Deuteronomy 6:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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 son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:2 serves as a foundational declaration of purpose within Moses' valedictory address to Israel, emphasizing that the divine commands are given so that the people, across generations, might cultivate a reverential fear of the LORD their God, diligently observe His statutes and commandments throughout their lives, and thereby experience a prolonged and blessed existence in the land promised to them. This verse encapsulates the essence of covenant faithfulness: a life of obedient awe leading to flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:2 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This book, "Deuteronomy" (meaning "second law"), functions as a covenant renewal document, reiterating and expounding upon the Law given at Sinai for a new generation. Chapter 6 itself is pivotal, immediately preceding the "Shema Yisrael" in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema Yisrael"), which declares the singularity of God and the command to love Him wholeheartedly. Verse 2 sets the stage by articulating the overarching purpose of the commandments that follow: to foster a deep, abiding relationship with God characterized by fear and obedience, ensuring the nation's longevity and prosperity in the land they are about to inherit. It is a foundational statement of the covenant's terms and anticipated blessings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by pagan nations whose practices were anathema to the LORD. Moses' address was delivered to a generation that had grown up in the wilderness, many of whom had not personally experienced the Exodus or the initial giving of the Law at Sinai. Therefore, the historical moment demanded a powerful call to remembrance and recommitment to their unique covenant identity as God's chosen people. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern treaties often included stipulations for loyalty and obedience from the vassal to the suzerain, with blessings for adherence and curses for deviation. Deuteronomy mirrors this suzerainty treaty format, presenting God as the Great King and Israel as His vassal, with the Law serving as the terms of their relationship. The emphasis on "thou, and thy son, and thy son's son" underscores the critical importance of intergenerational transmission of faith and law in a society where oral tradition and familial instruction were paramount for cultural and religious continuity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The central theme of **Reverential Fear of the LORD** is paramount, signifying not terror, but a profound awe, respect, and humble submission to God's supreme authority, holiness, and love. This fear is presented as the proper response to His divine majesty and the very foundation of wisdom, as echoed in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). This reverential fear is the wellspring of **Obedience to God's Commandments**, which is not seen as a burdensome legalism but as the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness and the pathway to a flourishing life. God's laws are given for Israel's good, guiding them in righteousness and fostering a vibrant relationship with Him. Furthermore, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Generational Faithfulness**, emphasizing the vital importance of intergenerational discipleship and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. Parents and grandparents are explicitly entrusted with the crucial role of teaching God's ways to ensure future generations also fear and obey the Lord. Finally, the promise of **Prolonged Days and Blessing** speaks to the tangible outcomes of obedience, referring 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 "Exodus 20:12 - Honoring Parents and Long Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This Hebrew verb (יָרֵא) carries a broad semantic range, from terror and dread to profound reverence and awe. In the context of "fearing the LORD," it signifies a worshipful submission and respectful awe that acknowledges God's absolute power, holiness, and goodness. It is not a cowering dread of punishment, but a humble recognition of His majesty and a desire to align one's life with His will. This "fear" is the appropriate response to the Creator and Covenant-Keeper, motivating obedience and faithfulness.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqim'_):** The term (חֻקִּים) refers to fixed decrees, ordinances, or prescribed rules. These are often laws whose rationale may not be immediately apparent but are nonetheless binding because they are divinely instituted. They represent God's non-negotiable standards for His people's conduct and worship, designed to set them apart and maintain their covenant distinctiveness.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvot'_):** This word (מִצְוֹת) typically denotes specific instructions, precepts, or rules given by divine authority. While "statutes" might refer to broader categories or foundational principles, "commandments" often point to particular, actionable directives. Together with "statutes," they encompass the entirety of God's revealed will for Israel's life, covering ethical, ceremonial, and civil spheres.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God":** This initial clause states the primary purpose of God's commands. The "fear" here is not terror, but a profound reverence and awe that acknowledges God's supreme authority, holiness, and love. It is the proper, worshipful response to His divine majesty, forming the foundation for all true wisdom and obedience. The commands are given to cultivate this posture of humble submission and respect.
* **"to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee":** This clause reveals the practical outworking of fearing God. True reverence naturally leads to diligent obedience to His revealed will. The phrase "all his statutes and his commandments" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's law, requiring wholehearted adherence, not selective observance. The declaration "which I command thee" underscores the divine origin and authority of these laws, communicated through Moses.
* **"thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life":** This segment highlights the intergenerational and lifelong scope of the command. The covenant relationship and its obligations are not limited to the present generation but are intended to be passed down through families, ensuring continuity of faith and obedience across time. It places a profound responsibility on parents and grandparents to actively teach and model God's ways, emphasizing the enduring nature of the covenant for the entire community, for all their days.
* **"and that thy days may be prolonged":** This final clause articulates the promised blessing for faithfulness. "Prolonged days" refers primarily to a long, stable, and prosperous national existence in the Promised Land, free from premature destruction or exile. It signifies a life of flourishing and well-being under God's favor, a tangible manifestation of His covenant faithfulness to an obedient people. It encompasses not just individual longevity but the enduring vitality of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Purpose Clause**, indicated by the repeated "that" ("That thou mightest fear..." and "and that thy days may be prolonged"). These clauses clearly articulate the divine intention behind the giving of the Law, framing obedience not as an end in itself, but as a means to cultivate a right relationship with God and to experience His promised blessings. **Repetition** is also evident in "thou, and thy son, and thy son's son," which powerfully underscores the imperative of intergenerational transmission of faith and the enduring nature of the covenant. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern treaties, where the stipulations (commandments) are given by the suzerain (the LORD) to the vassal (Israel) with clear consequences (prolonged days) for adherence. Finally, the overall **Didactic Tone** of the verse, and indeed the entire book of Deuteronomy, is evident as Moses instructs and exhorts the people, emphasizing the vital lessons of their past and the path to future blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:2 is a theological cornerstone, underscoring the foundational principle that a proper relationship with God begins with a reverential fear that leads to active obedience. This fear is not born of terror, but of awe and recognition of God's holiness, power, and covenant faithfulness. It establishes a reciprocal relationship where God's commands are given for the flourishing of His people, and their obedience is a demonstration of love and trust. The verse connects the individual's spiritual posture to the corporate well-being and longevity of the nation, highlighting the communal nature of the covenant. It implicitly teaches that true life and blessing are found in alignment with the divine will, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature and prophetic calls to repentance. The emphasis on generational transmission also speaks to the ongoing responsibility of the community of faith to nurture and pass on the truths of God to successive generations, ensuring the continuity of His people and His purposes.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment: Honor Your Parents")
* [Leviticus 18:5](/leviticus/18-5 "Leviticus 18:5 - Keeping God's Statutes for Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:2 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless principles for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, reverent awe for God, recognizing His sovereignty, holiness, and boundless love. This "fear of the LORD" is not a passive emotion but an active posture of the heart that naturally leads to a desire to know and obey His will. In a world that often dismisses divine authority, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that life's true meaning and abundance are found in humble submission to our Creator. 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. This involves not just formal instruction but living out our faith authentically, creating an environment where God's word is honored and His commands are cherished. The promise of "prolonged days" can be understood in a broader sense as a life rich in meaning, purpose, and enduring blessings, a life lived in harmony with God's design, both individually and corporately. It speaks to the flourishing that comes from walking in God's ways, a life that truly counts for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the LORD" truly mean in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How intentionally am I seeking to "keep all His statutes and His commandments" in my choices and actions?**
* **In what practical ways am I contributing to the spiritual formation of the next generation, whether in my family or community?**
* **How do I understand the "prolonging of days" in a spiritual sense, beyond physical longevity, in light of God's promises?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear the LORD" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 6:2, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: *yare'*) does not mean to be terrified of God, but rather to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect. It signifies recognizing His absolute holiness, power, and authority, leading to a humble and worshipful submission to His will. This reverential fear is the foundation of wisdom and the motivation for obedience, fostering a deep and loving relationship with Him, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**Is the promise of "prolonged days" purely about living a long physical life?**

