Deuteronomy 6 2

Deuteronomy 6:2 kjv

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Deuteronomy 6:2 nkjv

that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.

Deuteronomy 6:2 niv

so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.

Deuteronomy 6:2 esv

that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.

Deuteronomy 6:2 nlt

and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life.

Deuteronomy 6 verses

Deuteronomy 6 2 Meaning

Deuteronomy 6:2 expresses the multifaceted purpose behind God's commands given to Israel through Moses. It reveals that the instruction is given so that the people may reverence Yahweh, their covenant God, which manifests in faithful obedience to all His divine instructions. This commitment is intended to span generations—from parents to children and grandchildren—and to persist throughout their entire lives. The ultimate result and promise tied to this sustained, multi-generational obedience is a prolonged, blessed, and stable existence in the land God is giving them.

Deuteronomy 6 2 Context

Deuteronomy 6:2 stands within Moses's second sermon to the generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter immediately follows the renewed Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5) and precedes the pivotal Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Moses is not introducing new laws but re-presenting and expounding upon God's covenant expectations to a new generation, urging them to remember and uphold the covenant faithfully. The immediate context of verse 2 is verse 1, which states that these are the "commandments, the statutes, and the rules" that Yahweh commanded Moses to teach them. Thus, verse 2 elaborates on the divine purpose why these commands are given and what they are meant to achieve in Israel's life as a nation in the land. The overarching goal is not merely individual compliance, but the establishment of a flourishing, covenant-faithful community that endures for generations within the land promised by God.

Deuteronomy 6 2 Word analysis

• that you may fear (לְמַעַן תִּירָא, lema'an tira): This Hebrew phrase indicates purpose or result. The verb yare (ירא) denotes "to fear," but in this theological context, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful obedience toward God, rather than mere terror or dread. It's a proper acknowledgment of His majesty, power, and holiness, which leads to active submission to His will. This 'fear' is the foundation of wisdom (Prov 1:7).
• the LORD your God (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, YHWH Eloheykha): YHWH (translated "LORD" in capitals) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel, His faithfulness to His promises, and His distinct being. Eloheykha (God, your) refers to Him as the supreme Creator and Sovereign over all, the one true God in contrast to any false deities. The combination highlights both intimacy and authority within the covenant relationship.
• to keep (לִשְׁמֹר, lishmor): The infinitive implies "to guard," "to observe," "to be diligent in keeping." It indicates active obedience, diligent application, and faithful adherence to the commands. It's not passive knowledge but active engagement with God's law.
• all His statutes (כָּל חֻקֹּתָיו, kol chukotav): Chukot (statutes) are decrees or fixed regulations, often referring to cultic, ceremonial, or judicial laws. The term "all" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's demands—no command is optional or to be overlooked.
• and His commandments (וּמִצְוֹתָיו, u'mitzṿotav): Mitzvot (commandments) refers more broadly to divine instructions, precepts, and moral laws given by divine authority. Together with "statutes," these terms signify the entire body of divine legislation and guidance given to Israel.
• which I command you (אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּךָ, asher anokhi metzavveka): "I" refers to Moses as God's instrument, but the ultimate source is God Himself. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of these laws, leaving no room for human modification or discretion.
• you and your son and your grandson (אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבֶן בִּנְךָ, attah u'vinkha u'ven binkha): This specifies the intergenerational scope of the covenant obligation. It highlights the divine expectation for the transmission of faith, reverence, and obedience from one generation to the next, ensuring the longevity and continuity of the covenant community.
• all the days of your life (כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיךָ, kol yemei chayeykha): This emphasizes the lifelong commitment required. Obedience is not temporary or conditional but an ongoing, permanent state of living for every individual in the community.
• and that your days may be prolonged (וּלְמַעַן יַאֲרִכֻן יָמִים, u'lema'an ya'arikhun yamim): Another purpose clause. "Prolonged days" is the promised blessing for covenant fidelity. In the immediate context of entering Canaan, this primarily means long national life, security, and prosperity within the Promised Land, as opposed to premature exile or destruction. It indicates God's desire for His people to thrive.

Words-group analysis

• "that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments": This establishes the profound purpose: true reverence for God is demonstrated through diligent, holistic obedience to all His commands. It's a relational obedience, flowing from respect and awe for the Covenant God.
• "you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life": This powerfully underscores the essential nature of covenant living as a transgenerational endeavor. Faith is not merely personal but familial and communal, meant to be passed down and lived out continually by every generation for the nation's entire existence.
• "all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged": This phrase ties lifelong obedience directly to the promised outcome: continued existence and flourishing. For Israel, this meant remaining in the land God was giving them and experiencing its full blessings, illustrating God's desire for His people's lasting welfare based on their faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 6 2 Bonus section

• This verse contains an implicit polemic against the instability and impermanence of the Canaanite nations. Their ungodly practices led to their expulsion and ultimate decline, while Israel's longevity was contingent upon their steadfast obedience to the One True God, setting a clear distinction between pagan rituals and true worship.
• The emphasis on "all" His statutes and commandments underscores the holistic nature of biblical obedience. God's law is an integrated whole, and partial or selective obedience falls short of genuine fear and commitment.
• The pedagogical role of parents and grandparents is deeply embedded here, highlighting the family as the primary unit for the transmission of covenant faith and values, a principle still vital for Christian discipleship.
• The promise of prolonged days is often interpreted primarily as corporate, referring to Israel's endurance as a nation in the Promised Land. While it can apply individually (as seen in Prov 3:2), its foundational meaning here reinforces the nation's collective destiny being tied to their collective fidelity.

Deuteronomy 6 2 Commentary

Deuteronomy 6:2 articulates the core ethos of Old Covenant life. It is not an arbitrary list of rules but a divine framework given out of God's gracious character, designed for the flourishing of His people. The verse establishes "fear of the LORD" as the primary motivation for keeping God's laws, portraying this "fear" as a respectful awe that acknowledges God's supremacy and leads to a willing adherence to His perfect will. This isn't just for a select few but extends universally ("you and your son and your grandson"), ensuring that the covenant legacy of obedience is a constant, ongoing endeavor across the generations. The promise of "prolonged days" speaks directly to the national aspiration for a long, stable, and prosperous presence in the land of Canaan, directly linked to their faithfulness. This demonstrates God's consistent intention to bless His obedient people, confirming that His commands are not burdensome but are for their good. This verse foreshadows how spiritual vitality in one generation safeguards the future.