King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:7 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and whe...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen”

Deuteronomy 6:7 · KJV

Context

5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen

8

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Read Deuteronomy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse details the comprehensive and continuous nature of biblical instruction. The verb shanan (שָׁנַן, 'teach diligently') literally means 'to sharpen' or 'whet,' suggesting repetitive, intensive instruction that hones and refines understanding. The scope is total: 'unto thy children' establishes intergenerational responsibility, while the four temporal clauses encompass all of life—'when thou sittest in thine house' (domestic life), 'when thou walkest by the way' (public life and travel), 'when thou liest down' (evening), and 'when thou risest up' (morning). This isn't formal, scheduled religious education alone but informal, continuous conversation integrating faith into every aspect of daily existence. The Hebrew dibbarta bam (דִּבַּרְתָּ בָּם, 'thou shalt talk of them') indicates ongoing dialogue, making God's Word the constant topic of family discourse. This holistic approach prevents faith compartmentalization where religion occupies only scheduled times rather than permeating all of life. The NT continues this pattern, with Paul commanding parents to raise children 'in the training and instruction of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel lacked formal religious schools (those developed later during the Second Temple period). Religious education occurred primarily in the home, with parents—especially fathers—responsible for teaching children God's law, history, and covenant obligations. This domestic religious education distinguished Israel from nations where priests monopolized religious knowledge and access to deities. The command created a culture of constant theological conversation, where every activity became an opportunity to reference God's character, commands, and covenant faithfulness. Archaeological evidence shows Israelite homes were simple, with family life centered around common spaces where work, meals, and conversation occurred together. This proximity facilitated the continuous instruction Deuteronomy commands. The practice of discussing Scripture during daily routines continues in Jewish tradition through practices like bedtime Shema recitation and morning prayers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can modern families recover the practice of integrating Scripture discussion into everyday activities rather than limiting it to formal devotional times?
  2. What does 'teach them diligently' reveal about the effort and intentionality required for effective spiritual formation of children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְשִׁנַּנְתָּ֣ם1 of 10

“And thou shalt teach them diligently”

H8150

to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate

לְבָנֶ֔יךָ2 of 10

“unto thy children”

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

וְדִבַּרְתָּ֖3 of 10

“and shalt talk”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָּ֑ם4 of 10
H0
בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤5 of 10

“of them when thou sittest”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙6 of 10

“in thine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣7 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ8 of 10

“by the way”

H1870

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

וּֽבְשָׁכְבְּךָ֖9 of 10

“and when thou liest down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ׃10 of 10

“and when thou risest up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 11:19Ephesians 6:41 Peter 3:15Psalms 78:4-6Deuteronomy 6:2Deuteronomy 4:9-10

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 6 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes