King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:6 in the King James Version says “But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at ev...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 16:6 · KJV

Context

4

And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.

5

Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: sacrifice: or, kill

6

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

7

And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

8

Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein. solemn: Heb. restraint

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning. The Passover lamb must be completely consumed or burned before morning - no portion could remain. This ensured the sacrifice served its full purpose on the night of deliverance without corruption.

Prohibiting leftovers prevented the sacred sacrifice from becoming common. What was set apart for redemptive purpose must not be treated casually or allowed to spoil. This taught reverence for God's provision of atonement.

The complete consumption symbolized complete appropriation of redemption. Israel must fully receive and apply God's deliverance, not partially participate while retaining elements of the old life.

Christ as our Passover provides complete atonement that must be fully appropriated by faith. Partial acceptance of His work is insufficient - believers must completely trust His sacrifice and fully identify with His death and resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 12:10 similarly commanded burning any remaining lamb portions by morning. This prevented profaning the sacred sacrifice through decomposition or inappropriate use of consecrated meat.

The requirement that the lamb be consumed in single night by households or groups prevented individual families from being too small to fully utilize the sacrifice, promoting community participation in redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does complete consumption of the sacrifice teach about appropriating redemption?
  2. How does preventing leftovers demonstrate proper reverence for sacred things?
  3. Why must redemption be fully received rather than partially accepted?
  4. How does this principle apply to complete trust in Christ's atoning sacrifice?
  5. What dangers exist in treating sacred things casually or commonly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֠י1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִֽם2 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֞וֹם4 of 20

“But at the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִבְחַ֨ר6 of 20

“shall choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֤ה7 of 20

“which the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙8 of 20

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְשַׁכֵּ֣ן9 of 20

“to place”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שְׁמ֔וֹ10 of 20

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָׁ֛ם11 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

תִּזְבַּ֥ח12 of 20

“in there thou shalt sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אֶת13 of 20
H853

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

הַפֶּ֖סַח14 of 20

“the passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

בָּעָ֑רֶב15 of 20

“at even”

H6153

dusk

כְּב֣וֹא16 of 20

“at the going down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ17 of 20

“of the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

מוֹעֵ֖ד18 of 20

“at the season”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

צֵֽאתְךָ֥19 of 20

“that thou camest forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃20 of 20

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 16:6 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 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:51 Peter 1:19-20Hebrews 9:26Matthew 26:20Hebrews 1:2-3Numbers 9:11

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 16 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes