Deuteronomy 6:9: Meaning Explained
And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Write God's words on the doorposts of your house. Put them on gates and walls so you see them everywhere.
What’s Happening Here
Moses tells the Israelites to put God's words all over their homes as constant reminders of what God wants them to do.
Key Words
Why It Matters
Surrounding yourself with reminders of good values helps you stay focused on what's important and makes good choices easier.
Did You Know?
Jewish families put a 'mezuzah' (a small case with scripture) on their doorposts as a reminder of God's presence.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Frequently asked questions
What does Deuteronomy 6:9 mean?
Write God's words on the doorposts of your house. Put them on gates and walls so you see them everywhere.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 6:9?
Moses tells the Israelites to put God's words all over their homes as constant reminders of what God wants them to do.
Why does Deuteronomy 6:9 matter?
Surrounding yourself with reminders of good values helps you stay focused on what's important and makes good choices easier.
What's a surprising detail about Deuteronomy 6:9?
Jewish families put a 'mezuzah' (a small case with scripture) on their doorposts as a reminder of God's presence.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:9
Verses 6–16 Here are means for maintaining and keeping up religion in our hearts and houses. 1. Meditation. God's words must be laid up in our hearts, that our thoughts may be daily employed about them. 2. The religious education of children. Often repeat these things to them. Be careful and exact in teaching thy children. Teach these truths to all who are any way under thy care. 3. Pious discourse. Thou shalt talk of these things with due reverence and seriousness, for the benefit not only of thy children, but of thy servants, thy friends and companions. Take all occasions to discourse with those about thee, not of matters of doubtful disputation, but of the plain truths and laws of God, an…