Deuteronomy 4:20
New International Version
But as for you, the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are.

New Living Translation
Remember that the LORD rescued you from the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt in order to make you his very own people and his special possession, which is what you are today.

English Standard Version
But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day.

Berean Standard Bible
Yet the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you are today.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day.

New American Standard Bible
But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people of His own possession, as today.

NASB 1995
“But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.

NASB 1977
“But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Yahweh has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own inheritance, as today.

Amplified Bible
But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron [smelting] furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as [you are] this day.

Christian Standard Bible
But the LORD selected you and brought you out of Egypt’s iron furnace to be a people for his inheritance, as you are today.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the LORD selected you and brought you out of Egypt’s iron furnace to be a people for His inheritance, as you are today.”

American Standard Version
But Jehovah hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as at this day.

Contemporary English Version
But you are the LORD's people, because he rescued you from Egypt, that fiery furnace.

English Revised Version
But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as at this day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you are the people the LORD brought out of Egypt, the iron smelter, in order to make you his own people as you still are today.

Good News Translation
But you are the people he rescued from Egypt, that blazing furnace. He brought you out to make you his own people, as you are today.

International Standard Version
For the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace—out of Egypt—to be the people of his inheritance, as you are today.

Majority Standard Bible
Yet the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you are today.

NET Bible
You, however, the LORD has selected and brought from Egypt, that iron-smelting furnace, to be his special people as you are today.

New Heart English Bible
But God has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as at this day.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you out of the iron furnace, even from Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

World English Bible
But Yahweh has taken you, and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as it is today.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH has taken you, and He is bringing you out from the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be to Him for a people, an inheritance, as [at] this day.

Young's Literal Translation
And you hath Jehovah taken, and He is bringing you out from the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be to Him for a people -- an inheritance, as at this day.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah took you and brought you forth out of the furnace of iron, out of Egypt, to be to him for a people of inheritance as this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the Lord hath taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace of Egypt, to make you his people of inheritance, as it is this present day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the Lord has taken you up, and led you away from the iron furnaces of Egypt, in order to have a people of inheritance, just as it is to the present day.

New American Bible
but you the LORD has taken and led out of that iron foundry, Egypt, that you might be his people, his heritage, as you are today.

New Revised Standard Version
But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron-smelter, out of Egypt, to become a people of his very own possession, as you are now.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the LORD has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be to him a people and an inheritance, as you are this day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH has come near you and has brought you out from the furnace of iron from Egypt, that you would be a people to him and an inheritance, as today.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But you hath the LORD taken and brought forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be unto Him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But God took you, and led you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as at this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warning Against Idolatry
19When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. 20Yet the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you are today. 21The LORD, however, was angry with me on account of you, and He swore that I would not cross the Jordan to enter the good land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.…

Cross References
Exodus 19:4-6
‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. / 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. / And 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.”

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.

Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

1 Kings 8:51
For they are Your people and Your inheritance; You brought them out of Egypt, out of the furnace for iron.

Jeremiah 11:4
which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’

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.

Exodus 6:6-7
Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. / I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

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.

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

Revelation 5:9-10
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. / You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

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.

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.

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Exodus 19:5
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.


Treasury of Scripture

But the LORD has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as you are this day.

the iron

1 Kings 8:51
For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:

Jeremiah 11:4
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

a people

Deuteronomy 9:26,29
I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand…

Deuteronomy 32:9
For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

Exodus 19:5,6
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: …

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Deuteronomy 4
1. An exhortation to obedience
41. Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan
44. Recapitulation














Yet the LORD
The phrase begins with a powerful contrast, "Yet," indicating a shift from previous statements about idolatry and disobedience. "The LORD" is the English rendering of the Hebrew "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This name is deeply significant, as it underscores God's faithfulness and His unique relationship with Israel. In the context of Deuteronomy, it reminds the Israelites of their special covenant with God, who is both their Creator and Redeemer.

has taken you
The Hebrew root for "taken" is "laqach," which can mean to take, receive, or acquire. This action is deliberate and purposeful, highlighting God's sovereign choice and initiative in selecting Israel as His people. It reflects God's grace and mercy, as He actively intervenes in human history to fulfill His divine purposes.

and brought you out
The phrase "brought you out" is derived from the Hebrew "yatsa," meaning to go out, come out, or lead out. This is a direct reference to the Exodus, the pivotal event in Israel's history where God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. It signifies liberation and salvation, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Christ.

of the iron furnace
The "iron furnace" is a metaphorical expression describing the harsh and oppressive conditions of slavery in Egypt. Iron, being a strong and enduring metal, symbolizes the severity and intensity of their bondage. This imagery serves to remind the Israelites of the suffering they endured and the miraculous nature of their deliverance, reinforcing their gratitude and loyalty to God.

out of Egypt
Egypt, in biblical terms, often represents a place of bondage and idolatry. Historically, it was a powerful and advanced civilization, yet spiritually, it was a land of false gods and oppression. God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a testament to His power over all nations and His ability to save His people from any form of spiritual or physical captivity.

to be the people of His inheritance
This phrase highlights the purpose of Israel's deliverance. "Inheritance" in Hebrew is "nachalah," which refers to a possession or heritage. Israel is not just freed from slavery but is chosen to be God's treasured possession, His special people. This covenant relationship is central to their identity and mission, calling them to live in obedience and holiness as a reflection of God's character.

as you are today
The concluding phrase "as you are today" serves as a reminder of the present reality of God's promises. It emphasizes continuity and fulfillment, urging the Israelites to recognize their current status as God's people. This acknowledgment is meant to inspire faithfulness and gratitude, encouraging them to uphold their covenant responsibilities in light of God's past and ongoing faithfulness.

Verse 20. - Iron furnace - furnace for smelting iron: "figure of burning torment in Egypt" (Herxheimer). This reference to the smelting of iron shows that, though the implements of the ancient Egyptians were mostly of copper, iron must also have been in extensive use among them. Other references to the use of iron are to be found in the Pentateuch; see Genesis 4:22; Leviticus 26:19; Numbers 35:16; Deuteronomy 3:11; Deuteronomy 8:9; Deuteronomy 19:5; Deuteronomy 27:5 (Goguet, 'Origine des Lois,' 1:172; Wilkinson, 'Ancient Egypt,' 1:169; 2:155). To be unto him a people, etc. (cf. Exodus 19:4-6; Deuteronomy 7:6).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Yet the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has taken
לָקַ֣ח (lā·qaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

you
וְאֶתְכֶם֙ (wə·’eṯ·ḵem)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker | second person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and brought
וַיּוֹצִ֥א (way·yō·w·ṣi)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

you
אֶתְכֶ֛ם (’eṯ·ḵem)
Direct object marker | second person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

out of the iron
הַבַּרְזֶ֖ל (hab·bar·zel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

furnace,
מִכּ֥וּר (mik·kūr)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3564: Smelting pot or furnace

out of Egypt,
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם (mim·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

to be
לִהְי֥וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the people
לְעַ֥ם (lə·‘am)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of His inheritance,
נַחֲלָ֖ה (na·ḥă·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

as you are today.
כַּיּ֥וֹם (kay·yō·wm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:20 But Yahweh has taken you and brought (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 4:19
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