Deuteronomy 6:12
What does Deuteronomy 6:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 6:12 means
Amidst the described prosperity, Moses issues a solemn warning: "beware lest thou forget Jehovah." This is a crucial caution against ingratitude and spiritual amnesia. They are to remember always that it was Jehovah, their deliverer, who brought them out of the slavery and oppression of Egypt. Forgetting God would mean losing touch with their identity as His redeemed people and despising the very source of their newfound freedom and blessings.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000then beware lest thou forget Jehovah, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901then beware lest thou forget Jehovah, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then take care that you keep your hearts true to the Lord, who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the prison-house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Take heed to thyself lest thou forget Jehovah who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of a house of servants;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And thou shalt have eaten and be full:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[then] beware lest thou forget Jehovah who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Context
After describing the lavish, unearned blessings Israel would inherit in the promised land (verses 10-11), this verse dramatically shifts to a stern warning. It highlights the spiritual danger of prosperity—forgetting God. This warning sets the stage for the renewed call to fear and serve God alone in verse 13, directly contrasting the temptation to forget with the imperative to remember and obey.
v.11and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and cisterns hewn out, which thou hewedst not, vineyards and olive-trees, which thou plantedst not, and thou shalt eat and be full;
v.12This passage
v.13Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; and him shalt thou serve, and shalt swear by his name.
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