Deuteronomy 6:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:21 tells the Israelites to explain to their children that they were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD used great power to bring them out of that land. The verse highlights the importance of remembering and passing down the story of God’s deliverance to future generations.

In this verse, Moses is instructing the people of Israel on how to teach their children about their history and God’s actions. The setting is just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, and Moses is emphasizing the need to remember their past as slaves and the LORD’s (יהוה, YHWH) mighty intervention. This helps the next generation understand their identity and the reason for their faith.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:21

• "bondmen" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word means slaves or servants. The verse uses it to stress the Israelites’ total lack of freedom under Pharaoh, making the LORD’s rescue even more significant.
• "mighty" (חָזָק, chazaq): This word describes strength or power. Saying the LORD brought them out with a "mighty hand" (יָד, yad) emphasizes that their deliverance was not by chance or human effort, but by God’s overwhelming power.
• "the LORD" (יהוה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that it was not just any deity, but their covenant God who acted on their behalf.

Why Deuteronomy 6:21 matters

• The verse clarifies that remembering and retelling the story of deliverance is a central part of Israel’s faith, not just a historical detail.
• It emphasizes that the LORD’s intervention was powerful and personal, shaping Israel’s identity as a people rescued from slavery.
• This instruction connects to the wider passage, which is about teaching children the meaning behind the commandments and the story of their people, ensuring that faith is not forgotten as generations pass.