Deuteronomy 6:2

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

That thou mightest fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, to keep {H8104} all his statutes {H2708} and his commandments {H4687}, which I command {H6680} thee, thou, and thy son {H1121}, and thy son's {H1121} son {H1121}, all the days {H3117} of thy life {H2416}; and that thy days {H3117} may be prolonged {H748}.

so that you will fear ADONAI your God and observe all his regulations and mitzvot that I am giving you - you, your child and your grandchild - as long as you live, and so that you will have long life.

so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged.

that thou mightest fear Jehovah thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy sonโ€™s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 6:2 is a foundational verse within Moses' final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This discourse, known as Deuteronomy, serves as a powerful call to remember and recommit to the covenant with God. The immediate context of this verse is the preamble to the Shema Yisrael in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which declares the singularity of God and the command to love Him with all one's being. Moses is emphasizing the purpose and benefit of adhering to God's law for the nation's future well-being.

Key Themes

  • Reverential Fear of the LORD: The phrase "fear the LORD thy God" does not imply terror, but rather a profound respect, awe, and humble submission to God's supreme authority, holiness, and love. It is the proper response to His divine majesty and the foundation of wisdom, as noted in Proverbs 9:10. This reverence motivates obedience.
  • Obedience to God's Commandments: The primary purpose of fearing God is "to keep all his statutes and his commandments." God's laws are not arbitrary burdens but are given for the Israelites' good, guiding them in righteousness and fostering a flourishing relationship with Him. Keeping these commands is a demonstration of covenant faithfulness.
  • Generational Faithfulness: The command explicitly extends to "thou, and thy son, and thy son's son." This highlights the vital importance of intergenerational discipleship and the transmission of faith. Parents and grandparents are entrusted with the crucial role of teaching God's ways to ensure that future generations also fear and obey the Lord.
  • Promise of Prolonged Days and Blessing: The outcome of such obedience and generational faithfulness is "that thy days may be prolonged." This promise refers not only to physical longevity in the land of Canaan but also to a prosperous, stable, and blessed national existence under God's favor. This echoes the promise associated with honoring parents in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12).

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "fear" here is yare' (ื™ึธืจึตื), which carries a broad range of meanings from terror to profound reverence. In this context, it signifies a respectful awe and worshipful submission to God's will and character, recognizing His absolute power and goodness. The terms "statutes" (chuqqim - ื—ึปืงึผึดื™ื) and "commandments" (mitzvot - ืžึดืฆึฐื•ึนืช) refer to different aspects of divine law: statutes often imply decrees or ordinances whose reasons may not be immediately apparent, while commandments are specific instructions or rules.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 6:2 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a deep and reverent awe for God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness, which naturally leads to a desire to obey His will. For families, this verse provides a powerful mandate for spiritual intentionality: parents and grandparents are called to actively teach their children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord, instilling faith and obedience through word and example. The promise of "prolonged days" can be understood in a broader sense as a life rich in meaning, purpose, and enduring blessings, which aligns with the concept of the abundant life offered through Christ, a life lived in harmony with God's design.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 4:40

    Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ยถ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • Deuteronomy 13:4

    Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

  • Exodus 20:20

    And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

  • Proverbs 3:1

    ยถ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

  • Proverbs 3:2

    For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

  • Psalms 128:1

    ยถ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.