King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:1 in the King James Version says “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: go: Heb. pass over

Deuteronomy 6:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: go: Heb. pass over

2

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses introduces the Shema section by stating that 'this is the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you.' The threefold designation—commandment (mitzvah), statutes (chuqqim), and judgments (mishpatim)—encompasses the full scope of Torah: moral law, ceremonial regulations, and civil ordinances. The purpose is explicitly stated: obedience in the land they're about to possess. This links covenant fidelity to land tenure—Israel's continued possession depends on covenant faithfulness, establishing a conditional element alongside unconditional promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This introduction precedes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), the central confession of Jewish faith. Moses addresses the generation poised to enter Canaan, emphasizing that covenant obedience isn't optional but essential for successful settlement. The conquest and settlement period (Joshua-Judges) would repeatedly demonstrate this principle—obedience brought blessing, disobedience brought oppression, repentance brought deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the comprehensive nature of God's law (moral, ceremonial, civil) shape your view of biblical authority?
  2. What does the link between obedience and blessing teach about God's covenant administration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְזֹ֣את1 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַמִּצְוָ֗ה2 of 17

Now these are the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

הַֽחֻקִּים֙3 of 17

the statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים4 of 17

and the judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 17
H834

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

צִוָּ֛ה6 of 17

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 17

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם8 of 17

your 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

לְלַמֵּ֣ד9 of 17

to teach

H3925

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

אֶתְכֶ֑ם10 of 17
H853

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת11 of 17

you that ye might do

H6213

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

בָּאָ֔רֶץ12 of 17

them in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 17
H834

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

אַתֶּ֛ם14 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹֽבְרִ֥ים15 of 17

whither ye go

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

שָׁ֖מָּה16 of 17
H8033

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

לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃17 of 17

to possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish


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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study