TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 6:17–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Moses charges them to keep God's commandments themselves: You shall diligently keep God's commandments, Deu 6:17-19. Note, It requires a great deal of care and pains to keep up religion in the power of it in our hearts and lives. Negligence will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. To induce them to this, he here shows them, 1. That this would be very acceptable to God: it is right and good in the sight of the Lord; and that is right and good indeed that is, so in God's sight. If we have any regard to the favour of our Creator as our felicity, and the law of our creation as our rule, we shall be religious. 2. That it would be very advantageous and profitable to themselves. It would secure to them the possession of the land of Canaan, prosperity there, and constant victory over those that stood in their way. In short, "Do well, and it shall be well with thee."
II.He charges them to instruct their children in the commands of God, not only that they might in their tender years intelligently and affectionately join in religious services, but that afterwards they might in their day keep up religion, and convey it to those that should come after them. Now,
1.Here is a proper question which it is supposed the children would ask (Deu 6:20): "What mean the testimonies and the statutes? What is the meaning of the feasts we observe, the sacrifices we offer, and the many peculiar customs we keep up?" Observe,
(1.)All divine institutions have a certain meaning, and there is something great designed in them.
(2.)It concerns us to know and understand the meaning of them, that we may perform a reasonable service and may not offer the blind for sacrifice.
(3.)It is good for children betimes to enquire into the true intent and meaning of the religious observances they are trained up in. If any are thus inquisitive in divine things it is a good sign that they are concerned about them, and a good means of their attaining to a great acquaintance with them. Then shall we know if thus we follow on to know.
2.Here is a full answer put into the parents' mouths to be given to this good question. Parents and teachers must give instruction to those under their charge, though they do not ask it, nay, though they have an aversion to it; much more must they be ready to answer questions, and to give instruction when it is desired; for it may be hoped that those who ask it will be willing to receive it. Did the children ask the meaning of God's laws? Let them be told that they were to be observed,
(1.)In a grateful remembrance of God's former favours to them, especially their deliverance out of Egypt, Deu 6:21-23. The children must be often told of the deplorable state their ancestors were in when they were bondmen in Egypt, the great salvation God wrought for them in fetching them out thence, and that God, in giving them these peculiar statutes, meant to perpetuate the memorial of that work of wonder, by which they were formed into a peculiar people.
(2.)As the prescribed condition of his further favours (Deu 6:24): The Lord commanded us all these statutes for our good. Note, God commands us nothing but what is really for our good. It is our interest as well as our duty to be religious.
[1.]It will be our life: That he might preserve us alive, which is a great favour, and more than we could expect, considering how often we have forfeited life itself. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is as far as it is for God's glory.
[2.]It will be our righteousness. Could we perfectly fulfil but that one command of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might, and could we say, "We have never done otherwise," this would be so our righteousness as to entitle us to the benefits of the covenant of innocency; had we continued in every thing that is written in the book of the law to do it, the law would have justified us. But this we cannot pretend to, therefore our sincere obedience shall be accepted through a Mediator to denominate us, as Noah was, righteous before God, Gen 7:1; Luk 1:6; and Jo1 3:7. The Chaldee reads it, There shall be a reward to us if we observe to do these commandments; for, without doubt, in keeping God's commandments there is great reward.
Continue studying Deuteronomy 6:21 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Deuteronomy 6:21 is a pivotal verse within the Shema passage, providing the prescribed answer for a parent to give their child when asked about the meaning of God's statutes. It encapsulates the foundational narrative of Israel's identity: their former state as slaves in Egypt and their miraculous redemption by the sovereign power of the LORD. This response serves as a pedagogical cornerstone, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage is rooted not in their own strength or merit, but in God's mighty and gracious act of deliverance, thereby cementing their covenant relationship and purpose.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 6:21 is embedded within the broader "Shema" passage (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) which calls Israel to singular devotion to Yahweh and the diligent teaching of His commands to their children. This specific verse forms part of a pedagogical framework outlined in Deuteronomy 6:20-25. Moses anticipates a future scenario where a child, observing the unique laws and practices of Israel, will naturally inquire about their meaning. The parent's response, beginning with this verse, is not to be a mere legalistic explanation, but a profound theological narrative recounting God's redemptive history. This question-and-answer format emphasizes the intergenerational transmission of faith, ensuring that the covenant relationship remains vibrant and understood by each new generation, linking their present obedience to God's past saving acts.
