Deuteronomy 11:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Complete Jewish Bible:

and write them on the door-frames of your house and on your gates -

Berean Standard Bible:

Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates,

American Standard Version:

And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And thou shalt write^{H3789} them upon the door posts^{H4201} of thine house^{H1004}, and upon thy gates^{H8179}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 11:20

Deuteronomy 11:20 is part of the second discourse of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons or addresses given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse specifically refers to the practice of inscribing the words of the law (Torah) on doorposts and gates as a constant reminder of God's commandments and as a means of teaching them to future generations.

The broader context of this verse is found in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), which instructs the Israelites to love God with all their heart, soul, and might, and to teach His commandments to their children by talking about them at home, while traveling, when lying down, and when getting up. The practice of affixing the law to doorposts is later ritualized in the Jewish tradition as the mezuzah, a small case containing parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, which is attached to the doorframes of Jewish homes.

Themes present in this verse and its broader context include:

1. **Remembrance**: The importance of constantly remembering God's laws and commandments.
2. **Education**: The responsibility to teach the law to one's children and to future generations.
3. **Domestic Religious Practice**: Integrating faith into everyday life, making the home a place where God's presence is acknowledged and His word is central.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness**: Demonstrating loyalty to God's covenant by adhering to His commandments in daily life.
5. **Visible Symbols of Faith**: Using physical objects (like the mezuzah) as reminders of spiritual truths and commitments.

Historically, this verse reflects the period of the Late Bronze Age when the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle as they prepared to inhabit Canaan. It also highlights the religious reforms and centralization of worship that were part of the Deuteronomic Code, emphasizing the unique identity and religious practices of the Israelites as they distinguished themselves from the surrounding nations.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3789
   There are 212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּתַב
   Transliteration: kâthab
   Pronunciation: kaw-thab'
   Description: a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe); describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).
   
2. Strong's Number: H4201
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מְזוּזָה
   Transliteration: mᵉzûwzâh
   Pronunciation: mez-oo-zaw'
   Description: or מְזֻזָה; from the same as זִיז; a door-post (as prominent); (door, side) post.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
   
4. Strong's Number: H8179
   There are 302 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁעַר
   Transliteration: shaʻar
   Pronunciation: shah'-ar
   Description: from שָׁעַר in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er).