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?

DEUTERONOMY 6:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 6:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:20 describes a future moment when a child asks their parent about the meaning behind the laws, rules, and commands that God has given the Israelites. The verse sets up the expectation that parents will explain the reasons for God’s instructions to the next generation.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He tells them that their children will one day be curious about the “testimonies, statutes, and judgments” God commanded. The verse highlights the importance of passing down the faith and explaining God’s ways to children, not just following rules blindly.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:20

  • “Testimonies” (עֵדוּת, ʿedut, tagged as H5713) refers to reminders or signs of what God has done or commanded, often linked to covenant promises or acts.
  • “Statutes” (חֹק, ḥoq, tagged as H2706) means fixed laws or decrees, emphasizing rules that are set and not to be changed.
  • “Judgments” (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat, tagged as H4941) points to decisions or ordinances, often about justice or how to live rightly.
  • “Commanded” (צָוָה, tsavah, tagged as H6680) is a strong word for giving orders or instructions, underlining that these laws come directly from God’s authority.

Why Deuteronomy 6:20 matters

  • Deuteronomy 6:20 shows that God expects honest questions from the next generation and wants parents to be ready to answer thoughtfully, not just demand obedience.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Deuteronomy 6, where loving God and teaching children about Him are central.
  • This verse clears up the idea that faith is only about rule-keeping; it points to a relationship where understanding and remembering God’s work is just as important as following His commands.

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.

“come” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
  • 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

“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.