Deuteronomy 6:22

KJV

And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shewed {H5414} signs {H226} and wonders {H4159}, great {H1419} and sore {H7451}, upon Egypt {H4714}, upon Pharaoh {H6547}, and upon all his household {H1004}, before our eyes {H5869}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI worked great and terrible signs and wonders against Egypt, Pharaoh and all his household, before our very eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household.

American Standard Version

and Jehovah showed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his house, before our eyes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:22 powerfully encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's history, serving as a foundational truth for their faith and identity. It recalls the LORD's direct, undeniable, and devastating interventions against Egypt, Pharaoh, and his entire household, actions witnessed firsthand by the generation emerging from bondage. This verse functions as a crucial historical anchor, providing the concrete evidence of God's mighty hand that validates His covenant claims and necessitates Israel's obedient response and diligent instruction of future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' second major discourse in Deuteronomy, specifically within the "Shema" passage (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), which calls Israel to singular devotion and love for the LORD. Following the foundational command to love God wholeheartedly in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD Your God with All Your Heart"), Moses immediately transitions to the imperative of diligent instruction of children in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach God's Commands to Your Children"). The broader context of [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Commands to Remember") anticipates a future generation asking about the meaning of God's statutes and judgments. Verses 20-25 provide the prescribed answer: a recounting of God's redemptive acts, beginning with the Exodus. Thus, Deuteronomy 6:22 serves as a critical historical proof-point within this didactic framework, grounding the abstract commands in concrete, miraculous divine action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Israelites' forty-year wilderness wandering, now on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. The generation that exited Egypt had largely passed away, and Moses was addressing their children, a new generation who had not personally experienced the plagues or the Red Sea crossing as adults. However, they lived under the immediate testimony of their parents and the constant reminder of the wilderness journey. Egypt, a dominant ancient Near Eastern power, represented the epitome of human might and idolatry. Pharaoh was considered a god-king, and his defeat by the LORD was an unparalleled demonstration of divine supremacy over all earthly powers and false deities. The "household" of Pharaoh would include his family, officials, and the entire infrastructure of his rule, signifying a total and comprehensive judgment. The cultural context emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and intergenerational teaching in ancient Israel, where historical narratives served as theological instruction.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:22 powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, showcasing the LORD's absolute authority over all creation, nations, and human rulers, a theme consistently emphasized in the Exodus narrative (e.g., [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed to Pharaoh")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Miraculous Deliverance and Redemption**, portraying God not merely as a liberator but as one who actively intervenes with overwhelming supernatural force to rescue His people from bondage, establishing the foundation of His covenant relationship with Israel (cf. [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Redemption of Israel with an Outstretched Arm")). Thirdly, the phrase "before our eyes" emphasizes **Eyewitness Testimony and Remembrance**, stressing that the events were not legends but verifiable historical occurrences, forming the basis for Israel's faith, obedience, and the imperative to remember and recount God's mighty acts (see [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Remember and Teach Your Children")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Signs (Hebrew, _'otot'_):** This term refers to distinguishing marks, tokens, or proofs. In the context of the Exodus, these were specific, discernible phenomena (like the plagues) that served as evidence of God's presence, power, and the truth of His message through Moses. They were not random occurrences but purposeful demonstrations designed to authenticate divine action and establish God's authority over both nature and human rulers.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _mophetim'_):** This word denotes extraordinary, awe-inspiring events that cause astonishment and serve as portents or demonstrations of power. When paired with "signs," "wonders" emphasizes the miraculous, supernatural, and often terrifying nature of God's interventions. They were events that defied natural explanation, compelling recognition of a divine hand at work, often carrying a sense of judgment or a warning.
* **Great and sore (Hebrew, _gedolot v'ra'ot'_):** This phrase describes the magnitude and severity of the "signs and wonders." _Gedolot_ means "great" or "large," indicating the immense scale and impact of the plagues. _Ra'ot_ means "evil," "bad," or "grievous," highlighting their destructive and painful effect, particularly on Egypt. Together, they convey the overwhelming, devastating, and undeniable nature of God's judgments, leaving no doubt about His power and the righteousness of His cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shewed signs and wonders":** This opening clause immediately attributes the miraculous events directly to "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing His active agency and sovereign initiation. The combination of "signs" and "wonders" highlights the dual nature of God's acts: they were both evidential (proving His identity and power) and awe-inspiring (demonstrating His supernatural might). This was not merely a natural disaster but a deliberate, divine display.
* **"great and sore":** This descriptive phrase qualifies the nature of the signs and wonders. "Great" underscores their immense scale and power, impacting an entire nation. "Sore" (or "grievous," "evil") points to their devastating and punitive effect, particularly on the Egyptians. It conveys the severity of God's judgment, which brought immense suffering and destruction upon Pharaoh and his people.
* **"upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household":** This tripartite repetition specifies the targets of God's judgment with increasing precision and scope. "Egypt" refers to the nation as a whole, experiencing widespread devastation. "Pharaoh" singles out the ruler, the embodiment of Egyptian resistance and idolatry, as the direct recipient of divine wrath. "And upon all his household" extends the judgment to Pharaoh's immediate family, officials, and the entire ruling apparatus, signifying a comprehensive and inescapable divine reckoning that dismantled the very foundation of Egyptian power.
* **"before our eyes":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the eyewitness nature of these events for the generation that experienced the Exodus. It grounds the narrative in historical reality and personal testimony. For the generation Moses was addressing in Deuteronomy, it signifies that these events were either personally witnessed by them (if they were old enough) or, more likely, by their parents, whose testimony was fresh and undeniable. This direct experience or inherited testimony served as the irrefutable basis for their faith, obedience, and the imperative to remember and teach.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:22 employs several effective literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphoric use of "upon" ("upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household"). This rhythmic repetition creates a sense of accumulating force and emphasizes the comprehensive and targeted nature of God's judgment, leaving no aspect of Egyptian power untouched. The phrase "great and sore" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extraordinary magnitude and severity of the plagues, ensuring the audience grasps the overwhelming power displayed by the LORD. Furthermore, the verse is a concise example of **Historical Narrative** serving a **Didactic Purpose**. It recounts a past event not merely for informational purposes but to instruct the present generation about God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and the basis for their obedience, thereby solidifying their identity as the people redeemed by a mighty God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:22 serves as a theological cornerstone, anchoring Israel's identity in the undeniable reality of God's redemptive power and judicial authority. It reminds them that their existence as a free people is not due to their own strength or merit, but solely to the LORD's sovereign intervention. This verse underscores that God is not a distant deity but an active, personal God who intervenes decisively in human history to fulfill His promises and judge His adversaries. The "signs and wonders" against Egypt were not just displays of power; they were acts of covenant faithfulness, demonstrating God's commitment to His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to deliver their descendants. This foundational act of deliverance becomes the paradigm for all future acts of salvation and calls for Israel's exclusive loyalty and unwavering obedience.

