Exodus 19:5
New International Version
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,

New Living Translation
Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

English Standard Version
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Berean Standard Bible
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.

New American Standard Bible
Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

NASB 1995
‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

NASB 1977
‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

Legacy Standard Bible
So now then, if you will indeed listen to My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

Amplified Bible
Now therefore, if you will in fact obey My voice and keep My covenant (agreement), then you shall be My own special possession and treasure from among all peoples [of the world], for all the earth is Mine;

Christian Standard Bible
Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine,

American Standard Version
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:

Contemporary English Version
Now if you will faithfully obey me, you will be my very own people. The whole world is mine,

English Revised Version
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you carefully obey me and are faithful to the terms of my promise, then out of all the nations you will be my own special possession, even though the whole world is mine.

Good News Translation
Now, if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own people. The whole earth is mine, but you will be my chosen people,

International Standard Version
And now if you carefully obey me and keep my covenant, you are to be my special possession out of all the peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me,

Majority Standard Bible
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.

NET Bible
And now, if you will diligently listen to me and keep my covenant, then you will be my special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is mine,

New Heart English Bible
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

World English Bible
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, if you really listen to My voice, then you have kept My covenant, and have been a special treasure to Me more than all the peoples, for all the earth [is] Mine;

Young's Literal Translation
And now, if ye really hearken to My voice, then ye have kept My covenant, and been to Me a peculiar treasure more than all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

Smith's Literal Translation
And now if hearing, ye shall hear to my voice, and watch my covenant, and ye were to me wealth above all peoples, for to me is all the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If therefore you will hear my voice, and keep my covenant, you shall be my peculiar possession above all people: for all the earth is mine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If, therefore, you will hear my voice, and you will keep my covenant, you will be to me a particular possession out of all people. For all the earth is mine.

New American Bible
Now, if you obey me completely and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession among all peoples, though all the earth is mine.

New Revised Standard Version
Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then you shall be my beloved ones above all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now if you will hear to listen to my voice and you will keep my covenant, you will be more beloved to me than all the nations of the Earth, because the Earth is mine
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore, if ye will hearken unto My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be Mine own treasure from among all peoples; for all the earth is Mine;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now if ye will indeed hear my voice, and keep my covenant, ye shall be to me a peculiar people above all nations; for the whole earth is mine.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel at Mount Sinai
4‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations— for the whole earth is Mine. 6And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Deuteronomy 14:2
for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

Psalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession.

Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Deuteronomy 26:18-19
And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, / that He will set you high in praise and name and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as He has promised.

Malachi 3:17
“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.

Leviticus 20:26
You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.

Isaiah 43:21
The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.

Jeremiah 7:23
but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Deuteronomy 10:14-15
Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it. / Yet the LORD has set His affection on your fathers and loved them. And He has chosen you, their descendants after them, above all the peoples, even to this day.

Ephesians 1:14
who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.


Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

if ye

Exodus 23:22
But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Exodus 24:7
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

Deuteronomy 11:27
A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:

keep

Deuteronomy 5:2
The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 103:17,18
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; …

a peculiar

Deuteronomy 4:20
But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2,21
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth…

all the earth

Exodus 9:29
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.

Deuteronomy 10:14
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.

Job 41:11
Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.

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Exodus 19
1. The people arrive at Sinai
3. God's message by Moses unto the people out of the mount
8. The people are prepared against the third day, for the giving of the law
12. The mountain must not be touched
16. The fearful presence of God upon the mount














Now if you will indeed obey My voice
The phrase "Now if you will indeed obey My voice" begins with a conditional clause, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "obey" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or give heed. This implies not just passive listening but active, responsive obedience. In the historical context, this was a call to the Israelites to align their lives with God's will, a theme that resonates throughout the Old and New Testaments. The voice of God represents His divine authority and guidance, which is to be followed with reverence and commitment.

and keep My covenant
The word "keep" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning to guard, protect, or observe. This suggests a vigilant and careful adherence to the covenant, which is a binding agreement between God and His people. The covenant here refers to the Mosaic Covenant, established at Mount Sinai, which includes the laws and commandments given to Israel. Historically, this covenant set Israel apart as a nation dedicated to God, and it required their faithfulness and loyalty. Theologically, it foreshadows the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

you will be My treasured possession
The phrase "you will be My treasured possession" is rich with meaning. The Hebrew term "סְגֻלָּה" (segullah) refers to a special treasure or valued property. This indicates the unique and cherished status of Israel among the nations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's "treasured possession" was something of immense value, often set apart for special purposes. Spiritually, this highlights God's love and special regard for His people, chosen to reflect His glory and to be a light to the nations. It underscores the privilege and responsibility of being God's people.

out of all the nations
"Out of all the nations" signifies the distinctiveness of Israel's calling. While God is sovereign over all creation, He chose Israel for a specific purpose—to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This selection was not based on Israel's merit but on God's sovereign grace and His covenantal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, this set Israel apart in a world filled with idolatry and paganism, calling them to be a witness to the one true God.

for the whole earth is Mine
The declaration "for the whole earth is Mine" affirms God's universal sovereignty and ownership over all creation. This statement serves as a reminder that while Israel is chosen as God's special possession, His dominion extends over all nations and peoples. It reflects the biblical theme of God's ultimate authority and the call for all creation to acknowledge Him. Theologically, it points to the future hope of God's kingdom being established on earth, where His rule will be recognized by all. This phrase reassures believers of God's control and purpose in the world, encouraging trust and faithfulness in His divine plan.

(5) A peculiar treasure.--The Hebrew s?gullah is from a root, found in Chaldee, signifying "to earn," or "acquire," and means primarily some valuable possession, which the owner has got by his own exertions. (Comp. 1Chronicles 29:3, where the English Version translates it by "mine own proper good.") God views the Israelites as made His own by the long series of mighty works done for their deliverance, whereby He is sometimes said to have "redeemed" (Exodus 6:6; Exodus 15:13), or "purchased" them (Exodus 15:16). The word s?gullah is here used for the first time. Later it be comes an epitheton usitatum of Israel. (See Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18; Psalm 135:4; Malachi 3:17; and comp. also Titus 2:14;1Pe 2:9.) . . . Verse 5. - Now therefore. Instead of asking the simple question - "Will ye promise to obey me and keep my covenant. - God graciously entices the Israelites to their own advantage by a most loving promise. If they will agree to obey his voice, and accept and keep his covenant, then they shall be to him a peculiar treasure (segullah) - a precious possession to be esteemed highly and carefully guarded from all that might injure it. (Compare Psalm 135:4; and see also Isaiah 43:1-4.) and this preciousness they shall not share with others on equal terms, but enjoy exclusively - it shall be theirs above all people. No other nation on the earth shall hold the position which they shall hold, or be equally precious in God's sight. All the earth is his: and so all nations are his in a certain sense. But this shall not interfere with the special Israelite prerogative they alone shall be his "peculiar people" (Deuteronomy 14:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you will indeed
שָׁמ֤וֹעַ (šā·mō·w·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

obey
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙ (tiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

My voice
בְּקֹלִ֔י (bə·qō·lî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

and keep
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם (ū·šə·mar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

My covenant,
בְּרִיתִ֑י (bə·rî·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

you will be
וִהְיִ֨יתֶם (wih·yî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

My treasured possession
סְגֻלָּה֙ (sə·ḡul·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5459: Possession, property

out of all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the nations—
הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים (hā·‘am·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

earth
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

is Mine.
לִ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


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