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 6:20KJVWhat 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.