משך חכמה — כי עם קדוש אתה לה' אלהיך

Q — What is the difference between "אנשי קודש" (Mishpatim) and "עם קדוש" (Re'eh)?

A — "קודש" denotes a kedusha that exists as a separable attribute — it can transfer from one object to another (like the kedusha of a sanctified item being redeemed onto money). "קדוש" denotes a kedusha fused inseparably with its bearer. In Mishpatim — BEFORE Hashem's post-egel promise of "ונפלינו אני ועמך" — Israel were "אנשי קודש," and kedusha could in principle leave them; after that promise, in Re'eh, they are "עם קדוש" — kedusha permanently bound to Israel forever.