Deuteronomy 11:19

Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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;
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them, whe thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest downe, and when thou risest vp.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and ye have taught them to your sons, by speaking of them in thy sitting in thy house, and in thy going in the way, and in thy lying down, and in thy rising up,
Ask
See also
Deuteronomy 6:7Psalms 34:11Deuteronomy 4:9Deuteronomy 4:10Isaiah 38:19Proverbs 2:1Proverbs 4:1
In the KJVVerse 5,228 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 11:19 presents a profound divine mandate for the continuous, pervasive, and intergenerational transmission of God's covenant instructions to the children of Israel. This foundational command underscores the indispensable responsibility of parents and the community to diligently integrate God's sacred words into every facet of daily existence—within the home, during journeys, in the evening, and at the dawn of each new day. It is a call not merely for intellectual instruction but for a holistic lifestyle of faith, ensuring that the covenant relationship with Yahweh and its accompanying wisdom are not only learned but deeply embodied and faithfully passed down through successive generations, thereby securing their spiritual and material well-being in the Promised Land.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically positioned within Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 6-11 form a climactic and impassioned exhortation, reminding the people of God's unwavering faithfulness, their ancestors' past disobedience, and the paramount importance of wholehearted obedience to God's laws for their future prosperity and flourishing in the land. Deuteronomy 11, in particular, serves as a powerful appeal, presenting the stark choice between the blessings contingent upon obedience and the curses resulting from disobedience. Verse 19 directly builds upon and reiterates the core principles articulated in the Shema, particularly Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which similarly calls for diligent teaching of God's words to children, binding them as signs, and inscribing them on doorposts. It expands the scope from personal internalization (as commanded in Deuteronomy 11:18) to comprehensive, intergenerational transmission, emphasizing that the "words" (referring to the entirety of God's law and covenant stipulations) must permeate every aspect of life.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites stood at a pivotal historical juncture, transitioning from forty years of wilderness wandering to establishing themselves as a sovereign nation in the land of Canaan. This new generation, many of whom had not personally experienced the miraculous Exodus or the giving of the Law at Sinai, needed to internalize the covenant laws and God's faithfulness to forge their national identity. In ancient Israel, the family unit (the bet 'av, or "father's house") was the primary locus of education, faith formation, and cultural transmission. Formal schooling, as understood today, did not exist; religious, moral, and vocational instruction was primarily the responsibility of parents, particularly the father, who served as the spiritual head of the household. Oral tradition was paramount for transmitting knowledge, history, and law across generations. 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" vividly reflects the natural rhythms of daily life in an agrarian society, emphasizing that spiritual instruction was not a separate, compartmentalized activity but an organic, continuous, and integrated part of every interaction and moment, permeating the domestic, public, and private spheres.
  • Key Themes: Deuteronomy 11:19 is profoundly 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 vibrant, living legacy of faith, obedience, and devotion. Closely related is Pervasive Discipleship, powerfully illustrated by the comprehensive temporal and spatial 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 and is not confined to specific rituals or times. 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, a theme central to the entire book of Deuteronomy and foundational to their identity as God's chosen people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Teach (Hebrew, lâmad', H3925): This primitive root means "to goad," and by implication, "to teach." It suggests a method of instruction that is active, persistent, and effective, akin to sharpening a tool or impressing an image deeply. It implies more than simply imparting information; it speaks to drilling, repeating, and diligently impressing the words upon the mind and heart of the listener until they are sharp, clear, and deeply ingrained, fostering skill and habit.
  • Children (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Derived from a root meaning "to build," this noun refers to a "son" or "child" in the widest sense. It encompasses not only offspring but also those who build or continue the family name and legacy. In this context, it emphasizes the direct recipients of this intergenerational instruction, underscoring the vital role of the family in constructing and maintaining the spiritual heritage of the community.
  • Speaking (Hebrew, dâbar', H1696): This primitive root means "to arrange" or "to speak." In this context, it signifies a continuous and natural flow of conversation about God's commands. It's not about formal lectures or rigid pronouncements but about weaving divine truth into the fabric of everyday dialogue, making it a constant point of reference, discussion, and practical application within the family and community.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And ye shall teach them your children": This opening clause establishes the non-negotiable directive: the primary responsibility for spiritual education and the transmission of God's covenant stipulations rests squarely on the parents. The plural "ye" indicates a communal responsibility within the family unit, but the direct address to "your children" highlights the intimate and familial context of this vital instruction. The teaching is active, intentional, and aims to ensure the next generation receives, understands, and internalizes God's commands.
  • "speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house": This specifies the first and most intimate context for teaching: the domestic sphere. "Sitting in thine house" evokes moments of rest, shared meals, daily routines, and intimate family gatherings within the home. It emphasizes informal, conversational teaching that naturally arises from shared life experiences, domestic activities, and the everyday rhythm of family life, making God's word an integral part of home life.
  • "and when thou walkest by the way": This expands the context for instruction to public life and journeys. "Walking by the way" refers to travel, daily errands, communal activities, or simply moving about outside the confines of 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, interactions with others, or discussions prompted by the world around them.
  • "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, bedtime stories, and moments of quiet contemplation before sleep, while "rising up" refers to morning preparations and the commencement 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, permeating every waking and resting moment.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 11:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and comprehensive message. The most prominent is Merism, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the entirety. 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, leaving no moment or place untouched by the divine mandate. 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, highlighting the seriousness and urgency of this responsibility. The overall tone is Didactic, aiming to instruct and guide the people in their covenant responsibilities, ensuring the perpetuation of their unique identity as God's chosen people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 11:19 profoundly shapes our understanding of spiritual formation and the transmission of faith across generations, revealing God's design for a continuous, organic process of discipleship rooted in the family unit. It 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. This command 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, ensuring the covenant promises and responsibilities endure.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 11:19 serves as a timeless blueprint for family discipleship and spiritual parenting, challenging believers today to move beyond a compartmentalized faith, where spiritual instruction is relegated to specific times or institutions. Instead, it calls for a holistic, integrated approach, recognizing that faith formation is an ongoing, organic process woven into the very fabric of daily life. This verse compels us to be intentional 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, morning preparations, and even during leisure activities. More than just verbal instruction, it underscores the profound power of modeling; children learn most deeply by observing their parents live out an authentic, vibrant faith that permeates every decision and interaction. 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 and for every individual.

