Deuteronomy 6:21
What does Deuteronomy 6:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 6:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 6:21 means
In response to their children's questions about the law, parents are to recount Israel's foundational story: their former state as slaves in Egypt under Pharaoh's bondage. The answer immediately shifts to God's powerful intervention, emphasizing that it was "Jehovah" who, with a "mighty hand," delivered them. This historical narrative grounds their laws in God's redemptive act, reminding them that their freedom and covenant relationship are sovereignly initiated and sustained by Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt: and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt: and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then you will say to your son, We were servants under Pharaoh's yoke in Egypt; and the Lord took us out of Egypt with a strong hand:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then thou hast said to thy son, Servants we have been to Pharaoh in Egypt, and Jehovah bringeth us out of Egypt by a high hand;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou shalt say to him: We were bondmen of Pharao in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a powerful hand;
Context
This verse provides the beginning of the crucial answer parents must give to their children's questions (from verse 20) about the meaning of God's laws. It immediately directs the focus to Israel's historical redemption from Egypt. Verses 22-23 continue this narrative, detailing God's wondrous acts and ultimate purpose in bringing them out, providing the fuller context for their existence and the reason for the laws.
v.20When thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Jehovah our God hath commanded you?
v.21This passage
v.22and Jehovah showed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his house, before our eyes;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 3:19
And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.
- Deuteronomy 26:5
And thou shalt answer and say before Jehovah thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father; and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.
- Exodus 13:3
And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Jehovah brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
- Ephesians 2:11
Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands;
- Deuteronomy 5:15
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God brought thee out thence by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Jehovah thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
- Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
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