Deuteronomy 6 7

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.

Deuteronomy 6:7 nkjv

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Deuteronomy 6:7 niv

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 6:7 esv

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:7 nlt

Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

Deuteronomy 6 verses

Deuteronomy 6 7 Meaning

Deuteronomy 6:7 commands the people of Israel, especially parents, to diligently and consistently teach the words and commands of God to their children. This instruction is to permeate every aspect of daily life, occurring naturally and continually, rather than being confined to specific times or formal settings, thus ensuring the deep spiritual formation of the next generation.

Deuteronomy 6 7 Context

Deuteronomy 6:7 is a direct application and practical instruction stemming from the "Shema" found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. After declaring the foundational truth of God's singular identity ("The LORD our God, the LORD is one") and commanding wholehearted love for Him, Moses emphasizes that these core truths and the subsequent commandments must not merely be known but deeply internalized (Dt 6:6). Verse 7 then prescribes how this internalization and love are to be practically fostered, primarily within the family unit and through the pervasive integration of God's law into daily life. This instruction serves as a foundational pedagogical method for a community about to enter the Promised Land, where the fidelity of future generations was paramount for their well-being and continued relationship with God. The historical context reflects a tribal, family-centric society where parents were the primary educators and religious instructors, shaping the spiritual identity of their children amidst surrounding pagan cultures.

Deuteronomy 6 7 Word analysis

• And you shall teach them diligently: The Hebrew word for "teach diligently" is v'shinantam (וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם). This verb, shanan, means "to sharpen" or "to pierce." It implies more than mere instruction; it suggests an intensive, repetitive, and deep impartation that "sharpens" the mind, making the teachings indelible, almost like repeatedly etching or carving them into memory. It indicates a vigorous, persistent, and pointed manner of teaching, emphasizing constant drilling and repetition, which was a common ancient educational method.
• your children: The immediate and primary audience for this teaching. This highlights the foundational role of parents and the family as the first and most critical institution for spiritual formation. It underscores intergenerational transfer of faith.
• and shall talk of them: The Hebrew is v'dibarta bam (וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם). Dabber (speak) suggests not formal lectures but conversational discourse, natural discussion, and dialogue about God's words. It implies integration into everyday conversation rather than only designated "lessons."
• when you sit in your house: Refers to moments of rest, meals, or quiet activities within the domestic sphere. The home is depicted as a primary classroom.
• and when you walk by the way: Refers to journeys, daily routines, travel, or leisurely strolls outside the home. This highlights spontaneous teaching moments that arise during everyday experiences.
• and when you lie down: Refers to the evening, bedtime, or preparing for rest. Spiritual instruction is to accompany the end of the day.
• and when you rise: Refers to the morning, upon waking, or starting the day. God's words should be the first thought, setting the tone for the day.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "teach them diligently your children": This phrase establishes the direct imperative for parents to actively and intentionally imbue God's commands into their offspring. The emphasis is on deep, lasting impression, not superficial knowledge. This teaching is a sacred trust passed down within the lineage, vital for covenant faithfulness.
• "and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise": This segment uses a merism – two opposite parts signifying the whole – "lie down and rise" for all of time (night and day), and "sit in your house and walk by the way" for all of place (indoors and outdoors, stationary and moving). This means the instruction of God's words is not relegated to specific times (like a Sabbath study) or places (like a temple or synagogue) but is to be a continuous, ongoing, and pervasive activity that saturates the entire rhythm of life. It implies integrating faith discussions into every moment, modeling and speaking of God's truths continually, transforming mundane activities into spiritual lessons. This creates an environment of constant spiritual discipleship within the home, demonstrating that faith is lived, not just learned.

Deuteronomy 6 7 Bonus section

This verse lays the practical foundation for what is often termed a "liturgy of life," where every moment becomes an opportunity for spiritual engagement and teaching. The Shema and its practical outworking in Deuteronomy 6:7 form the core of ancient Jewish pedagogical philosophy, leading to practices like reciting prayers at fixed times, wearing tefillin, and affixing mezuzot to doorposts, all of which are physical reminders and applications of living with God's Word constantly present (cf. Dt 6:8-9). This holistic approach emphasizes that true education of God's Word involves both formal instruction and informal, lived experience. It addresses potential polemics against a religion that is merely external or ceremonial by insisting that God's truth must be deeply internalized and organically expressed through conversation and consistent modeling in every facet of existence. The success of this intergenerational transmission is framed as directly contributing to the well-being and longevity of the nation in the promised land.

Deuteronomy 6 7 Commentary

Deuteronomy 6:7 stands as a powerful divine imperative for intergenerational spiritual formation. It demands an active, persistent, and natural approach to passing on God's truth, flowing directly from an internal conviction (Dt 6:6). The command to "diligently teach" signifies a methodology of intensive repetition and sharpening of understanding, rather than a passive or occasional transfer of information. It recognizes that true spiritual education is not confined to formal settings or special hours but is an organic, conversational, and integrated part of daily family life. Whether in moments of rest, during travels, or at the start and end of the day, God's commands are to be the constant theme of discussion, observation, and reflection. This continuous immersion in the Word ensures that faith becomes deeply woven into the very fabric of existence, shaping character, worldview, and actions from the earliest years. It positions the family as the primary arena for discipleship, nurturing a heritage of faithfulness and covenant living that extends from generation to generation.

Examples:

• Discussing Bible stories during breakfast or dinner.
• Reciting scriptures before bedtime.
• Talking about how biblical principles apply to situations encountered during a walk or drive.
• Using moments of family togetherness to discuss God's faithfulness and commands.