Deuteronomy 26:5
And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
Deuteronomy 26:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Deuteronomy 26:5 reflects the Israelites’ acknowledgement of their humble beginnings as a nation. By referring to their ancestor, Jacob, as a “Syrian ready to perish,†the verse highlights the precarious and vulnerable position their forefather was in before he sought refuge in Egypt. This acknowledgment serves to remind the Israelites of their own history of struggle and displacement, instilling in them a sense of humility and gratitude for the blessings they have received. The verse also emphasizes the notion of God’s providence and faithfulness, as it was through His guidance and protection that the Israelites were able to grow from a small group of sojourners to a great and populous nation. The verse carries a message of gratitude, remembrance of the past, and confidence in God’s continued provision and care for His people.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of Deuteronomy 26:5, it is important to note the significance of the term "A Syrian ready to perish was my father." This phrase refers to Jacob, who was renamed Israel after his encounter with God. The reference to Jacob as a Syrian highlights the fact that he spent many years in Syria, specifically in the house of Laban, where he faced many hardships and struggles. It serves as a reminder of the difficult journey that the Israelites have endured, much like their forefather Jacob. Additionally, the mention of Jacob going down into Egypt and becoming a great nation emphasizes the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. Despite the challenges and trials faced by Jacob and his descendants, God was always present, guiding them to become a mighty and populous nation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, provision, and sovereignty throughout the history of the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 26:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou shalt answer and say before Jehovah thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father; and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.
World English Bible
You shall answer and say before Yahweh your God, “My father was a Syrian ready to perish. He went down into Egypt, and lived there, few in number. There he became a great, mighty, and populous nation.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt speak thus in the sight of the Lord thy God: The Syrian pursued my father, who went down into Egypt, and sojourned there in a very small number, and grew into a nation great and strong and of an infinite multitude.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou shalt answere and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian was my father, who being ready to perish for hunger, went downe into Egypt, and soiourned there with a small company, and grew there vnto a nation great, mightie and full of people.