Deuteronomy 6:6

KJV

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

KJV (with Strong's)

And these words {H1697}, which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, shall be in thine heart {H3824}:

Complete Jewish Bible

These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart;

Berean Standard Bible

These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.

American Standard Version

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:6, a foundational verse within the Shema, calls the Israelites to internalize God's commands, making them an inseparable part of their innermost being. It emphasizes that divine instruction is not merely for intellectual assent or external observance, but must permeate the very core of one's thoughts, affections, and will, forming the bedrock of personal faith and communal identity. This deep internalization is presented as essential for true obedience and for the faithful transmission of God's truth across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:6 stands as a crucial link within the broader discourse of Moses to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. It immediately follows the profound declaration of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel, and Love the Lord"), which proclaims the singular nature of Yahweh and commands an all-encompassing love for Him. Verse 6 then specifies the practical outworking of this love and commitment: the internalization of God's "words." This sets the stage for the subsequent commands in [Deuteronomy 6:7-9](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7-9 - Teaching and Remembering God's Commands"), which outline the diligent teaching of these words to children, their constant remembrance through various means, and their visible display, demonstrating that internal conviction must lead to external expression and intergenerational faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered these words to a people on the cusp of a significant transition from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence in Canaan. This new environment, rich with pagan influences and the temptations of prosperity, posed a profound risk of forgetting the Lord, as Moses explicitly warns in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting the Lord"). The command to internalize God's words served as a bulwark against syncretism and apostasy, ensuring that the covenant relationship remained central to their identity. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lev* or *levav*) was understood not merely as the seat of emotion, but as the core of one's intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Thus, the command to have God's words "in thine heart" was a call for total intellectual, volitional, and emotional commitment, contrasting sharply with the external, often ritualistic, religious practices of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing that obedience to God's commands is the foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. It highlights **Internalization over Externalism**, underscoring that true piety stems from an inner transformation and genuine love for God, rather than mere outward conformity, a concept echoed in later prophetic critiques (e.g., [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. Heartfelt Worship")). This internal commitment is also presented as the prerequisite for **Intergenerational Transmission of Faith**, as the deep embedding of God's word in the parents' hearts is essential for effectively teaching and discipling the next generation, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligent Teaching of God's Word"). The verse also reinforces the theme of **Holistic Devotion**, where love for God encompasses one's entire being – heart, soul, and might – as articulated in the preceding verse, [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _devarim'_):** This term refers collectively to the commands, statutes, and ordinances that God has revealed to Israel, particularly those articulated by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. It signifies not just individual precepts but the entire body of divine instruction, representing God's revealed will and character. The plural "words" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine revelation to be embraced.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _levav'_):** In ancient Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" (לֵבָב) is far more comprehensive than the modern Western understanding. It is the seat of intellect, will, conscience, and emotions – the very core of a person's inner being and the center of their moral and volitional life. For God's words to be "in thine heart" means they are to penetrate and govern one's thoughts, intentions, desires, and decisions, shaping the entirety of one's character and actions. It implies a deep, personal appropriation and commitment, not mere intellectual assent or superficial adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these words":** This phrase directly refers to the preceding commands and declarations, particularly the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), but also encompasses the broader body of covenant stipulations Moses has been reiterating. It emphasizes the specific, divine origin and authority of the instructions.
* **"which I command thee this day":** This clause highlights the immediate relevance and divine imperative of the commands. "This day" signifies the present moment of covenant renewal and decision, underscoring the urgency and contemporary application of God's word to the generation standing before Moses. It is a fresh, personal injunction from God through His chosen mediator.
* **"shall be in thine heart":** This is the central command of the verse, urging a profound and transformative internalization of God's words. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "heart" (לֵבָב) denotes the entire inner person—intellect, will, and emotion. Thus, the command is for God's truth to be deeply embedded, shaping one's thoughts, desires, motivations, and choices, becoming the guiding principle for all aspects of life rather than mere external rules.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through direct command, signaling the critical importance of internalizing God's words. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("shall be") conveys divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of this requirement. There is also a subtle form of **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** where "heart" stands for the entire inner person, encompassing intellect, will, and emotion, rather than just the physical organ. This holistic understanding of the "heart" underscores the comprehensive nature of the desired internalization. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transition** from the theological declaration of God's unity and the command to love Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) to the practical outworking of that love through diligent instruction and remembrance (Deuteronomy 6:7-9), effectively bridging abstract truth with concrete application.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:6 lays the groundwork for a theology of internal righteousness, emphasizing that true obedience flows from a transformed inner being rather than mere outward conformity. This profound emphasis on the "heart" as the seat of genuine faith and devotion resonates throughout the biblical narrative, contrasting with superficial religiosity and highlighting God's desire for a deep, personal relationship. It foreshadows the prophetic longing for a new covenant where God's law would be written directly on the heart, ensuring a willing and intrinsic obedience. This verse establishes that the effectiveness of divine instruction and its transmission across generations hinges on its deep internalization by individuals.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant: Law Written on the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:6 serves as an enduring challenge for believers in every generation: to move beyond a superficial engagement with God's Word to a profound, life-altering internalization. It calls us to allow the Scriptures to penetrate the deepest recesses of our being, shaping our thoughts, desires, and decisions, rather than merely informing our intellect. This means actively meditating on God's commands, memorizing His promises, and intentionally seeking to align our will with His. When God's words are truly "in our heart," they become the wellspring of authentic worship, the guide for ethical living, and the foundation for faithfully transmitting our faith to those who come after us. It is a call to a vibrant, living faith where God's truth is not just known, but deeply loved and lived.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I ensure God's words are truly "in my heart" and not just in my head?**
* **How does the concept of the "heart" in Deuteronomy 6:6 challenge my modern understanding of faith and obedience?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to deepen my internalization of God's Word?**
* **How does my personal internalization of God's Word impact my ability to teach and model faith for others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "this day" in Deuteronomy 6:6?**

The phrase "this day" is a recurring motif throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the immediate and ongoing relevance of God's covenant and commands to the Israelites. It signifies a fresh moment of decision and commitment for each generation. For the original audience, it underscored that the covenant was not merely a historical event from Sinai, but a living, present reality that required their active participation and obedience *now*. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that God's word is always timely and demands a present-day response and internalization, not just a historical acknowledgment. It calls for a daily recommitment to living by His truth.

**How does "in thine heart" relate to memorization of Scripture?**

While memorization is a valuable tool and can certainly contribute to having God's words "in thine heart," it is not the full extent of the command. "In thine heart" (לֵבָב) in Hebrew thought encompasses intellect, will, and emotion. Therefore, it means not just knowing the words by rote, but deeply understanding them, embracing them as guiding principles, allowing them to shape your desires, and making volitional choices based on them. It's about transformation from the inside out, where the words become an intrinsic part of who you are and how you live, influencing your character and conduct. [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart") beautifully illustrates this by stating, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You," linking internalization directly to holy living.

**Is this verse only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to Christians today?**

While directly addressed to ancient Israel within the Mosaic covenant, the principle of internalizing God's word is profoundly applicable and even more fully realized for Christians today. The New Testament affirms the enduring value of Old Testament commands and principles, particularly those related to the heart. [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed") declares that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Furthermore, the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant: Law Written on the Heart"), promises that God will put His law "in their minds and write it on their hearts," a promise fulfilled through the work of the Holy Spirit in believers ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant in Hebrews") and [Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - The New Covenant in Hebrews")). Thus, the call to internalize God's word is not only relevant but is central to the Christian life, empowered by the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:6, with its call for God's words to be deeply embedded in the heart, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. While the Old Covenant commanded the external adherence to a written law, it also recognized the need for an inner transformation, a desire that the prophets articulated as God writing His law on the heart ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant: Law Written on the Heart")). Jesus himself perfectly embodied this principle; He did not merely *know* the Father's words, but lived them out from the very core of His being, declaring, "I have come to do your will, O God" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ established a new covenant where the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to have God's law not just on tablets of stone, but truly "written on their hearts" ([2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters on Hearts")). This means that for those in Christ, the desire and ability to obey God's commands spring from an internal, Spirit-empowered transformation, making the internalization commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6 a living reality, leading to a life of genuine love for God and neighbor ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). The very "Word" of God became flesh in Jesus ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and now, through faith in Him, His Spirit enables us to truly embody God's truth from the heart.

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

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Proverbs 7:3

Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

Deuteronomy 11:18

¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Psalms 37:31

The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

2 Corinthians 3:3

[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Deuteronomy 32:46

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.