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

DEUTERONOMY 6:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 6:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:17 tells the people to carefully obey all the commandments, testimonies, and statutes that the LORD their God has given them. The verse emphasizes being thorough and intentional in following what God has instructed, not just in part, but in every detail.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land promised to them. He is reminding them that their relationship with God depends on keeping the instructions God has given, which cover various aspects of life and worship. The verse highlights that obedience is not casual or selective, but requires real attention and effort.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:17

  • "Diligently" and "keep" both use the Hebrew word שָׁמַר (shamar), which means to guard, watch, or keep carefully. The repetition in the original language adds weight, stressing the importance of being vigilant and intentional about obedience.
  • "Commandments" is מִצְוָה (mitsvah), meaning specific orders or directives. This word focuses on the concrete instructions God has given.
  • "Testimonies" is עֵדוּת (edut), which refers to reminders or witness statements—things that testify to God’s relationship and promises with Israel.
  • "Statutes" is חֹק (choq), meaning set rules or decrees. This word points to established boundaries or laws that are to be followed as part of the covenant.

Why Deuteronomy 6:17 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that following God’s instructions is optional or can be done half-heartedly; it calls for full, careful attention.
  • By listing commandments, testimonies, and statutes, the verse shows that obedience covers all areas of life, not just religious rituals.
  • This verse ties into the larger message of Deuteronomy 6, which is about loving God with all your heart and showing that love through faithful living.

Where else these words appear

“testimonies” Hebrew H5713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
  • Psalms 99:7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
  • Psalms 119:119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

“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.