King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:24 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:24 in the King James Version says “And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserv... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

Deuteronomy 6:24 · KJV


Context

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

23

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

24

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

25

And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always. This verse captures the essence of covenant obedience - God's law is not arbitrary restriction but revelation of what produces human flourishing.

The phrase for our good always reveals the benevolent purpose behind divine commandments. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's law reflects His character and reveals the created order. Obedience to God's statutes aligns humanity with reality as God designed it, producing blessing not as arbitrary reward but as natural consequence of living according to divine wisdom.

The command to fear the LORD establishes proper relationship orientation. Biblical fear combines reverent awe, holy respect, and loving trust. This fear is not servile terror but filial devotion - the response of redeemed children to their sovereign Father.

The Hebrew construction emphasizes perpetual benefit - always indicates continuous, unbroken welfare flowing from covenant faithfulness. God's statutes produce temporal and eternal good, preserving life in this age and securing blessing in the age to come.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses speaks to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, shortly before they enter Canaan. The first generation died in wilderness wandering due to unbelief; this generation must learn from their fathers' failure.

Deuteronomy functions as covenant renewal document, reiterating and expanding upon the Sinai covenant for those who will possess the Promised Land. The law is not merely legal code but relational framework for the theocratic nation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's law as designed for our good change our attitude toward obedience?
  2. In what ways have you experienced blessing through keeping God's commandments?
  3. How does proper fear of the LORD differ from mere terror or anxiety?
  4. What does it mean that God's statutes produce our good 'always' - both now and eternally?
  5. How should the benevolent purpose of God's law shape how we teach it to others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיְצַוֵּ֣נוּ1 of 18

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 18

And the LORD

H3068

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

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙3 of 18

us to do

H6213

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

אֶת4 of 18
H853

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

כָּל5 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים6 of 18

all these statutes

H2706

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה7 of 18
H428

these or those

לְיִרְאָ֖ה8 of 18

to fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת9 of 18
H853

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

יְהוָ֣ה10 of 18

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ11 of 18

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

לְט֥וֹב12 of 18

for our good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָ֙נוּ֙13 of 18
H0
כָּל14 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּהַיּ֥וֹם15 of 18

always

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לְחַיֹּתֵ֖נוּ16 of 18

that he might preserve us alive

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

כְּהַיּ֥וֹם17 of 18

always

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃18 of 18
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 6:24 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 6:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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