King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:19 in the King James Version says “And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the w...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Deuteronomy 11:19 · KJV

Context

17

And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

18

Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

20

And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

21

That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.

Read Deuteronomy 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command extends to generational transmission: 'teach them your children, speaking of them' whenever—'when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.' This describes total life integration—Scripture discussion permeates all contexts: home, travel, morning, evening. The Hebrew diber (דִּבֶּר, 'speak, talk') indicates conversational teaching, not just formal instruction. Faith transmission requires consistent, natural Scripture engagement throughout daily life. Parents bear primary responsibility for children's spiritual formation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This repeats Deuteronomy 6:7, establishing home-centered spiritual education. Ancient Israel lacked synagogue schools until post-exilic period; fathers taught children Torah. The Shema and surrounding commandments formed core curriculum. This domestic discipleship model contrasts with modern delegation of spiritual training to church programs. Family discipleship was covenant requirement, not optional.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can modern families recover the practice of natural, daily Scripture conversation?
  2. What barriers prevent parents from fulfilling this command, and how can they be overcome?
  3. How does consistent Scripture exposure in childhood shape lifelong faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְלִמַּדְתֶּ֥ם1 of 12

“And ye shall teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אֹתָ֛ם2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם4 of 12

“them your children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְדַבֵּ֣ר5 of 12

“speaking”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָּ֑ם6 of 12
H0
בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤7 of 12

“of them when thou sittest”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙8 of 12

“in thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣9 of 12
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ10 of 12

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וּֽבְשָׁכְבְּךָ֖11 of 12

“when thou liest”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ׃12 of 12

“down and when thou risest up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

Study Guide

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 11:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:7Psalms 34:11Isaiah 38:19Deuteronomy 4:9-10Proverbs 2:1Proverbs 4:1-27

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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