Deuteronomy 4:10

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Specially the day {H3117} that thou stoodest {H5975} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} in Horeb {H2722}, when the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Gather {H6950} me the people {H5971} together {H6950}, and I will make them hear {H8085} my words {H1697}, that they may learn {H3925} to fear {H3372} me all the days {H3117} that they shall live {H2416} upon the earth {H127}, and that they may teach {H3925} their children {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the day you stood before ADONAI your God at Horev, when ADONAI said to me, 'Gather the people to me, and I will make them hear my very words, so that they will learn to hold me in awe as long as they live on earth, and so that they will teach their children.'

Berean Standard Bible

The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:10 serves as a profound anchor within Moses's final address to the Israelites, vividly recalling their foundational encounter with Yahweh at Mount Horeb. This pivotal verse encapsulates the dual, enduring purposes of that momentous revelation: to deeply embed a reverential awe for God within the hearts of the current generation, shaping their entire earthly existence, and to establish the sacred imperative for the intergenerational transmission of His divine words and statutes to their descendants. It underscores the unique, direct nature of God's communication and the lifelong, communal responsibility arising from it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:10 is situated within Moses's second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered on the plains of Moab as the Israelites stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This section, particularly chapters 1-4, functions as a historical prologue, a powerful recapitulation of Israel's journey from Horeb to their current location. Moses, addressing a generation largely born in the wilderness and not present at the original covenant ratification, meticulously recounts the events at Mount Horeb (Sinai). He emphasizes the direct, terrifying, and glorious nature of God's self-revelation and the giving of the Law, including the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). The immediate verses leading up to 4:10 ([Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget What Your Eyes Have Seen")) exhort the people to remember and not forget this unparalleled divine encounter, setting the stage for the specific memory of the day at Horeb and its enduring purpose. The verse thus serves as a foundational memory, establishing the authority and necessity of the commands that follow throughout Deuteronomy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is crucial: the Israelites are on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land teeming with pagan cultures and practices. Moses, as their leader and prophet, is preparing them for the challenges of maintaining their distinct identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh in a foreign land. The memory of Horeb was not merely historical; it was a living, foundational event that defined their national and religious identity. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern treaties often included historical prologues to establish the suzerain's (God's) past beneficence and authority, thereby legitimizing the demands of the covenant. The concept of "fear" (yirah) in this context is not simply terror, but a profound reverence and awe that compels obedience and loyalty, much like the respect due to a powerful king or deity. The emphasis on intergenerational teaching was also vital in an oral culture, where the transmission of history, laws, and traditions from parents to children was the primary means of cultural and religious preservation.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Encounter**, highlighting God's unique initiative in speaking directly to His people, setting Israel apart from all other nations ([Deuteronomy 4:32-34](/deuteronomy/4-32 "Deuteronomy 4:32-34 - God's Uniqueness")). This direct communication forms the basis of the **Covenant Relationship**, where Israel commits to obey God's commands in exchange for His blessings and presence. The primary purpose, "that they may learn to fear me," introduces the theme of the **Fear of the Lord**, which in biblical thought signifies a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission leading to obedience and wisdom ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). Finally, the command "that they may teach their children" establishes the critical theme of **Intergenerational Faith Transmission**, emphasizing the continuous responsibility of each generation to pass on the knowledge of God and His Law, ensuring the perpetuation of the covenant community ([Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirah'_):** This word, derived from the root יָרֵא (yare'), is central to the verse's meaning and to Deuteronomic theology. It does not primarily denote terror or fright, though it can encompass that aspect when referring to God's awesome power. Rather, in this context, _yirah_ signifies a profound and reverential awe, a deep respect for God's holiness, majesty, and authority. It is an attitude of humble submission and devotion that leads to obedience and a desire to live in alignment with God's will. This "fear" is the foundation of wisdom and true worship, recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and one's proper place before Him. It is the appropriate response to a direct encounter with the living God.
* **Teach (Hebrew, _lamad'_):** The verb לָמַד (lamad) means "to learn" or "to teach." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it specifically means "to teach" or "to cause to learn." This highlights an active, intentional process of instruction. It implies not just the imparting of information, but the shaping of character and worldview, ensuring that the next generation not only knows God's words but also embodies the "fear of the Lord" in their lives. It speaks to a discipleship model where parents and the community are responsible for spiritual formation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb":** This clause immediately grounds the subsequent instruction in a specific, historical, and deeply significant event. "Horeb" is another name for Mount Sinai, the mountain where God made His covenant with Israel. "Stoodest before the LORD" evokes the solemnity and directness of the encounter, emphasizing that the entire nation was present, not merely Moses, to witness God's awe-inspiring presence and hear His voice. It was a unique, unrepeatable moment that formed the bedrock of their identity.
* **"when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together":** This highlights God's initiative. It was God who commanded Moses to assemble the people, indicating His deliberate intention to reveal Himself and His will directly to them. Moses acts as the intermediary, but the divine command originates directly from Yahweh, underscoring the divine authority behind the entire event.
* **"and I will make them hear my words":** This is the immediate, primary purpose of the gathering. God Himself promises to cause the people to hear His words. This was not a secondary report or interpretation, but a direct auditory experience of divine speech, particularly the Ten Commandments. This direct hearing was designed to leave an indelible impression, establishing the absolute authority and clarity of God's commands.
* **"that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth":** This clause articulates the first, immediate, and lifelong purpose of the divine revelation. The direct encounter was intended to instill a profound, enduring "fear of the Lord" (reverential awe and obedience) in the hearts of that generation. This fear was not a temporary emotion but a foundational principle meant to govern their entire existence, shaping their decisions, relationships, and worship for "all the days that they shall live upon the earth."
* **"and [that] they may teach their children":** This crucial second purpose extends the impact of the Horeb revelation beyond the immediate generation. The knowledge and "fear of the Lord" gained by the parents were not to terminate with them but were to be diligently and intentionally passed on to their children. This establishes the principle of intergenerational discipleship, ensuring the continuity of the covenant relationship and the preservation of God's truth within the community across time.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:10 employs several potent literary devices to achieve its persuasive and didactic aims. The most prominent is **Recapitulation**, as Moses is recounting a past, foundational event (the Horeb covenant) to a new generation, thereby reinforcing its significance and binding them to its terms. This act of remembering is central to Deuteronomic theology. The verse also heavily utilizes **Didacticism**, as its explicit purpose is to instruct the people on the enduring lessons of Horeb – to "learn to fear me" and "teach their children." This is not merely narrative but direct instruction for living. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** through the direct address ("thou stoodest," "they may learn," "they may teach") and the focus on the singular, momentous "day" at Horeb. The structure of the verse also presents a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: God's direct revelation at Horeb (cause) leads to the people learning to fear Him and teaching their children (effects). This logical progression underscores the divine intentionality behind the covenant event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:10 is a theological wellspring, connecting the foundational event at Horeb to the enduring call for reverent obedience and the vital responsibility of intergenerational faith. It establishes that the purpose of divine revelation is not merely intellectual assent but transformative life, leading to a lifelong posture of awe before God and a proactive commitment to transmit His truth. This verse underscores God's desire for an intimate, covenantal relationship with His people, one that transcends individual lifetimes and forms the bedrock of a holy community. It highlights that true faith is both deeply personal ("learn to fear me") and inherently communal ("teach their children"), ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan through successive generations.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalm/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Teaching the Next Generation God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:10 provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual formation, both individually and communally. It calls us to remember the foundational truths of our faith – God's direct revelation, His holiness, and His covenant. Just as Israel was called to "hear" God's words and "fear" Him, so too are we to approach the Scriptures with profound reverence, recognizing them as the living and active Word of God. This reverence should not lead to a paralyzing fear, but to a humble awe that inspires obedience and transforms our daily lives. The verse also lays a heavy but glorious responsibility upon every believer: to intentionally and diligently pass on the truths of God to the next generation. Our faith is not a private possession but a sacred trust to be nurtured and shared, ensuring that the knowledge of God and His redemptive acts continues to flourish. This means prioritizing spiritual instruction in our homes, churches, and communities, equipping children and youth to walk in the fear of the Lord for all their days.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my approach to God's Word reflect the "fear of the Lord" described in this verse?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverential awe for God in my daily life?**
* **What specific steps am I taking to intentionally "teach my children" (or the next generation) about God's character and commands?**
* **How can our faith communities better embody the intergenerational transmission of faith emphasized in Deuteronomy 4:10?**