* [Exodus 7:3-5](/exodus/7-3-5 "Exodus 7:3-5 - God's Purpose for Signs and Wonders in Egypt")
* [Psalm 78:43](/psalms/78-43 "Psalm 78:43 - Remembering God's Signs in Egypt")
* [Jeremiah 32:20-21](/jeremiah/32-20-21 "Jeremiah 32:20-21 - God's Mighty Hand and Everlasting Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to remember and recount God's mighty acts, as exemplified in Deuteronomy 6:22, remains profoundly relevant for believers today. Just as the Israelites were to ground their faith and the instruction of their children in the concrete historical reality of God's deliverance from Egypt, so too are we called to anchor our spiritual lives in the undeniable evidence of God's faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal experience. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of remembrance, actively recalling God's interventions, His provision, and His triumphs over the "Egypts" in our own lives—whether they be spiritual bondage, overwhelming challenges, or moments of profound need. Sharing these testimonies, particularly with younger generations, is not merely storytelling; it is a vital act of discipleship that builds faith, glorifies God, and perpetuates the knowledge of His unchanging character. It reminds us that the God who performed "great and sore" wonders for Israel is the same God who is active, powerful, and faithful in our present circumstances, inviting us to trust Him with renewed confidence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs and wonders" (acts of God's power and faithfulness) have you personally witnessed or experienced in your life that you need to remember and recount?**
* **How effectively are you sharing the testimony of God's work, both from Scripture and your own life, with the next generation or those around you?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust the "great and sore" power of the LORD, remembering His past interventions as a basis for present hope?**
* **How does remembering God's judgment "upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household" shape your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for the Israelites to remember these specific "signs and wonders" in Egypt?**

