Deuteronomy 6:2
What does Deuteronomy 6:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 6:2 means
The ultimate purpose of obeying God's statutes and commandments is to foster a reverent fear of Jehovah. This fear isn't a cowering terror, but a deep respect and awe that motivates a desire to please Him. The commands are for *all* generations—parents, children, and grandchildren—ensuring a continuous legacy of faith. The promised result of this generational obedience is a prolonged, blessed life, not just for individuals but for the nation as a whole in the promised land.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that thou mightest fear Jehovah thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that thou mightest fear Jehovah thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that living in the fear of the Lord your God, you may keep all his laws and his orders, which I give you: you and your son and your son's son, all the days of your life; and so that your life may be long.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so that thou dost fear Jehovah thy God, to keep all His statutes and His commands, which I am commanding thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all days of thy life, and so that thy days are prolonged.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That thou mayst fear the Lord thy God, and keep all his commandments and precepts, which I command thee, and thy sons, and thy grandsons, all the days of thy life, that thy days may be prolonged.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that thou mayest fear Jehovah thyGod, to keep all his statutes and his commandments which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Context
Building on the introduction of verse 1, this verse clarifies *who* is to obey God's commands and *why*. It directly connects obedience with a fear of the Lord and the promise of long life across generations. Verse 3 continues this theme, urging Israel to listen and act, further detailing the blessings of faithfulness.
v.1Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Jehovah your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it;
v.2This passage
v.3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath promised unto thee, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 111:10
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all they that dohis commandments: His praise endureth for ever.
- Deuteronomy 6:7
and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
- Deuteronomy 5:33
Ye shall walk in all the way which Jehovah your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
- Exodus 20:20
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.
- Deuteronomy 13:4
Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
- Deuteronomy 4:10
the day that thou stoodest before Jehovah thy God in Horeb, when Jehovah said unto me, Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
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