King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:17 in the King James Version says “Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath com... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

Deuteronomy 6:17 · KJV


Context

15

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

16

Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

17

Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

18

And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,

19

To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The emphatic command 'Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God' employs intensive Hebrew construction ('shamar tishmoru'—keep ye shall surely keep) demanding scrupulous obedience. The comprehensive scope 'his testimonies, and his statutes' covers all revealed will: moral law (testimonies of God's character), ceremonial regulations (statutes), and civil ordinances. Diligent keeping requires continuous attention, not sporadic effort. The phrase 'which he hath commanded thee' grounds obligation in divine authority. This verse illustrates the Reformed understanding that sanctification requires disciplined obedience to all Scripture, not selective compliance with preferred commands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses repeatedly exhorted Israel to comprehensive obedience before entering Canaan (Deuteronomy 4:5-6, 5:1, 6:1-2, 7:11). The tripartite description (commandments, testimonies, statutes) encompasses all covenant stipulations governing worship, justice, family life, economics, and warfare. Israel's history demonstrated that partial obedience equals disobedience—Saul's incomplete destruction of Amalekites cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:1-23). God requires whole-hearted obedience to all revealed will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the intensive construction 'diligently keep' challenge casual or selective obedience to God's commands?
  2. What does the comprehensive scope (commandments, testimonies, statutes) teach about God's lordship over every area of life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
תִּשְׁמְר֔וּן1 of 10

Ye shall diligently

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

תִּשְׁמְר֔וּן2 of 10

Ye shall diligently

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

מִצְוֹ֖ת4 of 10

the commandments

H4687

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

יְהוָ֣ה5 of 10

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם6 of 10

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

וְעֵֽדֹתָ֥יו7 of 10

and his testimonies

H5713

testimony

וְחֻקָּ֖יו8 of 10

and his statutes

H2706

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 10
H834

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

צִוָּֽךְ׃10 of 10

which he hath commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin


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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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