King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:20 in the King James Version says “And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, wh... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? in: Heb. to morrow

Deuteronomy 6:20 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? in: Heb. to morrow

21

Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

22

And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: sore: Heb. evil


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The anticipated question 'What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments?' establishes the pattern of catechizing children. When children ask about covenant practices, parents must explain redemptive history and covenant obligations. The phrase 'which the LORD our God hath commanded you' indicates that younger generations require instruction in divine authority grounding obedience. This verse articulates the Reformed principle of covenant education: parents must intentionally disciple children, explaining God's Word and works. Faith transmission across generations requires deliberate teaching, not passive cultural osmosis.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's festivals, Sabbaths, dietary laws, and Passover rituals naturally provoked children's questions about their meaning and purpose. These practices served as catechetical opportunities for rehearsing exodus redemption and covenant obligations. The Passover liturgy specifically included children's questions prompting parental explanation (Exodus 12:26-27). This generational teaching pattern sustained Israel's faith across centuries, preserving true worship even during apostasy periods. Faithful parents always maintained the remnant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse establish parental responsibility for deliberately instructing children in Scripture and redemptive history?
  2. What practices can Christian families implement to create regular opportunities for teaching children about God's Word and works?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּֽי1 of 14
H3588

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

יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥2 of 14

asketh

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בִנְךָ֛3 of 14

And when thy son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מָחָ֖ר4 of 14

thee in time to come

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 14

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָ֣ה6 of 14
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָֽעֵדֹ֗ת7 of 14

What mean the testimonies

H5713

testimony

וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙8 of 14

and the statutes

H2706

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

וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים9 of 14

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 14
H834

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

צִוָּ֛ה11 of 14

hath commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה12 of 14

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ13 of 14

our 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

אֶתְכֶֽם׃14 of 14
H853

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


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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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