King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:1 Mean?

“Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.”

Context

Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,

And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;

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Topics in This Verse

Love

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XI. (1) **Therefore.**—There is no break here in the original. “The Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude, and thou shalt love the Lord thy God.” **And keep his charge.**—Literally, *keep his keeping, i.e., *all that is to be kept in obedience to Him. **Alway.**—Literally, *all the days. *(Comp. “I am with you *all the days*” in Matthew 28:20) Israel must not omit one day in keeping the charge of Jehovah, for “*He that keepeth Israel *will neither slumber nor sleep.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.