Deuteronomy 6:7
Deuteronomy 6:7 in Multiple Translations
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 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 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.
Teaching them to your children with all care, talking of them when you are at rest in your house or walking by the way, when you go to sleep and when you get up.
You are to explain them carefully to your children and talk about them when you're at home and when you're traveling, when you lie down and when you get up.
And thou shalt rehearse them continually vnto thy children, and shalt talke of them when thou tariest in thine house, and as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest downe, and when thou risest vp:
and thou hast repeated them to thy sons, and spoken of them in thy sitting in thine house, and in thy walking in the way, and in thy lying down, and in thy rising up,
and 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 up.
And thou shalt teach them diligently to 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.
And thou shalt tell them to thy children, and thou shalt meditate upon them sitting in thy house, and walking on thy journey, sleeping and rising.
Teach them to your children again and again. Talk about them all the time: When you are in your houses and when you are walking outside; talk about them when you are lying down and when you are doing things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 6:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שִׁנַּנְתָּ֣/ם
לְ/בָנֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֖
בָּ֑/ם
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֤
בְּ/בֵיתֶ֨/ךָ֙
וּ/בְ/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ֣
בַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וּֽ/בְ/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ֖
וּ/בְ/קוּמֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/שִׁנַּנְתָּ֣/ם
shânan
H8150
to sharpen
Conj | V-Piel-2ms | Suff
לְ/בָנֶ֔י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֖
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
בָּ֑/ם
Prep | Suff
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֤
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/בֵיתֶ֨/ךָ֙
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ֣
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
וּֽ/בְ/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ֖
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/בְ/קוּמֶֽ/ךָ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:7
וְ/שִׁנַּנְתָּ֣/ם
shânan
H8150
"to sharpen"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms | Suff
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
לְ/בָנֶ֔י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֖
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בָּ֑/ם
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֤
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/בֵיתֶ֨/ךָ֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וּ/בְ/לֶכְתְּ/ךָ֣
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וּֽ/בְ/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ֖
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
וּ/בְ/קוּמֶֽ/ךָ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 6:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:7
Context — The Greatest Commandment
5And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
6These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.
7And 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.
8Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 11:19 | Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:4 | Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:4–6 | We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children |
| 4 | 1 Peter 3:15 | But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:9–10 | Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 6:2 | so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:29 | Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. |
| 8 | Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 6:22 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. |
| 10 | Exodus 12:26–27 | When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. |
Deuteronomy 6:7 Summary
This verse is saying that we should teach God's commands to our children and talk about them all the time, whether we're at home, on the go, or resting. It's a call to make God's Word a central part of our daily lives and to pass it on to the next generation. By doing so, we can help our children and those around us learn to love and obey God, just as we are called to in Deuteronomy 6:5. As we teach and share God's commands, we can remember that it's not just about following rules, but about living out our love for God and others, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 where Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to teach God's commands diligently to our children?
Teaching God's commands diligently to our children means to consistently and intentionally instruct them in God's ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7, and to make it a priority in our daily lives, just as we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength in Deuteronomy 6:5.
How can we possibly talk about God's commands all the time, as this verse suggests?
While it may seem overwhelming, talking about God's commands can be woven into our everyday conversations, such as during meals, before bed, or during family activities, just as it says in Deuteronomy 6:7 to speak of them when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.
Is this verse only for parents, or does it apply to all believers?
While parents have a significant role in teaching their children, this verse can apply to all believers who have a responsibility to share God's commands with others, whether it's through mentoring, teaching, or simply living out their faith, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
This verse in Deuteronomy 6:7 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 both emphasize the importance of teaching and sharing God's commands with others, whether it's our children or those in our communities, and both are essential to fulfilling our role as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally teach God's commands to my children or those around me?
- How can I make talking about God's commands a natural part of my daily conversations?
- What are some creative ways to remind myself and others of God's commands throughout the day, such as writing them on doorposts or binding them on our foreheads as mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:8-9?
- How can I balance the call to teach God's commands with the call to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength in Deuteronomy 6:5?
