Deuteronomy 26 6

Deuteronomy 26:6 kjv

And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

Deuteronomy 26:6 nkjv

But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us.

Deuteronomy 26:6 niv

But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labor.

Deuteronomy 26:6 esv

And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor.

Deuteronomy 26:6 nlt

When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves,

Deuteronomy 26 verses

Deuteronomy 26 6 Meaning

Deuteronomy 26:6 describes the oppressive actions of the Egyptians against the Israelites during their time of servitude in Egypt. It recounts how the Egyptians subjected them to harsh and demeaning treatment, actively afflicting them and forcing upon them severe, backbreaking labor. This verse forms part of the historical preamble recited during the firstfruits offering, serving as a solemn remembrance of Israel's humble beginnings and the dire conditions from which God redeemed them.

Deuteronomy 26 6 Context

Deuteronomy 26:6 is part of the firstfruits offering liturgy (Dt 26:1-11). This section follows a broad collection of laws and statutes (chapters 12-25) and immediately precedes the covenant ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim (chapters 27-28). The annual firstfruits presentation was not merely an agricultural offering, but a deeply significant act of covenant renewal and communal remembrance. When an Israelite brought their first produce to the priest, they were required to recite this specific historical confession, acknowledging God as the source of their land and blessings. This personal recitation reinforced their identity as God's redeemed people, chosen out of a state of severe oppression and a humble, migratory beginning, contrasting with the grandeur of Egyptian power. It connected their present prosperity directly to God's past faithfulness, setting a precedent for gratitude and dependence rather than self-reliance. The act served as a reminder that the land and its abundance were not attained by their own strength but were a gift of God's sovereign hand, fulfilling His ancient promises.

Deuteronomy 26 6 Word analysis

• And the Egyptians: Implies a collective, systematic, and intentional action on the part of the nation. It highlights them as the active oppressors, fulfilling the prediction in Gen 15:13.
• treated us harshly: (Hebrew: הֵרֵעוּ, here'u) Derived from the root רָעַע (ra'a'), meaning "to be evil," "to do evil," or "to harm." This signifies an intentional act of malice, cruelty, and active doing of bad. It suggests that their actions were not merely negligent but deliberately detrimental and hurtful, aiming to inflict suffering.
• afflicted us: (Hebrew: וַיְעַנְנוּנוּ, vay'annunu) From the root עָנָה ('anah), which carries the sense of "to humble," "to oppress," "to bring low," or "to torment." This verb suggests more than just physical labor; it speaks of emotional, psychological, and spiritual torment intended to break the spirit, cause debasement, and bring someone to a state of utter distress and lowliness. It encapsulates the deep suffering and degradation endured by Israel.
• and laid upon us: (Hebrew: וַיִּתְּנוּ עָלֵינוּ, vayyittnu 'aleinu) Literally, "they put upon us." This phrase emphasizes the imposition and force. The Egyptians unilaterally burdened the Israelites with something undesirable, indicating a lack of choice and absolute control by the oppressors.
• hard labor: (Hebrew: עֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה, avodah qashah) `Avodah` refers to "work," "service," or "servitude." `Qashah` means "hard," "severe," "grievous," or "difficult." This phrase describes forced, arduous, and burdensome physical work, exemplified by the brick-making and field work (Ex 1:14; 5:6-9). This labor was designed not for production for Israel's benefit, but to maintain Egypt's power and to control and suppress Israelite growth, making their lives "bitter" (Ex 1:14). It reflects the dehumanizing aspect of their servitude.

• "treated us harshly and afflicted us": This two-part phrase uses strong, distinct verbs to paint a comprehensive picture of the severe, deliberate, and demeaning nature of the Egyptian oppression. It covers both the active malicious treatment and the resulting humiliation and torment of the Israelites. The doubling of the actions emphasizes the depth and breadth of the suffering imposed.
• "laid upon us hard labor": This is the practical manifestation of the "harsh treatment" and "affliction." It highlights the concrete burden and the oppressive system under which the Israelites groaned. This imposed "service" stands in stark contrast to the service of Yahweh (Dt 6:13), presenting a theological contrast between human enslavement and divine liberty.

Deuteronomy 26 6 Bonus section

The recitation in Deuteronomy 26:5-9 is a foundational theological creed for Israel, known sometimes as the "historical creed." Its very placement at the firstfruits offering shows that all material blessings are intrinsically linked to spiritual and historical truths. The details of the affliction mentioned in this verse are polemical against Egyptian claims of supremacy and their array of deities, demonstrating their ultimate powerlessness against the God of Israel. Pharaoh, who boasted of his power and god-like status, was the direct instrument of Israel's misery, yet his might was utterly shattered by Yahweh, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all human powers and false gods. This specific historical account was not just a general reference but evoked the traumatic memory of physical and spiritual bondage, ensuring that gratitude for liberation was deeply personal and communal. The act of bringing the firstfruits, a symbol of life and sustenance from the land, back to the source of all life and freedom, completed a theological circle: from oppressive lack to abundant provision, all by the hand of God.

Deuteronomy 26 6 Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:6 captures the stark reality of Israel's pre-Redemption history: a period of intense and intentional oppression under the Egyptians. It uses precise, emotionally charged language to describe how their ancestors were maliciously treated, afflicted to their very spirit, and subjected to gruelling, dehumanizing forced labor. This remembrance, part of the prescribed firstfruits confession, served a vital purpose: to prevent Israel from forgetting their destitute origins and God's miraculous intervention. It ingrained a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and ongoing dependence on Yahweh, who alone brought them out of "the iron furnace." This national narrative of suffering and redemption was essential for shaping their identity, reminding them that all their blessings—especially the bountiful produce of the Promised Land—were a direct result of God's covenant faithfulness and not their own merit. It reinforced their unique status as God's redeemed people, called to serve Him rather than any human master.

• Example for Practical Usage: Remembering this verse reminds believers that just as God saw Israel's suffering and acted, He sees our struggles and offers redemption. It fosters a heart of gratitude for present blessings, recognizing their source as divine grace rather than human effort. It also promotes compassion for those currently oppressed or struggling, recalling God's heart for the afflicted.