### FAQ

**What does "Horeb" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Horeb" is another name for Mount Sinai, the mountain in the wilderness where God descended in fire and cloud to establish His covenant with the Israelites. It was at Horeb that God spoke the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") directly to the people, and where Moses received the detailed laws and instructions for Israel. The use of "Horeb" in Deuteronomy often emphasizes the enduring significance of this foundational event, serving as the birthplace of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It is a place of profound divine revelation and the giving of the Law, marking the beginning of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people.

**What is the biblical meaning of "fear the LORD"?**

Answer: In biblical context, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: _yirah_) is far more than mere terror or fright. While it acknowledges God's immense power and holiness, its primary meaning is a profound, reverential awe and respect that leads to worship, obedience, and humble submission. It is the recognition of God's absolute sovereignty, righteousness, and majesty, which then shapes one's entire life. This "fear" is foundational to wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), fosters hatred of evil ([Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the Lord is to Hate Evil")), and results in a desire to please God and walk in His ways. It is a healthy, life-giving fear that draws one closer to God, rather than driving one away.

**Why is it so important for parents to "teach their children" about God?**

Answer: The command to "teach their children" is a cornerstone of biblical faith, particularly in Deuteronomy. It underscores the vital role of intergenerational faith transmission in preserving the covenant and ensuring the spiritual continuity of God's people. In an ancient oral culture, this was the primary means by which history, laws, and religious identity were passed down. More profoundly, it recognizes that faith is not merely an individual experience but a communal legacy. If each generation fails to diligently instruct the next, the knowledge of God, His mighty acts, and His commands will be lost, leading to spiritual decline and apostasy. This teaching involves not just imparting facts but modeling a life lived in the "fear of the Lord," thereby nurturing a living faith in the hearts of children and ensuring the ongoing health and vibrancy of God's people ([Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:10, with its emphasis on hearing God's words, learning to fear Him, and intergenerational teaching, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While Israel heard God's words at Horeb through fire and cloud, the New Testament reveals that God has now spoken to us definitively through His Son, Jesus, who is the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "fear of the Lord" for the New Covenant believer is not a terror of judgment but a profound, Spirit-empowered reverence for God as our Father, leading to loving obedience and worship. Through Christ, we are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to truly "learn to fear" and obey God not out of compulsion, but out of a transformed nature ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit"); [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Furthermore, the command to "teach their children" expands in the New Testament to the Great Commission, where believers are called to "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")). This global mandate ensures the intergenerational and cross-cultural transmission of the Gospel, fulfilling God's ancient purpose of a people who know and fear Him, extending His kingdom to the ends of the earth through the power of the resurrected 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

Exodus 19:9

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 17:19

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Hebrews 12:19

And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

Deuteronomy 5:2

The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

Exodus 19:16

¶ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.

Exodus 20:18

¶ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.