Deuteronomy 6:21

KJV

Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then thou shalt say {H559} unto thy son {H1121}, We were Pharaoh's {H6547} bondmen {H5650} in Egypt {H4714}; and the LORD {H3068} brought us out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714} with a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will tell your child, 'We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and ADONAI brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

Berean Standard Bible

then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

American Standard Version

then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt: and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

Commentary

### 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](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")) 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](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - The Question and Answer About God's Commands"). 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](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligently Teach Your Children"). 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](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure") 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
* **bondmen (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** 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.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** 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.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** 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."

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligently Teach Your Children")
* [Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - Remember This Day of Deliverance")
* [Psalm 78:4-7](/psalm/78-4-7 "Psalm 78:4-7 - Telling Future Generations God's Deeds")

### 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
* **How intentionally are you recounting God's redemptive acts, both biblical and personal, to the next generation in your life?**
* **In what ways does remembering your past "bondage" (whether to sin, fear, or worldly systems) magnify the "mighty hand" of God in your salvation?**
* **What specific "statutes and judgments" (i.e., Christian practices or doctrines) might a child or new believer ask you about, and how prepared are you to explain their meaning through the lens of God's redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Exodus so central to Israel's identity and the answer in Deuteronomy 6:21?**

Answer: 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](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of Deliverance").

**How does the principle of "telling your son" apply to Christians today?**

Answer: 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:
1. **Sharing personal testimonies:** Explaining how God's "mighty hand" has delivered us from the bondage of sin and transformed our lives, echoing the "we were bondmen" theme.
2. **Teaching biblical truth:** Explaining the core doctrines of Christianity, such as the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the meaning of salvation, ensuring that the "why" behind our faith is understood.
3. **Modeling a life of faith:** Living out our convictions authentically, so that our lives corroborate the truths we articulate.
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](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Departure from Egypt").

### 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](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). He became the true Passover Lamb, whose blood secures our freedom from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) and the power of sin ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin")). 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). 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.

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

Ephesians 2:11

¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 6:18

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 5:6

¶ I [am] the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.