Answer: Remembering these specific "signs and wonders" was crucial for several reasons. First, they served as undeniable proof of the LORD's unique power and sovereignty over all creation and all earthly rulers, including the mighty Pharaoh. This established His exclusive claim as the one true God, worthy of Israel's sole worship and obedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; There is No Other")). Second, these acts were the foundational events of Israel's redemption, marking their transition from slavery to freedom, and from a scattered people to a covenant nation. Remembering them reinforced their identity as God's chosen people, delivered by His mighty hand (see [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "God's Love and Deliverance of Israel")). Third, the memory of God's judgment on Egypt served as a warning against disobedience and idolatry, reminding Israel of the consequences of opposing God's will. Finally, it provided a concrete historical basis for the covenant relationship and the laws given at Sinai, demonstrating that the God who commanded them was the same God who had miraculously saved them.

**How does the phrase "great and sore" describe God's actions?**

Answer: The phrase "great and sore" (Hebrew: _gedolot v'ra'ot_) vividly describes the nature of God's interventions against Egypt. "Great" (or "large") emphasizes the immense scale and overwhelming power of the plagues. These were not minor inconveniences but cataclysmic events that affected the entire land of Egypt and its populace, demonstrating God's limitless might. "Sore" (or "grievous," "evil," "calamitous") highlights the destructive and punitive aspect of these judgments. It conveys the severe suffering and devastation inflicted upon Egypt, Pharaoh, and his household as a consequence of their rebellion against God and oppression of His people. Together, the terms underscore that God's actions were not only powerful but also precise, purposeful, and devastatingly effective in achieving His redemptive and judicial aims. They were a clear demonstration of divine wrath against sin and oppression, leaving no doubt about the LORD's righteous character and His ability to execute justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:22, with its focus on God's "signs and wonders" in delivering Israel from Egypt, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, as the Old Testament's paradigmatic act of redemption, foreshadows the greater spiritual Exodus accomplished by Christ. Just as the LORD displayed overwhelming power over Pharaoh and Egypt, Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over sin, death, and the devil through His life, crucifixion, and resurrection. His miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead—were the ultimate "signs and wonders," authenticating His divine identity and mission (cf. [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel and Jesus' Signs")). The "great and sore" judgment upon Egypt prefigures the cosmic judgment against sin and evil that culminated at the cross, where Jesus bore the full weight of divine wrath, offering a complete and final deliverance for all who believe (see [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus leads His people out of bondage to sin and into the freedom of the New Covenant, a redemption far greater and more eternal than the physical liberation from Egypt (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Eternal Redemption")). The "before our eyes" testimony of the Exodus generation is echoed in the New Testament witness to Christ's resurrection, which forms the bedrock of Christian faith and is proclaimed for all to believe and be saved (cf. [Acts 2:32](/acts/2-32 "Acts 2:32 - Peter's Testimony of Christ's Resurrection")).

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 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Psalms 91:8

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Deuteronomy 7:19

The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Exodus 14:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.