Deuteronomy 6:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 6:7 is a foundational verse within the Old Testament, emphasizing the continuous and pervasive nature of spiritual education within the family. It instructs the Israelites, and by extension believers today, on the diligent transmission of God's commands and truths to the next generation.

Context

This verse is part of Moses's final discourse to the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It immediately follows the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which declares the singularity of God and commands absolute love for Him. Having established the supreme importance of loving God with all one's being, Moses then outlines how this love and its accompanying commands are to be perpetuated. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 6:1-3) set the stage for these commands as the means to live long and prosper in the land God was giving them, underscoring their vital importance for both individual and communal well-being.

Key Themes

  • Parental Responsibility: The primary duty of spiritual instruction falls squarely on the shoulders of parents. It highlights the home as the foundational place for faith formation, echoing principles found in Proverbs 22:6.
  • Diligence and Intentionality: The command to "teach them diligently" implies earnestness, persistence, and thoroughness. It's not a casual suggestion but a serious, continuous effort to instill God's truth.
  • Continuous and Pervasive Education: The phrase "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" illustrates that teaching God's Word is not confined to formal lessons or specific times. It's meant to be an organic, constant conversation woven into the fabric of daily life, from morning to night, at home and outside.
  • Intergenerational Faith: This verse underscores the critical importance of passing on spiritual heritage. The health of the nation and the preservation of their covenant relationship with God depended on each generation faithfully transmitting divine truths to the next, a theme consistently emphasized in Scripture, such as in Psalm 78:4-7.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "diligently" is shananta (שננת), which literally means "to sharpen" or "to whet." It carries the connotation of incisive, repeated instruction, like sharpening a tool. This suggests not just imparting information, but engraving it deeply into the hearts and minds of children, ensuring it becomes a part of their very being. The word "talk" (dibarta, דברת) emphasizes the conversational nature of this teaching, encouraging natural discourse about God's ways rather than rigid, formal lectures.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 6:7 remains profoundly relevant for families today. It calls believers to create a home environment where spiritual conversations are natural and frequent. Parents are encouraged to seize everyday moments—mealtimes, car rides, bedtime stories, walks—as opportunities to discuss God's character, His commands, and His works. This verse challenges us to integrate faith into every aspect of life, demonstrating its practical relevance and ensuring that children see their parents living out the truths they are taught. It parallels New Testament admonitions like Ephesians 6:4, which urges fathers to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

Reflection

This verse is a powerful reminder that spiritual formation is a lifelong journey, deeply rooted in the family unit. It's a call to intentional, persistent, and integrated discipleship within the home, ensuring that the love for God and His commandments are not just known but lived out and faithfully passed down through generations.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 11:19 (29 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    [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 (14 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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