Historical & Cultural Context
Moses is delivering his final addresses to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land, a generation that did not personally experience the Exodus from Egypt. This context is crucial; they needed to internalize the foundational event of their national identity and covenant relationship with God, not merely as a historical fact, but as a living truth. The surrounding pagan cultures often attributed national prosperity to their gods or military might. By contrast, Israel's identity was to be rooted in a divine act of liberation from slavery, a state of utter powerlessness. This historical memory served to distinguish Israel, fostering humility, gratitude, and exclusive loyalty to the LORD, who alone had demonstrated such power and faithfulness. The emphasis on oral tradition and familial instruction was a common and vital method for transmitting cultural and religious heritage in the ancient Near East.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores Generational Remembrance and Education, highlighting the divine imperative for parents to actively and intentionally transmit their spiritual heritage. The continuity of the covenant and the preservation of Israel's unique identity depend on this proactive instruction, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7. Secondly, it emphasizes God's Sovereign Deliverance. The declaration, "We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand," powerfully asserts Israel's utter helplessness and God's absolute, irresistible power. The Exodus narrative is the cornerstone of Israel's national identity, a testament to God's unparalleled might and faithfulness in overcoming the greatest empire of their day. Lastly, it defines Identity Rooted in Redemption. Israel's identity was not based on their strength, merit, or inherent superiority, but solely on God's gracious act of salvation. Being "Pharaoh's bondmen" defines their former state of abject servitude, while being "brought out by the LORD" defines their new, redeemed status as a chosen people, bound to God by His saving acts and called to a life of covenant obedience.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H5650) denotes a slave, servant, or bondservant. In this context, it emphasizes the Israelites' complete lack of freedom, their subjugation to Pharaoh, and their inability to deliver themselves. It highlights their state of utter powerlessness and dependence on an external force for liberation, setting the stage for God's redemptive intervention.
This adjective (H2389), used here to describe God's hand, signifies strength, firmness, and violence. In the context of divine action, it conveys overwhelming, irresistible power and decisive, authoritative action, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and rulers.
This primitive word (H3027) represents power, means, and direction. When combined with "mighty," it forms an anthropomorphism that vividly portrays God's active, forceful, and effective intervention in history, executing judgment and bringing about deliverance with undeniable authority.
Verse Breakdown
"Then thou shalt say unto thy son,"
This opening clause establishes the pedagogical and intergenerational imperative of the passage. It highlights the intentionality required for the transmission of faith and history. The parent is not merely to answer a question but to seize a teachable moment, ensuring that the foundational truths of Israel's identity are passed down verbally and experientially from one generation to the next. This underscores the responsibility of parents as primary educators in faith.
"We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt;"
This declarative statement serves as a crucial historical and theological anchor. It reminds both parent and child of Israel's desperate and hopeless condition prior to God's intervention. They were not a powerful nation, but an enslaved people, utterly dependent on a foreign ruler. This past state of bondage magnifies the grace and power of God in their subsequent deliverance, emphasizing that their freedom was not earned or achieved by their own might.
"and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:"
This clause presents the dramatic contrast and the core of Israel's redemptive history. The subject is explicitly "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing His personal and active involvement. The phrase "brought us out" signifies a decisive act of liberation, while "with a mighty hand" reiterates the overwhelming, irresistible power and authority with which God accomplished this deliverance. This act of divine power is the source of Israel's freedom, their covenant relationship, and their unique identity as a people chosen and redeemed by God alone.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:21 employs several potent literary devices that enhance its theological impact. Antithesis is prominent, contrasting Israel's former state of "Pharaoh's bondmen" with their new reality of being "brought out... by the LORD." This stark opposition highlights the radical transformation brought about by divine intervention, emphasizing that their freedom was entirely God's doing. Anthropomorphism is evident in the phrase "mighty hand," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His immense power and active involvement in history. This makes God's power more relatable and comprehensible to the audience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of Didacticism or Catechesis, providing a prescribed answer for teaching foundational truths. It is a concise theological summary embedded within a narrative, designed to instruct and shape the understanding of future generations regarding their identity and relationship with God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:21 serves as a theological bedrock, connecting Israel's past experience of deliverance to their present identity and future obedience. The Exodus, as recounted here, is not merely a historical event but a paradigm for God's redemptive activity, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. This act of salvation forms the basis of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, establishing their identity as a people chosen and redeemed for His purposes. Their freedom was a gift, demanding a response of gratitude, loyalty, and obedience. The memory of their former bondage and God's powerful deliverance was intended to cultivate humility, prevent idolatry, and motivate adherence to the covenant, recognizing that their very existence as a nation was a testament to God's "mighty hand."
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:21 offers profound lessons for believers today, transcending its original historical context to speak to our spiritual realities. Just as Israel was commanded to remember and transmit the story of their physical deliverance from Egyptian bondage, so too are Christians called to remember and proclaim the story of our spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our identity as followers of Christ is not based on our own efforts, merit, or strength, but entirely on God's "mighty hand" of salvation demonstrated in the cross and resurrection. This verse encourages us to cultivate a living faith that is deeply rooted in God's redemptive acts, both in biblical history and in our personal testimonies. It challenges us, particularly parents and spiritual mentors, to be intentional in sharing our faith narratives, explaining the "why" behind our beliefs, and modeling a life transformed by God's grace. This continuous recounting of God's faithfulness ensures that the next generation understands the profound truth of their spiritual heritage and the source of their freedom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the Exodus so central to Israel's identity and the answer in Deuteronomy 6:21?
The Exodus from Egypt was the foundational event that transformed a collection of enslaved families into a nation, establishing their unique identity as God's chosen people. It was the ultimate demonstration of Yahweh's power, faithfulness, and covenant love. By bringing them out of bondage "with a mighty hand," God proved Himself to be distinct from all other gods and the true sovereign over history. This act of redemption defined their past (bondage), their present (freedom and covenant relationship), and their future (entering the Promised Land and living in obedience). Therefore, any question about Israel's laws or practices ultimately points back to this initial act of salvation, as their very existence and purpose were rooted in God's deliverance. It taught them that their identity was not self-made but divinely given, demanding exclusive loyalty to the One who saved them, as highlighted throughout the book of Exodus.
How does the principle of "telling your son" apply to Christians today?
The principle of "telling your son" in Deuteronomy 6:21 is a timeless command for intergenerational discipleship. For Christians, this means intentionally passing on the truths of the Gospel and the story of God's redemptive work in Christ to future generations. This includes:
This ensures that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but a living, dynamic relationship with God, rooted in His saving acts, just as Israel's identity was rooted in the Exodus.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 6:21, with its profound narrative of bondage and deliverance by a "mighty hand," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's physical liberation from Egyptian slavery foreshadows humanity's spiritual liberation from the far more pervasive and destructive bondage of sin and death. Just as Israel was utterly helpless under Pharaoh's tyranny, humanity is utterly helpless under the dominion of sin, unable to free itself. It required a divine, "mighty hand" to deliver them. In the New Testament, this "mighty hand" is revealed in the person of Jesus, who through His atoning death and resurrection, delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). He became the true Passover Lamb, whose blood secures our freedom from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13) and the power of sin (Romans 6:22). Our identity as Christians is not based on our own merit, but on God's gracious act of redemption in Christ, making us a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9). The "telling of the son" becomes the proclamation of the Gospel, the good news of how God, through Christ, has brought us out of spiritual Egypt with an even mightier hand.