King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:18 in the King James Version says “But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I comman... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Deuteronomy 24:18 · KJV


Context

16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

17

Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

18

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

19

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

20

When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. go: Heb. bough it after thee


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence—The Hebrew ve-zakharta ki eved hayita be-Mitsrayim ("and you shall remember that a slave you were in Egypt") grounds ethical obligation in redemptive memory. Israel's slavery experience (eved, "slave/bondman") should create empathy for vulnerable workers. Vayifde'kha YHWH Elohekha mi-sham ("and YHWH your God redeemed you from there")—padah (redeem) means to purchase freedom, recalling the Exodus as God's redemptive act.

Therefore I command thee to do this thingAl-ken anokhi metsavvekha la'asot et-ha-davar ha-zeh ("therefore I am commanding you to do this thing") links remembered grace to ethical action. Those who have received mercy must extend justice. This theological pattern appears throughout Deuteronomy (5:15; 15:15; 16:12)—experience of redemption obligates compassionate behavior toward the vulnerable.

Paul employs identical logic: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). Christian ethics flow from gospel indicatives: because God redeemed us from slavery to sin, we must show grace and justice to others.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes a section on social justice laws (verses 14-18) covering day laborers, gleaning rights, and protecting the vulnerable. The Exodus memory—400 years of slavery followed by miraculous redemption—shaped Israel's national identity and ethical framework. Unlike surrounding nations whose laws primarily protected property owners' rights, Israel's law code consistently favored the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. This theological grounding distinguished biblical law: ethics derive from God's character and redemptive acts, not mere social utility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering your own spiritual slavery and God's redemption through Christ shape your treatment of those in economic or social vulnerability?
  2. In what ways should the gospel pattern—experienced grace producing gracious action—inform Christian engagement with social justice issues like fair wages, immigrant rights, and care for the poor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֗1 of 17

But thou shalt remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כִּ֣י2 of 17
H3588

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

עֶ֤בֶד3 of 17

that thou wast a bondman

H5650

a servant

הָיִ֙יתָ֙4 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם5 of 17

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֛6 of 17

redeemed

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 17

and the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ8 of 17

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

מִשָּׁ֑ם9 of 17
H8033

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

עַל10 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֞ן11 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָֽנֹכִ֤י12 of 17
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֙13 of 17

thee thence therefore I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת14 of 17

thee to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת15 of 17
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֖ר16 of 17

this thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּֽה׃17 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 24:18 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 24:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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