Deuteronomy 6:7

KJV

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt teach them diligently {H8150} unto thy children {H1121}, and shalt talk {H1696} of them when thou sittest {H3427} in thine house {H1004}, and when thou walkest {H3212} by the way {H1870}, and when thou liest down {H7901}, and when thou risest up {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you are to teach them carefully to your children. You are to talk about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:7 is a pivotal command within the Mosaic Law, underscoring the non-negotiable and ceaseless responsibility of parents to immerse their children in the divine truths and commands of God. This verse calls for a pervasive, intentional, and organic integration of spiritual instruction into every facet of daily life, transforming ordinary moments into sacred opportunities for intergenerational faith formation and the perpetuation of covenantal faithfulness within the community of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Moses's second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. It immediately follows the foundational declaration of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear O Israel"), which proclaims the absolute singularity of God and commands total love for Him. Having established this supreme theological truth and the paramount importance of loving God with one's entire being, Moses proceeds to outline the practical implications and means by which this love and its accompanying commands are to be internalized and perpetuated. The preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 6:1-3](/deuteronomy/6-1 "Deuteronomy 6:1-3 - Commands for Life in the Land")) set the stage by presenting these commands as the very pathway to a long and prosperous life in the land God was granting them, emphasizing their vital importance for both individual and communal well-being and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of a significant transition, moving from a nomadic desert existence to settled life in Canaan. This shift necessitated a robust framework for maintaining their distinct identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh amidst pagan influences. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the transmission of cultural and religious values was primarily an oral tradition, deeply rooted in the family unit. Fathers, in particular, held significant responsibility for educating their children. Unlike many surrounding cultures that might have relied on formal temple schools for religious instruction, Israel's faith formation was to be decentralized and omnipresent within the home. The emphasis on "when thou sittest... walkest... liest down... risest up" reflects the rhythms of daily life in an agrarian society, highlighting that spiritual formation was not an isolated activity but interwoven into the very fabric of existence, from the home to the fields and the road.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating how obedience to God's commands is not merely an individual act but an intergenerational responsibility crucial for the nation's survival and blessing in the land. It highlights **parental responsibility** as the primary locus of spiritual education, establishing the home as the foundational institution for faith transmission, a principle echoed later in [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Training Up a Child"). The verse also emphasizes **diligence and intentionality** in spiritual matters, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, pervasive engraving of truth into the hearts of the young. Furthermore, it articulates the concept of **continuous and pervasive education**, illustrating that God's truth is not confined to formal settings but is to permeate every moment and sphere of life, from the intimate setting of the home to the public space of the "way." This holistic approach ensures the perpetuation of the "fear of the Lord" across generations, as seen in [Psalm 78:4-7](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4-7 - Teaching Future Generations God's Works").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Diligently (Hebrew, _shananta'_):** This word, derived from the root שׁנן (šānan), literally means "to sharpen," "to whet," or "to pierce." It carries the connotation of incisive, repeated, and thorough instruction, much like sharpening a tool or engraving something deeply. It implies an active, persistent, and effective method of teaching that aims not merely to impart information but to embed it deeply and indelibly into the hearts and minds of the children, making it a part of their very being and character. It suggests precision, repetition, and a cutting edge that penetrates and shapes.
* **Talk (Hebrew, _dibarta'_):** From the root דבר (dābar), meaning "to speak," "to say," or "to converse." While it can denote formal speech, in this context, especially given the preceding "diligently" and the following temporal clauses, it emphasizes the conversational, natural, and organic nature of the teaching. It's not about rigid lectures but about integrating God's truths into everyday dialogue, fostering an environment where spiritual matters are discussed freely, openly, and frequently, making faith a living, breathable reality within the home.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children":** This opening clause places the primary responsibility for spiritual instruction squarely on the parents ("thou shalt teach"). The "them" refers back to the commands of God, particularly those outlined in the Shema and the preceding verses. The adverb "diligently" (shananta) signifies that this teaching is not to be casual or sporadic but earnest, persistent, and deeply impactful, aiming to engrave God's truth into the very fabric of the children's understanding and character.
* **"and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house":** This phrase begins a series of temporal and spatial indicators, illustrating the pervasive nature of this instruction. "When thou sittest in thine house" refers to moments of rest, meals, and family gatherings within the domestic sphere. It emphasizes that the home is the primary and most intimate classroom, where conversations about God's ways should naturally arise during daily routines.
* **"and when thou walkest by the way":** This expands the scope of instruction beyond the confines of the home. "When thou walkest by the way" refers to journeys, errands, and public interactions. It implies that spiritual teaching is not limited to formal lessons but should extend to informal, spontaneous moments, using the world around as object lessons for God's character and commands.
* **"and when thou liest down":** This refers to the end of the day, bedtime. It highlights the importance of spiritual reflection and instruction as a final thought before sleep, perhaps through prayer, review of the day's events through a spiritual lens, or sharing stories of God's faithfulness. It speaks to the continuous nature of faith formation, permeating even moments of transition to rest.
* **"and when thou risest up":** This refers to the beginning of the day, morning. It emphasizes starting the day with God's truth, setting the spiritual tone for the hours ahead. Together with "when thou liest down," it forms a merism, signifying "all the time" or "from morning till night," underscoring that the teaching of God's commands is meant to be a constant, ongoing process that frames and permeates every aspect of daily life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:7 is rich in **Imagery** and **Merism**, which powerfully convey its message. The vivid imagery of daily life – "sittest in thine house," "walkest by the way," "liest down," "risest up" – paints a comprehensive picture of pervasive, integrated spiritual education. These specific temporal and spatial references are not merely examples but function as a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "When thou liest down and when thou risest up" signifies "from evening to morning," or essentially "all the time." Similarly, "in thine house and by the way" represents "everywhere," both private and public spheres. This combination of merism and imagery creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme emphasis, impressing upon the reader that the teaching of God's commands is not to be an occasional activity but a ceaseless, organic, and all-encompassing lifestyle. The repetition of the conjunction "and" further reinforces the continuous and cumulative nature of this divine mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:7 stands as a foundational text for understanding the divine mandate for intergenerational faith transmission, revealing God's design for His truth to be woven into the very fabric of family life. It underscores that spiritual formation is not solely the domain of religious institutions but begins and is sustained within the home, making parents the primary conduits of divine revelation to their children. This diligent and pervasive instruction ensures the perpetuation of covenantal identity and obedience, safeguarding the spiritual heritage of God's people. The theological implication is profound: the health and future of God's covenant community are directly tied to the faithfulness of each generation in passing on His commands and character.

* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")
* [Psalm 78:4-7](/psalms/78-4-7 "Psalm 78:4-7 - Teaching God's Deeds to Future Generations")
* [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:7 serves as a timeless blueprint for intentional discipleship within the home, challenging believers today to reclaim the sacred responsibility of spiritual formation within their families. It calls us to move beyond compartmentalizing faith to integrating it seamlessly into every aspect of daily life. This means seizing the mundane moments—mealtimes, car rides, bedtime routines, walks in the park—as divine appointments for conversation, teaching, and modeling God's truth. It's an invitation to cultivate a home environment where spiritual dialogue is as natural as breathing, where children witness faith lived out authentically, and where God's commands are not just taught but celebrated and embodied. This verse compels us to be diligent, creative, and consistent in pointing our children to the Lord, recognizing that the spiritual vitality of the next generation depends on our faithful stewardship of this sacred trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I, as a parent or mentor, integrate spiritual conversations into the ordinary rhythms of my daily life, moving beyond formal lessons?**
* **How does the concept of "teaching diligently" (sharpening) challenge my current approach to spiritual education within my family or community?**
* **What specific "when thou sittest," "when thou walkest," "when thou liest down," and "when thou risest up" moments can I intentionally redeem for spiritual formation this week?**

### FAQ
**What does "teach them diligently" truly mean in a practical sense for modern families?**

Answer: "Teach them diligently" (Hebrew: _shananta_) implies much more than simply imparting information; it means to "sharpen," "pierce," or "engrave." Practically, for modern families, this means spiritual education should be intentional, consistent, and deeply impactful, not superficial or sporadic. It calls for parents to be proactive in creating opportunities for spiritual discussion, using everyday moments (driving, cooking, playing games) as teachable moments. It involves repeated exposure to God's Word, active listening, answering questions, and modeling faith authentically. It's about making God's commands and character so central to family life that they become ingrained in a child's understanding and worldview, much like a tool is sharpened for effective use. This diligent teaching should be a continuous, ongoing process that permeates all aspects of life, as highlighted by the phrases "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 6:7 provides a profound Old Testament command for the diligent teaching of God's Word, its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment are found in Jesus Christ. As the living Word of God, Jesus perfectly embodied and taught the very truths Moses commanded the Israelites to transmit. He is the ultimate revelation of God's character and commands, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfills the Law, not abolishing it but bringing it to its intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Under the New Covenant, the "them" (God's commands) are no longer merely external laws to be memorized but are written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). This indwelling Spirit empowers parents to "diligently teach" their children not just about the Law, but about the saving grace and transformative power of Christ. The command to immerse children in God's truth finds its highest expression in raising them "in the training and instruction of the Lord" ([Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children")), pointing them to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the diligent teaching of Deuteronomy 6:7 becomes a Christ-centered discipleship, equipping the next generation to know, love, and follow the Savior.

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 11:19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Deuteronomy 4:10

[Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children.

Psalms 78:4

We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

Psalms 78:6

That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: