Deuteronomy 6:20

KJV

[And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

KJV (with Strong's)

And when thy son {H1121} asketh {H7592} thee in time to come {H4279}, saying {H559}, What mean the testimonies {H5713}, and the statutes {H2706}, and the judgments {H4941}, which the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} hath commanded {H6680} you?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Some day your child will ask you, 'What is the meaning of the instructions, laws and rulings which ADONAI our God has laid down for you?'

Berean Standard Bible

In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?”

American Standard Version

When thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Jehovah our God hath commanded you?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:20 anticipates a pivotal moment in the life of an Israelite family: the child's sincere inquiry into the meaning and purpose of the divine commands observed by their parents. This verse, situated within Moses's final exhortations before Israel enters the Promised Land, underscores the profound importance of intergenerational faith transmission, where the curiosity of the young serves as a divinely ordained opportunity for parents to articulate the historical, theological, and redemptive foundations of their covenant relationship with the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:20 is strategically placed within a larger discourse (Deuteronomy 6:1-25) that emphasizes the singular identity of God and the paramount importance of loving Him completely. It immediately follows the foundational "Shema" in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") which commands Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Moses then transitions to the practical implications of this love, particularly the diligent instruction of God's commands to the next generation, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching the Commands Diligently"). Verse 20 serves as the anticipated outcome and a crucial pivot point, setting the stage for the parental response that grounds obedience in God's redemptive history, elaborated in [Deuteronomy 6:21-25](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21-25 - The Parental Response"). The entire section functions as a blueprint for covenant education, ensuring the continuity of Israel's unique relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers these words on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. They are on the cusp of transitioning from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence in a land teeming with pagan cultures. This historical juncture made the intergenerational transmission of faith critically important to prevent assimilation and apostasy. Culturally, the family unit was the primary locus of education and religious instruction. Fathers, in particular, bore the responsibility of teaching their children the Law and the history of God's dealings with Israel. The anticipated question in verse 20 reflects a society where children were actively involved in family life and religious practices, and where oral tradition and instruction were central to preserving identity and faith. The commands themselves were not abstract but deeply interwoven with daily life, agricultural cycles, and social justice, making their meaning a legitimate subject of inquiry for an observant child.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Intergenerational Faith Transmission** is paramount, highlighting God's design for parents to be the primary spiritual educators of their children, ensuring the covenant endures through successive generations (cf. [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Teaching the Next Generation")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Covenant Education**, where understanding the "why" behind God's commands is as crucial as knowing the "what." The son's question provides a natural opportunity to recount God's redemptive acts, particularly the Exodus, as the foundation for Israel's obedience and identity (as explained in [Deuteronomy 6:21-23](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21-23 - Recounting the Exodus")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Comprehensive Nature of God's Law**, using terms like "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" to encompass the full breadth of divine instruction—moral, ceremonial, and civil—all stemming from the character and will of the LORD. Finally, it highlights **Curiosity as a Gateway to Deeper Faith**, portraying the child's inquiry not as defiance but as a welcome sign of engagement and an opportunity for profound spiritual formation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _‘edot_):** Derived from a root meaning "to bear witness," these refer to God's solemn declarations, His covenant stipulations, and the principles that bear witness to His character and will. They often relate to the moral law and fundamental truths, serving as reminders of God's relationship with His people.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqim_):** From a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," these are established decrees, fixed ordinances, or prescribed rules. They encompass both ceremonial laws (like those regarding sacrifice or festivals) and broader divine mandates, representing God's authoritative and unchangeable commands for His people's conduct and worship.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpatim_):** From a root meaning "to judge" or "to govern," these are judicial decisions, ordinances, or regulations pertaining to civil and moral justice. They outline how God's people are to live righteously in community, ensuring fairness, equity, and order, reflecting God's own just character. Together, these three terms signify the holistic and pervasive nature of God's revealed will, touching every sphere of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when thy son asketh thee in time to come":** This clause highlights the anticipated, future nature of the inquiry, emphasizing that the command to teach is not for immediate compliance only, but for ongoing, generational instruction. The phrase "in time to come" (literally "tomorrow") points to the continuity of the covenant and the expectation that faith will be lived out and questioned by succeeding generations. It implies a natural, organic curiosity arising from observing the parents' faithful adherence to God's ways.
* **"saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments,":** This is the core of the son's question, demonstrating a desire for understanding beyond mere rote obedience. The use of "mean" (Hebrew, _mah_) signifies a quest for the underlying significance, purpose, and rationale behind the various categories of God's law. The specific enumeration of "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" indicates a comprehensive inquiry into the entire corpus of divine revelation given to Israel, reflecting an observant and thoughtful mind.
* **"which the LORD our God hath commanded you?":** This concluding phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the commands. The son recognizes that these are not arbitrary rules invented by his parents but are direct mandates from "the LORD our God." The "you" refers to the parents' generation, acknowledging their current practice and the covenant relationship they have with God. This sets the stage for the parents' response, which will connect these commands directly to God's redemptive acts and His covenant faithfulness to Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:20 employs several significant literary devices. **Anticipation** is central, as Moses proactively frames a future scenario, preparing the parents for an inevitable and crucial moment of intergenerational dialogue. This foresight underscores the divine wisdom embedded in the Law and the importance of parental readiness. The verse also functions as a form of **Didacticism** or **Pedagogy**, not just in its content but in its very structure, teaching parents how to teach. By presenting the child's question, it models the ideal interaction for transmitting faith. Furthermore, the specific enumeration of "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" uses **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two or more contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, these three distinct categories collectively encompass the entirety of God's comprehensive Law, emphasizing its all-encompassing nature in the life of the Israelite. The son's question, while genuine, also serves a **Rhetorical** purpose within Moses's speech, prompting the audience (the parents) to consider their own understanding and preparedness to articulate their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:20 is a cornerstone for understanding the divine imperative of intergenerational faith transmission. It reveals God's design for the family as the primary institution for spiritual formation, where the living out of faith naturally provokes questions from the next generation. The anticipated inquiry about "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" highlights that God desires not blind obedience but an informed and heartfelt understanding of His commands, rooted in His redemptive character and acts. This verse sets the stage for the profound theological truth that God's Law is not a burden but a gracious guide for a flourishing life, given in the context of a covenant relationship established by His saving power. The parental response, detailed in subsequent verses, grounds the Law in the historical reality of God's deliverance from Egypt, demonstrating that obedience flows from gratitude for salvation, not merely from a list of rules.

* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Passover Instruction for Children")
* [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-7 - God's Law for Future Generations")
* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:20 offers timeless wisdom for families and communities of faith today. It challenges us to live a faith so authentic and consistent that it naturally sparks curiosity in the next generation. Our adherence to God's Word, our practices, and our values should be evident enough to prompt questions from our children, grandchildren, or spiritual mentees. More than just living an exemplary life, this verse calls us to be prepared to articulate the "why" behind our beliefs and practices. We are not merely to transmit rules but to explain the loving, redemptive character of God who stands behind them. This requires not only knowledge of Scripture but also a personal, lived experience of God's faithfulness. When questions arise, we are to embrace them as sacred opportunities for discipleship, connecting biblical truths to personal experience, God's ongoing work in the world, and the grand narrative of salvation, fostering a deep love for God and His ways that transcends generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my faith and daily life are evident enough to provoke questions from those around me, especially the younger generation?**
* **Am I prepared to explain the "why" behind my Christian beliefs and practices, connecting them to God's character and redemptive acts?**
* **How can I cultivate an environment where questions about faith are welcomed and seen as opportunities for deeper spiritual formation, rather than interruptions?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally integrate the story of God's faithfulness into my conversations and teaching with children or younger believers?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the son's question in Deuteronomy 6:20?**

Answer: The son's question is profoundly significant because it represents the culmination of faithful intergenerational living and teaching. It signifies that the parents have not merely imposed rules, but have lived out their faith in a way that has prompted genuine curiosity and a desire for understanding in their child. This question is not a challenge to authority but an anticipated opportunity for the parents to articulate the historical, theological, and covenantal foundations of their faith. It highlights that God desires an informed and heartfelt obedience, not just blind adherence. The question also serves as a pedagogical device within Moses's speech, preparing the parents for this crucial moment and guiding them on how to respond by recounting God's redemptive acts (as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:21-25](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21-25 - The Parental Response")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 6:20 focuses on the Old Covenant Law, its essence finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Law, with its testimonies, statutes, and judgments, was given to reveal God's character and His righteous standards, ultimately exposing humanity's inability to perfectly keep it and thus pointing to the need for a Savior (cf. [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law, perfectly embodying its demands and satisfying its righteous requirements through His life, death, and resurrection (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "meaning" of God's commands, which the son in Deuteronomy 6:20 sought, is fully revealed in Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making true obedience possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). In the New Covenant, the commands are written on our hearts (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), and the intergenerational transmission of faith now centers on teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, His redemptive work, and the new life found in Him (cf. [2 Timothy 3:15](/2_timothy/3-15 "2 Timothy 3:15 - From Childhood You Have Known the Holy Scriptures")). Parents are called to explain not just rules, but the glorious person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate answer to all of life's deepest questions, making the "why" of our faith eternally clear.

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 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 12:26

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Joshua 4:21

And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What [mean] these stones?

Joshua 4:24

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

Joshua 4:6

That this may be a sign among you, [that] when your children ask [their fathers] in time to come, saying, What [mean] ye by these stones?

Joshua 4:7

Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Proverbs 22:6

¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.