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:

DEUTERONOMY 6:1KJV
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Deuteronomy 6:1 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:1 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:1 introduces a set of instructions—commandments, statutes, and judgments—that God has given the Israelites to learn and follow as they prepare to enter and settle in the land promised to them. The verse emphasizes that these teachings are meant to be put into practice, not just heard or remembered.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they stand on the edge of the land of Canaan, just before entering it. He is passing on what God (the LORD, or יְהוָה / YHWH) has commanded him to teach. The verse sets the stage for the following instructions by making clear that obedience to these teachings is expected once the Israelites take possession of the land.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:1

  • "Commandments" (מִצְוֹת / mitzvot, H4687) refers to specific instructions or orders from God, highlighting the binding nature of what is being taught.
  • "Statutes" (חֻקִּים / chukkim, H2706) often means rules or decrees that may not have an obvious reason but are to be followed as part of God’s law.
  • "Judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים / mishpatim, H4941) points to laws or decisions about justice and how people should treat each other, showing that God’s instructions cover both ritual and ethical life.
  • "Teach" (לָמַד / lamad, H3925) means more than just telling; it involves careful instruction and making sure the people understand how to live out these laws.

Why Deuteronomy 6:1 matters

  • Deuteronomy 6:1 clarifies that God’s instructions are not just for knowledge but are meant to be lived out in daily life, especially as the Israelites enter a new land.
  • The verse shows that the laws cover different areas—ritual, ethical, and judicial—emphasizing a well-rounded approach to living as God’s people.
  • This introduction connects directly to the famous "Shema" in the following verses, setting up the importance of loving and obeying God wholeheartedly.

Where else these words appear

“teach” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.