King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:22 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”

Deuteronomy 24:22 · KJV

Context

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

21

When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. afterward: Heb. after thee

22

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Read Deuteronomy 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt—the motivational refrain throughout Deuteronomy (5:15, 15:15, 16:12), grounding ethics in salvation history. Israel's own experience of poverty, powerlessness, and oppression in Egyptian slavery should produce empathy and generosity toward vulnerable populations. God's redemptive act obligated redeemed people to reflect His character by caring for the marginalized.

Therefore I command thee to do this thing—gleaning laws weren't suggestions but divine commands, enforceable requirements. Compassion was legislated, not left to individual benevolence. This prophylactic against greed recognized human selfishness, creating structural protections for the poor. The principle appears in 1 John 3:17: 'If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken circa 1406 BC to the wilderness generation born in freedom, who never experienced Egyptian bondage personally. Moses constantly reminded them of their parents' slavery to instill generational memory and covenant identity. Israel's slavery lasted approximately 400 years (Genesis 15:13), ending with the Exodus circa 1446 BC. The memory was to shape national character permanently—former slaves must never become oppressors.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should remembering your own 'Egypt'—times of need, oppression, or God's deliverance—motivate compassion?
  2. Why does God command generosity rather than merely suggesting it? What does this reveal about human nature?
  3. How does Christ's redemption create obligation to care for the vulnerable, as Israel's Exodus did?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔1 of 14

“And thou shalt remember”

H2142

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

כִּי2 of 14
H3588

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

עֶ֥בֶד3 of 14

“that thou wast a bondman”

H5650

a servant

הָיִ֖יתָ4 of 14
H1961

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ5 of 14

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם6 of 14

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַל7 of 14
H5921

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

כֵּ֞ן8 of 14
H3651

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

אָֽנֹכִ֤י9 of 14
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֙10 of 14

“therefore I command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת11 of 14

“thee to do”

H6213

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

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֖ר13 of 14

“this thing”

H1697

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

הַזֶּֽה׃14 of 14
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 24:22 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 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:18Ephesians 5:1-2Deuteronomy 5:14-15Isaiah 51:11 John 4:10-112 Corinthians 8:8-9

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 24 →

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