Deuteronomy 6:7
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "diligently" here is like "sharpening" or "whetterting"—it suggests not just repetition, but making the teaching so incisive and keen that it pierces deep into their children's hearts. This instruction isn't meant to be a casual mention, but an intense, constant engraving of God's words into the fabric of everyday life, from sunrise to sunset.
This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He's recounting the Law, emphasizing the importance of remembering and living by God's commands, not just for themselves but for future generations. The preceding verses establish that God's words must be deeply ingrained in their hearts, and this instruction then flows into the practical, everyday ways they are to pass on this heritage.
The command to teach God's Word isn't just about sharing information; it's about making it deeply impactful. How do we 'sharpen' His commands for our children?
The Hebrew word for 'diligently' here, 'shanan,' literally means 'to sharpen' or 'to whet.' It's a powerful image! Think about sharpening a knife so it cuts effectively. This implies a deliberate, repeated process to make God's commands clear, precise, and penetrating for our children's hearts and minds.
This isn't a one-time lecture, but an ongoing effort to ensure the Word doesn't just sit on the surface but pierces deep. It requires parents to be intentional, patient, and persistent in teaching, helping their children truly grasp and internalize God's truths.
God’s commands weren't meant for the temple or a specific service; they were to permeate every moment of life. How does this verse redefine 'religious time'?
The detailed list – 'when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise' – paints a picture of faith woven into the fabric of daily life. It’s not confined to Sunday mornings or special prayer meetings.
This means that conversations about God and His Word should happen organically, during everyday activities. Whether you’re relaxing at home, traveling, preparing for bed, or just waking up, there are opportunities to talk about what God has done, what His Word teaches, and how it applies to your circumstances. It turns the mundane into moments for spiritual growth and connection.
Understand the original words
shanan · Hebrew Verb
The act of instructing or training another in wisdom, law, or truth, often implying repetition or thoroughness to ensure understanding and obedience.
This passage echoes the command to teach children about God's mighty acts, emphasizing that the stories of God's intervention are meant to be passed down through generations as a testament to His power and faithfulness.
Psalm 78:4-7The Psalmist calls for the instruction of children in God's law and wondrous works, highlighting the importance of parents being faithful teachers so that future generations would know and trust in God.
Proverbs 22:6This proverb directly links diligent instruction in the right way ('train up a child') with the assurance that they will not depart from it, reinforcing the long-term impact of consistent, Spirit-led parenting.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission calls His followers to 'make disciples of all nations,' teaching them to obey everything He commanded, which mirrors the concept of diligent, ongoing instruction found in Deuteronomy.
Ephesians 6:4This verse instructs fathers not to exasperate their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord, directly relating to the parental duty of diligent teaching commanded in Deuteronomy.
calvinDeuteronomy 6:6-9: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:"
- And these words. In these four next verses God again commands (as before) the study of His Law. And first, indeed, He would have it implanted in their hearts, lest forgetfulness of it should ever steal over them; and by the word "heart" He designates the memory and other faculties of the mind; as though He had said that this was so great a treasure, that there was good cause why they should hide it…
clarkeDeuteronomy 6:7: "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Thou shalt teach them diligently - שננתם shinnantam, from שנן shanan, to repeat, iterate, or do a thing again and again; hence to whet or sharpen any instrument, which is done by reiterated friction or grinding. We see here the spirit of this Divine injunction. God's testimonies…
The Hebrew word for "diligently" here is like "sharpening" or "whetterting"—it suggests not just repetition, but making the teaching so incisive and keen that it pierces deep into their children's hearts. This instruction isn't meant to be a casual mention, but an intense, constant engraving of God's words into the fabric of everyday life, from sunrise to sunset.
This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He's recounting the Law, emphasizing the importance of remembering and living by God's commands, not just for themselves but for future generations. The preceding verses establish that God's words must be deeply ingrained in their hearts, and this instruction then flows into the practical, everyday ways they are to pass on this heritage.
This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He's recounting the Law, emphasizing the importance of remembering and living by God's commands, not just for themselves but for future generations. The preceding verses establish that God's words must be deeply ingrained in their hearts, and this instruction then flows into the practical, everyday ways they are to pass on this heritage.
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"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." — The Hebrew word for "diligently" here is like "sharpening" or "whetterting"—it suggests not just repetition, but making the teaching so incisive and keen that it pierces deep into their children's he…