- What are some specific commands or teachings from God's Word that I can focus on sharing with others this week?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:7
And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children,.... Care and diligence are to be used, and pains taken, to instruct children, as soon as they are capable, in the knowledge of God, and of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
Teach them diligently, Heb. whet, or sharpen them, so as they may pierce deep into their hearts. This metaphor signifies the manner of instructing them, that it is to be done diligently, earnestly, frequently, discreetly, and dexterously.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
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.Ver. 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently.] Heb., Thou shalt whet or sharpen them, as one would sharpen a stake when he drives it into the ground: or as one would set an edge upon a knife, by oft going over the whetstone. A learned Hebrician observes a near affinity between the word here used and another word that signifies to repeat, and inculcate the same thing. Innuit studium et diligentiam, qua pueris praecepta Dei ineuleari debent, saith Vatablus. Children should be taught the principles that they understand not: (1.) That they might have occasion much to think of the things that are so much and commonly urged; (2.) That if any extremity should come, they might have certain seeds of comfort and direction to guide and support them; (3.) That their condemnation might be more just, if having these so much in their mouths, they should not get something of them into their hearts. Shanan, acuere, et Shanah, repetere, affines sunt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
(7) And thou shalt teach them diligently.—The same Jewish commentator remarks that there should be no hesitation in answering anything that a man might ask. Had this system of education been carried on from the first, the history of Israel would hare been very different from what it is.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
Verse 7. Thou shalt teach them diligently] שננתם shinnantam, from שנן shanan, to repeat, iterate, or do a thing again and again; hence to whet or sharpen any instrument, which is done by reiterated friction or grinding. We see here the spirit of this Divine injunction. God's testimonies must be taught to our children, and the utmost diligence must be used to make them understand them. This is a most difficult task; and it requires much patience, much prudence, much judgment, and much piety in the parents, to enable them to do this good, this most important work, in the best and most effectual manner. See at the end of this chapter. And shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house] Thou shalt have religion at home, as well as in the temple and tabernacle. And when thou walkest by the way] Thou shalt be religious abroad as well as at home, and not be ashamed to own God wheresoever thou art. When thou liest down, and when thou risest up.] Thou shalt begin and end the day with God, and thus religion will be the great business of thy life. O how good are these sayings, but how little regarded!
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:7
7. teach them diligently] lit. whet or sharpen, Deuteronomy 32:41; make incisive and impress them on thy children; rub them in, Germ. einschärfen. The Eng. metaphorical use of ‘sharpen’ or ‘whet’ (‘whet on,’ ‘whet forward’) has usually for object the mind, not the material employed on it. Yet cp. Shakespeare’s ‘Thou hid’st a thousand daggers in thy thoughts, Which thou hast whetted on thy stony heart To stab at half-an-hour of my frail life.’ unto thy children] So not only in D, Deuteronomy 6:20, Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 11:19, but also J, Exodus 13:8,etc. talk of them, etc.] Deuteronomy 11:19. With LXX and Sam. read the for thine before house.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:7
7. Teach them, etc. — These precepts were to be constantly impressed upon their households at all times.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Godly Family - Part 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of diligently teaching the word of God to our children. He highlights the need for continuous instruction and conversation abo |
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(Education for Exultation) I Am the Lord, and Besides Me There Is No Savior by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of "Education for Exaltation" and its relation to the fundamental values and commitments of the church. The speaker emphasizes the |
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(Om Orientation) Our Weapons the Word - Part 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker compares a soldier with a weapon to a believer with the Word of God. He emphasizes the importance of knowing how to effectively use the weapon, just as |
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Death to Self by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reminding ourselves of the truth that sets us free. He encourages everyone to take copies of the sermon tra |
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Ravenhill Humor - Who's the Author by Leonard Ravenhill | In the sermon, the speaker mentions the famous story of Rip Van Winkle, which is well-known around the world, including in Russia. However, the speaker asks the audience if they kn |
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(Ephesians) Christian Parenting, Part 1 by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the responsibility of fathers, including grandfathers and great-grandfathers, in teaching their children about God's glory. The speaker encou |
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Teaching Our Children Diligence by Emanuel Esh | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of diligence in the Christian life. He begins by handing out a handout with notes and scriptures on diligence. He then shares |