Answer: While "prolonged days" certainly includes the blessing of physical longevity, especially in the context of remaining in the Promised Land, its meaning is broader. In the Old Testament, "life" often refers to a full, prosperous, and blessed existence, characterized by well-being, peace, and security under God's favor. For Israel, it meant the continued national flourishing and stability in the land, avoiding exile or destruction. It encompasses a life of abundance and purpose that comes from walking in God's ways, as described throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**How does this verse apply to Christians today, given the New Covenant?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 6:2 remains profoundly relevant for Christians. While we are under the New Covenant of grace through Christ, the underlying principles of reverential awe for God and obedience to His revealed will are eternal. Our "fear" of the Lord is rooted in gratitude for His redemptive love and a desire to honor Him. The call to keep His commands is now empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live out the righteousness that the law required. The emphasis on generational faithfulness is also vital, as believers are called to disciple their children and others in the faith, passing on the truths of the Gospel and the commands of Christ, as exemplified in [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:2, with its emphasis on fearing the LORD, keeping His commands, and generational faithfulness for the prolongation of days, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant prescribed obedience to the Law for life in the land, Jesus perfectly embodied the "fear of the LORD" in His life, perfectly obeying every statute and commandment, not for personal gain but for the redemption of humanity. He declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the curse of the Law's disobedience, offering a new covenant where the law is written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The "prolonged days" promised in Deuteronomy are transformed into the promise of eternal life and abundant life in Christ ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Offers Abundant Life")). Our "fear of the LORD" is now a loving reverence for God made accessible through Jesus, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the generational faithfulness mandated in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, in Christ, the purpose of the Law is realized, and the blessings of obedience are secured, not by human effort alone, but by grace through faith, leading to a life that truly extends beyond earthly days into eternity.

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 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

¶ 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

¶ 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

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