King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 24:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 24:9 in the King James Version says “Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 24:9 · KJV


Context

7

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.

8

Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do.

9

Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

10

When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his pledge. lend: Heb. lend the loan of any thing to, etc

11

Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt. Miriam's leprosy served as warning against rebellion. When she and Aaron challenged Moses' authority (Numbers 12), God struck her with leprosy, demonstrating the seriousness of challenging divinely appointed leadership.

The command remember makes Miriam's judgment perpetual teaching moment. Future generations must recall that rebellion against God's appointed authorities brings divine discipline. Memory of past judgments should prevent repeating past sins.

The timing by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt emphasizes that even privileged, redeemed people face discipline for sin. Redemption from Egypt did not exempt Miriam from consequences when she rebelled.

This demonstrates that physical affliction can serve as divine judgment and teaching tool. While not all suffering indicates personal sin, some does - Miriam's leprosy directly resulted from her rebellion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Miriam was Moses' sister and a prophetess who led worship after the Red Sea crossing. Her high position did not protect her from judgment when she challenged Moses' unique prophetic role.

Aaron participated in the rebellion but escaped leprosy, possibly because he repented more quickly or because his priestly role prevented ceremonial defilement that would halt his service.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Miriam's leprosy teach about consequences of challenging God's appointed authorities?
  2. How does remembering past judgments function as warning against repeating sins?
  3. Why did redemption and privileged position not exempt Miriam from discipline?
  4. What does this teach about the relationship between some physical afflictions and sin?
  5. How should leaders respond when facing inappropriate challenges to proper authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
זָכ֕וֹר1 of 10

Remember

H2142

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

אֵ֧ת2 of 10
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 10
H834

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

עָשָׂ֛ה4 of 10

did

H6213

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

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 10

what the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ6 of 10

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

לְמִרְיָ֑ם7 of 10

unto Miriam

H4813

mirjam, the name of two israelitesses

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ8 of 10

by the way

H1870

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

בְּצֵֽאתְכֶ֥ם9 of 10

after that ye were come forth

H3318

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

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃10 of 10

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 24:9 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 24:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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