Deuteronomy 6:7

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 6:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 6:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7and 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, etc.] Care and diligence are to be used, and pains taken, to instruct children, as soon as they are capable, in the knowledge of God, and of his commandments; that they are to love him, fear him, serve, and worship him; this is to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, (<490604>Ephesians 6:4), it may be rendered “thou shalt whet or sharpen them” f66, the words or commandments; it is expressive of diligence and industry in teaching, by frequent repetition of things, by inculcating them continually into their minds, endeavouring to imprint them there, that they may be sharp, ready, and expert in them: and shalt talk of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Teach them diligently - Heb. whet, or sharpen them, so as they may pierce deep into their hearts. This metaphor signifies the manner of instructing them, that it is to be done diligently, earnestly, frequently, discreetly. Deuteronomy 6:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:7 Repeat them: The Hebrew verb (shanan) might suggest “engraving” a text into a medium that cannot be obliterated, or it might simply mean “repeat.” Either way, the teaching of the Shema was to be indelibly imparted to children by constant repetition so that it would never be forgotten.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“And thou shalt: Deu 6:2, Deu 4:9, Deu 4:10, Deu 11:19; Gen 18:19; Exo 12:26, Exo 12:27, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:15; Psa 78:4-6; Eph 6:4 teach: Heb. whet, or sharpen shalt talk: Rut 2:4, Rut 2:12, Rut 4:11; Psa 37:30, Psa 40:9, Psa 40:10, Psa 119:46, Psa 129:8; Pro 6:22, Pro 10:21; Pro 15:2, Pro 15:7; Mal 3:16; