Deuteronomy 11:19

KJV

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall teach {H3925} them your children {H1121}, speaking {H1696} of them when thou sittest {H3427} in thine house {H1004}, and when thou walkest {H3212} by the way {H1870}, when thou liest {H7901} down, and when thou risest up {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

teach them carefully to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up;

Berean Standard Bible

Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

American Standard Version

And ye shall teach them your children, talking of them, when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:19 is a foundational command given to the Israelites, emphasizing the continuous, pervasive, and intergenerational transmission of God's divine instructions. It underscores the profound responsibility of parents and the community to integrate God's words into every facet of daily life—at home, on journeys, in the evening, and in the morning—ensuring that the covenant relationship and its accompanying wisdom are not merely learned, but lived out and faithfully passed down through successive generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. Chapters 6-11 form a powerful exhortation, reminding the people of God's past faithfulness, their ancestors' disobedience, and the critical importance of wholehearted obedience to God's laws for their future well-being and prosperity in the land. Deuteronomy 11, in particular, serves as a climactic appeal, presenting the stark choice between the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. Verse 19 directly builds upon and reiterates the core principles articulated in the [Shema, particularly Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and Teaching the Law"), which similarly calls for diligent teaching of God's words to children, binding them as signs, and inscribing them on doorposts. It extends the command from personal internalization (v.18) to intergenerational transmission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal juncture, transitioning from forty years of wilderness wandering to establishing themselves as a nation in the land of Canaan. This new generation, many of whom had not experienced the Exodus firsthand, needed to internalize the covenant laws and God's faithfulness. In ancient Israel, the family unit was the primary locus of education and faith formation. There were no formal schools in the modern sense; religious and moral instruction was primarily the responsibility of parents, particularly the father. Oral tradition was paramount for transmitting knowledge, history, and law. The command to teach "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" reflects the natural rhythms of daily life in an agrarian society, emphasizing that spiritual instruction was not a separate, compartmentalized activity but an organic part of every interaction and moment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 11:19 is rich with theological and narrative themes. The most prominent is **Intergenerational Faith Transfer**, highlighting the indispensable role of parents and the family in ensuring the continuity of the covenant relationship with God across generations. This is not merely about imparting information but fostering a living legacy of faith and obedience. Closely related is **Pervasive Discipleship**, illustrated by the comprehensive temporal phrases ("when thou sittest... when thou walkest... when thou liest down... when thou risest up"). This signifies that teaching God's word is an ongoing, natural, and informal part of daily conversation and life, whether in the domestic sphere, during public activity, or in private moments of rest and rising. This speaks to a holistic approach to spiritual formation, where faith permeates all aspects of existence. The verse also underscores **Holistic Integration of Faith**, emphasizing that God's laws should inform and guide every action, thought, and conversation, making spiritual instruction a continuous, organic process rather than a separate, formal event. Ultimately, by diligently teaching and embodying God's commands, the Israelites would ensure their continued blessing and prosperity in the land, thereby fulfilling their obligations within the [covenant relationship with God](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"), a theme central to the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Introduction to the Book").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Teach (שׁנן, _shanán_):** This Hebrew verb means "to sharpen," "to whet," or "to impress upon." It implies more than just imparting information; it suggests drilling, repeating, and diligently impressing the words upon the mind and heart of the listener until they are sharp, clear, and deeply ingrained. It speaks to an active, persistent, and effective method of instruction, ensuring the lessons are not easily forgotten.
* **Speaking (דּבר, _dabár_):** This common verb means "to speak," "to declare," or "to converse." In this context, it suggests a continuous and natural flow of conversation about God's commands. It's not about formal lectures but about weaving divine truth into the fabric of everyday dialogue, making it a constant point of reference and discussion within the family and community.
* **Them (אֹתָם, _ʾōtām_):** The pronoun "them" refers back to "my words" (דְּבָרַי, _děbārāy_) in the preceding verse (Deuteronomy 11:18), which states, "Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul." This emphasizes that the content to be taught is specifically God's revealed law and commandments, not merely general moral principles or human wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall teach them your children":** This clause establishes the primary directive: the responsibility for spiritual education rests squarely on the parents. The plural "ye" indicates a communal responsibility, but the direct address to "your children" highlights the familial context. The teaching is active and intentional, ensuring the next generation receives and understands God's commands.
* **"speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house":** This specifies the first context for teaching: the domestic sphere. "Sitting in thine house" evokes moments of rest, meals, and daily routines within the home. It emphasizes informal, conversational teaching that naturally arises from shared life experiences and domestic activities.
* **"and when thou walkest by the way":** This expands the context to public life and journeys. "Walking by the way" refers to travel, daily errands, or communal activities outside the home. It implies that spiritual instruction is not confined to private spaces but should also occur naturally as life unfolds in public, during observation of creation, or interactions with others.
* **"when thou liest down, and when thou risest up":** These phrases represent the beginning and end of each day, signifying the continuous, pervasive, and comprehensive nature of this command. "Lying down" points to evening reflections and bedtime stories, while "rising up" refers to morning preparations and the start of a new day. Together, they form a merism, encompassing all times, from dawn to dusk, ensuring that God's word is always present in the family's consciousness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the whole. The phrases "when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (night and day) and "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way" (private and public, rest and activity) collectively signify "at all times" or "continually." This emphasizes the comprehensive and unbroken nature of the instruction. **Repetition** of the temporal clauses ("when thou sittest," "when thou walkest," "when thou liest down," "when thou risest up") further reinforces the idea of constant, pervasive teaching, making it impossible to compartmentalize faith. The verse also utilizes an **Imperative Mood** ("ye shall teach"), indicating a direct command and non-negotiable obligation. The overall tone is **Didactic**, aiming to instruct and guide the people in their covenant responsibilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:19 profoundly shapes our understanding of spiritual formation and the transmission of faith across generations. It reveals God's design for a continuous, organic process of discipleship, rooted in the family unit. The command highlights that divine truth is not merely for intellectual assent but for holistic integration into the very fabric of daily life, shaping conversations, decisions, and values at every turn. It underscores the active role of parents as primary spiritual educators, reflecting God's desire for His covenant people to live out their identity as His treasured possession, passing on His statutes and stories to ensure His faithfulness is remembered and His commands are obeyed by future generations. This divine mandate establishes a pattern for nurturing a vibrant, living faith that permeates all aspects of existence.

* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")
* [Psalm 78:4-7](/psalm/78-4 "Psalm 78:4-7 - Telling the Next Generation")
* [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Nurturing Children in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:19 serves as a timeless blueprint for family discipleship and spiritual parenting in every era. It challenges believers today to move beyond compartmentalized faith, where spiritual instruction is relegated to specific times or institutions, and instead embrace a holistic, integrated approach. This verse calls for intentionality in sharing our faith and God's Word with children, not leaving it to chance or solely to external influences. It emphasizes consistency, urging us to weave spiritual conversations naturally into the rhythms of daily life—during meals, car rides, bedtime routines, and morning preparations. More than just verbal instruction, it underscores the power of modeling; children learn profoundly by observing their parents live out an authentic faith. Ultimately, this passage compels us to foster homes and lives where God's truth is not just known, but deeply loved, consistently discussed, and visibly lived out, making spiritual formation a continuous, organic, and joyful journey for the entire family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "at all times" emphasis of Deuteronomy 11:19 challenge my current approach to spiritual formation within my family or community?**
* **In what practical ways can I integrate conversations about God's Word more naturally into my daily routines, rather than reserving them for formal settings?**
* **What specific "words" (truths, commands, stories of God) do I feel most compelled to "sharpen" and impress upon the next generation?**
* **How does my own walk with God model the pervasive and integrated faith that this verse describes for those I influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "teach them" imply beyond formal instruction, and how can parents achieve this today?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "teach" (שׁנן, _shanán_) means "to sharpen" or "to impress upon," suggesting a diligent, repetitive, and deeply ingrained form of instruction. It goes beyond mere intellectual transfer to heart-level internalization. The verse's emphasis on "speaking of them when thou sittest... when thou walkest... when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" clearly indicates that this teaching is not confined to formal lessons or specific "classroom" times. Instead, it's about integrating God's words into the natural flow of daily life and conversation. Parents can achieve this today by engaging in spontaneous discussions about faith, connecting everyday experiences to biblical principles, sharing personal testimonies, reading scripture together, praying as a family, and consistently modeling a life of faith. It's about creating a home environment where God's word is a constant point of reference and a guide for all of life, just as [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp") describes it as "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

**How does this command relate to the role of the church in spiritual education?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 11:19 places the primary responsibility for spiritual education squarely on the parents and the home, it does not negate the vital role of the broader faith community. In ancient Israel, the community (represented by the elders, priests, and eventually prophets) played a supportive role in upholding and interpreting the Law, but the daily, pervasive instruction was familial. In the New Covenant, the church serves as a vital partner, equipping parents, providing structured teaching, fostering corporate worship, and offering a community of faith where children can grow in their understanding and experience of God. The church's role is to complement and reinforce the spiritual formation happening in the home, not to replace it. It's a partnership where parents are empowered and supported to fulfill their biblical mandate, contributing to the overall discipleship of the next generation within the body of Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:19, with its emphasis on the pervasive and intergenerational teaching of God's words, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant commanded the diligent teaching of the Law, the New Covenant reveals Jesus as the living embodiment of God's Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the perfect teacher, not merely speaking God's commands but living them out perfectly, demonstrating what it means to integrate divine truth into every moment of human existence. Jesus' entire ministry was a fulfillment of this Deuteronomic principle: He taught in homes, by the way, when sitting with disciples, and in moments of rest and rising, constantly impressing the truth of the Kingdom upon His followers ([Matthew 5:1-2](/matthew/5-1 "Matthew 5:1-2 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He inaugurated a New Covenant where God's law is no longer merely external commands to be taught, but is written on the hearts and minds of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promised"), [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Fulfilled")). Therefore, for the Christian, teaching "them" (God's words) now centrally includes teaching about Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the implications of His Lordship. The Great Commission, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), echoes Deuteronomy 11:19, extending the mandate for pervasive, intergenerational discipleship to all believers, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, to pass on the glorious truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Psalms 34:11

¶ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Deuteronomy 4:10

[Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.

Isaiah 38:19

The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I [do] this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 4:1

¶ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.