Deuteronomy 4:8
New International Version
And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

New Living Translation
And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?

English Standard Version
And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?

Berean Standard Bible
And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

King James Bible
And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

New King James Version
And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?

New American Standard Bible
Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole Law which I am setting before you today?

NASB 1995
“Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

NASB 1977
“Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

Legacy Standard Bible
Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

Amplified Bible
Or what great nation has statutes and judgments so righteous (upright, just) as this whole law which I am placing before you today?

Christian Standard Bible
And what great nation has righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And what great nation has righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?”

American Standard Version
And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

English Revised Version
And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Or what other great nation has such fair laws and rules as all these teachings I am giving you today?

Good News Translation
No other nation, no matter how great, has laws so just as those that I have taught you today.

International Standard Version
And what great nation has all the decrees and righteous ordinances like all this teaching that I'm giving you today?

Majority Standard Bible
And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

NET Bible
And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this whole law that I am about to share with you today?

New Heart English Bible
What great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Webster's Bible Translation
And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

World English Bible
What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And which [is] the great nation which has righteous statutes and judgments according to all this law which I am setting before you today?

Young's Literal Translation
and which is the great nation which hath righteous statutes and judgments according to all this law which I am setting before you to-day?

Smith's Literal Translation
And what great nation to whom laws and judgments just, as all the instructions which I give before you this day?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For what other nation is there so renowned that hath ceremonies, and just judgments, and all the law, which I will set forth this day before your eyes?

Catholic Public Domain Version
For what other nation is there so renowned as to have ceremonies, and just judgments, and the entire law that I will set forth today before your eyes?

New American Bible
Or what great nation has statutes and ordinances that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

New Revised Standard Version
And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And what nation is there so great, that has laws and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And what is the great people which has righteous laws and judgments as this entire Written Law that I give before you today?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And what manner of nation is so great, which has righteous ordinances and judgments according to all this law, which I set before you this day?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Exhortation to Obedience
7For 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? 8And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? 9Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.…

Cross References
Psalm 147:19-20
He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel. / He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!

Romans 3:1-2
What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? / Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.

Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Nehemiah 9:13-14
You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. / You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

Psalm 19:7-8
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Matthew 5:17-18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Isaiah 42:21
The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Ezekiel 20:11
And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them.

James 1:25
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.

Leviticus 18:5
Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.

Galatians 3:24
So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Hebrews 8:10
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.


Treasury of Scripture

And what nation is there so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Leviticus 10:12,13
And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy: …

Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…

Psalm 119:86,96,127,128
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me…

Jump to Previous
Body Decisions Decrees Judgments Law Nation Ordinances Right Righteous Setting Statutes Today To-Day Whole
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Body Decisions Decrees Judgments Law Nation Ordinances Right Righteous Setting Statutes Today To-Day Whole
Deuteronomy 4
1. An exhortation to obedience
41. Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan
44. Recapitulation














And what nation is great enough
This phrase highlights the uniqueness of Israel among the nations. In the ancient Near East, nations were often defined by their gods and laws. Israel's greatness is attributed not to military power or wealth but to its relationship with God and the divine laws given to them. This sets a precedent for understanding Israel's identity as a chosen people, distinct from other nations due to their covenant with God.

to have righteous statutes and ordinances
The statutes and ordinances refer to the laws given by God through Moses. These laws are described as "righteous," indicating their moral and ethical superiority. Unlike the arbitrary and often oppressive laws of surrounding nations, Israel's laws were designed to promote justice, mercy, and holiness. This reflects God's character and His desire for His people to live in a way that mirrors His righteousness.

like this entire law
The "entire law" encompasses not only the Ten Commandments but also the detailed instructions found in the Torah. This comprehensive legal system covers various aspects of life, including worship, social justice, and personal conduct. It serves as a complete guide for living in a covenant relationship with God. The law's comprehensiveness underscores its divine origin and the holistic nature of God's expectations for His people.

I set before you today
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the law for the Israelites. It is not merely a historical document but a living covenant that requires active engagement and obedience. The setting "before you today" suggests a choice and a call to commitment, echoing the covenant renewal ceremonies where the people are reminded of their obligations to God. This also foreshadows the New Covenant in Christ, where believers are called to live out God's commandments through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and statutes to the people. He is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the laws and statutes from Moses. They are on the brink of entering Canaan, the land promised to them by God.

3. Mount Horeb (Sinai)
The place where Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. It is a significant location in the history of Israel's covenant with God.

4. Canaan
The Promised Land that the Israelites are about to enter. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.

5. The Law
Refers to the statutes and ordinances given by God to the Israelites, which include moral, ceremonial, and civil laws.
Teaching Points
The Uniqueness of God's Law
God's statutes and ordinances are unique and set Israel apart from other nations. This uniqueness is a testament to God's special relationship with His people and His desire for them to live righteously.

The Righteousness of God's Law
The laws given to Israel are described as righteous, reflecting God's holy character. As believers, we are called to pursue righteousness by aligning our lives with God's standards.

The Privilege of Divine Revelation
Having access to God's Word is a privilege. Just as Israel was blessed with God's laws, Christians today are blessed with the full revelation of Scripture. We should cherish and study it diligently.

Living as a Testimony to Others
The righteousness of God's laws was meant to be a testimony to other nations. Similarly, our lives should reflect God's righteousness and serve as a witness to those around us.

The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ
While the law was given to Israel, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law through our relationship with Him.(8) What nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous?--These words direct our attention to the law of Moses, as distinctly in advance of the time when it was given.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And what
וּמִי֙ (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

nation
גּ֣וֹי (gō·w)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

[is so] great
גָּד֔וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

as to have righteous
צַדִּיקִ֑ם (ṣad·dî·qim)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

statutes
חֻקִּ֥ים (ḥuq·qîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

and ordinances
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֖ים (ū·miš·pā·ṭîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

like this
הַזֹּ֔את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

entire
כְּכֹל֙ (kə·ḵōl)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

law
הַתּוֹרָ֣ה (hat·tō·w·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

I
אָנֹכִ֛י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

set
נֹתֵ֥ן (nō·ṯên)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

before you today?
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם (lip̄·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:8 What great nation is there that has (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 4:7
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