לְעַ֣ם סְגֻלָּ֔ה מִכֹּל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כִּ֣י עַ֤ם קָדוֹשׁ֙ אַתָּ֔ה לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וּבְךָ֞ בָּחַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֗ה לִֽהְי֥וֹת לוֹ֙ לְעַ֣ם סְגֻלָּ֔ה מִכֹּל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of the Jewish People

The verse (Devarim 14:2) emphasizes the unique sanctity of the Jewish people, stating, "כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("For you are a holy people to the Lord your God"). Rashi explains that this holiness is not merely a passive status but an active calling—Bnei Yisrael are commanded to sanctify themselves through mitzvot, as holiness is contingent upon adherence to Torah. The Ramban (Nachmanides) expands on this, noting that holiness is both a divine gift and a human responsibility, requiring Jews to separate from impurity and elevate their actions.

Being Chosen as a Segulah

The verse continues, "וּבְךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה" ("and the Lord has chosen you to be a special possession"). The term סְגֻלָּה (segulah) is interpreted by the Sifrei as denoting a treasured nation, akin to a king’s most prized possession. The Malbim explains that this selection is not arbitrary but rooted in Avraham Avinu’s willingness to serve Hashem, as later affirmed through the covenant at Har Sinai. The choice reflects a reciprocal relationship—Hashem’s love for Israel and Israel’s commitment to Torah.

Distinction Among the Nations

The phrase "מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה" ("out of all the nations upon the earth") underscores the exclusivity of this relationship. The Ibn Ezra clarifies that this does not imply superiority in essence but in purpose—Israel’s role as bearers of divine truth. The Kli Yakar adds that this distinction obligates Jews to embody ethical and spiritual excellence, serving as a "light unto nations" (Yeshayahu 42:6).

Practical Implications

  • Mitzvot as Expressions of Holiness: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5-6) teaches that sanctity is cultivated through adherence to mitzvot, which refine character and align actions with divine will.
  • Separation for a Higher Purpose: The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) derives from this verse that Jews must distinguish themselves in conduct, avoiding assimilation into foreign practices.
  • Responsibility Over Privilege: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 14:2) warns that being chosen entails accountability; failure to uphold Torah invites divine scrutiny.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 6b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the special status of the Jewish people and their relationship with God.
📖 Kiddushin 36a
The verse is cited to emphasize the unique sanctity of the Jewish people as chosen by God.
📖 Chullin 132b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the obligations and privileges of being a holy nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the Jewish people are a 'holy people' to Hashem?
A: The term 'holy people' (עם קדוש) means that the Jewish people are set apart for a special relationship with Hashem. Rashi explains that this holiness comes from fulfilling the commandments and living according to Torah values. The Rambam (Maimonides) adds that this holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve Hashem with devotion.
Q: Why did Hashem choose the Jewish people as a 'special possession'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that Hashem chose the Jewish people not because they were greater in number or strength, but because of their willingness to accept the Torah and live by its laws. This choice reflects a covenant (ברית) made at Mount Sinai, where the Jewish people committed to serving Hashem.
Q: How does being a 'holy people' affect daily Jewish life?
A: Being a 'holy people' means Jews are called to live with higher ethical and spiritual standards. The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) explains that this includes following kosher laws (as mentioned later in Deuteronomy 14), speaking with honesty, and acting with kindness. The Rambam (Hilchot Deot) emphasizes that Jews should strive to sanctify even ordinary actions, like eating and business dealings, by doing them for the sake of Heaven.
Q: Does this verse mean Jews are better than other nations?
A: No, the verse does not imply superiority in a worldly sense. Rather, as Rashi and the Sforno explain, it highlights a unique spiritual role and responsibility. The Jewish people were chosen to uphold Torah and be a 'light unto the nations' (Isaiah 42:6), meaning to inspire others toward righteousness—not to claim inherent superiority.
Q: What is the meaning of 'segulah' (special possession) in this verse?
A: The term 'segulah' (סגולה) refers to a treasured possession, like a king’s most valued jewels. The Malbim explains that just as a king’s treasure is kept close and guarded, the Jewish people are precious to Hashem and are given mitzvot to protect their unique spiritual status. This idea is also echoed in Exodus 19:5, where Hashem calls Israel a 'treasured nation.'