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, pushing beyond mere formal instruction?
  • In what practical and creative ways can I integrate conversations about God's Word more naturally into my daily routines, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for spiritual growth?
  • What specific "words" (truths, commands, stories of God's faithfulness, or aspects of the gospel) do I feel most compelled to "sharpen" and deeply impress upon the next generation or those I influence?
  • How does my own walk with God, characterized by pervasive and integrated faith, model the principles described in this verse for those I am called to disciple?

FAQ

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

Answer: The Hebrew word for "teach" (שׁנן, lâmad') means "to goad," "to sharpen," or "to impress upon," suggesting a diligent, repetitive, and deeply ingrained form of instruction that goes beyond mere intellectual transfer to heart-level internalization. It implies a persistent, active shaping of character and understanding. 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 of God's faithfulness, reading scripture together, praying as a family, and consistently modeling a life of authentic 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 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 and complementary role of the broader faith community, the church. 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 (e.g., Sunday school, youth groups), fostering corporate worship, and offering a community of faith where children and adults alike can grow in their understanding and experience of God. The church's role is to complement, reinforce, and expand upon 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, where leaders are given to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 11:19, with its emphasis on the pervasive and intergenerational teaching of God's words, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of 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 and John 1:14). 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, Luke 24:27). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, 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 indwelling Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 8:10). 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 and saving grace. 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), 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, the living Word.

Copy as

Commentary on Deuteronomy 11 verses 18–25

Here, I. Moses repeats the directions he had given for the guidance and assistance of the people in their obedience, and for the keeping up of religion among them (Deu 11:18-20), which is much to the same purport with what we had before, Deu 6:6, etc. Let us all be directed by the three rules here given: - 1. Let our hearts be filled with the word of God: Lay up these words in your heart and in your soul. The heart must be the treasury or store-house in which the word of God must be laid up, to be used upon all occasions. We cannot expect good practices in the conversation, unless there be good thoughts, good affections, and good principles, in the heart. 2. Let our eyes be fixed upon the word of God. "Bind these words for a sign upon your hand, which is always in view (Isa 49:16), and as frontlets between your eyes, which you cannot avoid the sight of; let them be as ready and familiar to you, and have your eye as constantly upon them, as if they were written upon your door-posts, and could not be overlooked either when you go out or when you come in." Thus we must lay God's judgments before us, having a constant regard to them, as the guide of our way, as the rule of our work, Psa 119:30. 3. Let our tongues be employed about the word of God. Let it be the subject of our familiar discourse, wherever we are; especially with our children, who must be taught the service of God, as the one thing needful, much more needful than either the rules of decency or the calling they must live by in this world. Great care and pains must be taken to acquaint children betimes, and to affect them, with the word of God and the wondrous things of his law. Nor will any thing contribute more to the prosperity and perpetuity of religion in a nation than the good education of children: if the seed be holy, it is the substance of a land.

II. He repeats the assurances he had before given them, in God's name, of prosperity and success if they were obedient. 1. They should have a happy settlement, Deu 11:21. Their days should be multiplied; and, when they were fulfilled, the days of their children likewise should be many, as the days of heaven, that is, Canaan should be sure to them and their heirs for ever, as long as the world stands, if they did not by their own sin throw themselves out of it. 2. It should not be in the power of their enemies to give them any disturbance, nor make them upon any account uneasy. "If you will keep God's commandments, and be careful to do your duty (Deu 11:22), God will not only crown the labours of the husbandman with plenty of the fruits of the earth, but he will own and succeed the more glorious undertakings of the men of war. Victory shall attend your arms; which way soever they turn, God will drive out these nations, and put you in possession of their land," Deu 11:23, Deu 11:24. Their territories should be enlarged to the utmost extent of the promise, Gen 15:18. And all their neighbours should stand in awe of them, Deu 11:25. Nothing contributes more to the making of a nation considerable abroad, valuable to its friends and formidable to its enemies, than religion reigning in it; for who can be against those that have God for them? And he is certainly for those that are sincerely for him, Pro 14:34.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–25. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Deuteronomy 11:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.