Deuteronomy 6:4 in Hebrew
שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד׃
Introduction to the Verse
Deuteronomy 6:4 is one of the most foundational verses in the Torah, known as the Shema. It declares the absolute unity and exclusivity of YHWH in Israelite faith. The verse states:
שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל – “Hear, Yisra’el.”
יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ – “YHWH is our God.”
יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד – “YHWH is one.”
A key phrase in this verse is יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד (YHWH eḥad), which is crucial for understanding biblical monotheism.
Understanding יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד
1. יְהוָ֥ה (YHWH) – The Name of God
– The Tetragrammaton (YHWH) is the personal, covenantal name of the God of Yisra’el.
– This name is often translated as LORD in English translations but is not a title—it is the unique, divine name of the God of Israel.
2. אֶחָֽד (Eḥad) – “One, Unified”
– The Hebrew word אֶחָד (eḥad) generally means one but can also signify unity or uniqueness.
– The Shema does not merely assert numerical singularity but emphasizes that YHWH alone is God, with no rival.
Possible Interpretations of יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד
1. Absolute Monotheism
– The phrase declares the absolute unity of YHWH, distinguishing biblical faith from polytheistic traditions.
– This statement affirms that there is no other deity beside YHWH (cf. Deuteronomy 4:35, Isaiah 45:5).
2. Exclusive Loyalty to YHWH
– The Shema is not just a theological statement but a call to covenantal faithfulness.
– It demands that Yisra’el worship YHWH alone, rejecting idolatry and foreign gods.
3. Divine Oneness as Unified Will
– Some interpretations suggest that אֶחָד expresses YHWH’s unified nature and purpose, rather than just numerical singularity.
– This idea is supported by the usage of אֶחָד in Genesis 2:24 (“they shall become one flesh”), which implies composite unity.
Theological and Liturgical Significance
1. Central to Jewish Worship
– The Shema is recited daily in Jewish prayer, reaffirming faith in YHWH’s exclusive divinity.
2. Foundational for Biblical Theology
– This verse establishes the foundation of monotheism, shaping later theological developments in both Judaism and Christianity.
3. A Call to Obedience
– The Shema introduces the command to love YHWH with all one’s heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).
– It is not merely a doctrinal statement but a covenantal commitment.
The Meaning of יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד in Deuteronomy 6:4
The phrase יְהוָ֥ה אֶחָֽד proclaims the uniqueness, unity, and exclusivity of YHWH as the only true God. It serves as the defining declaration of Yisra’el’s faith, calling for total devotion and loyalty to YHWH alone.
This verse is more than theology—it is a declaration of allegiance, love, and obedience to the one true God.
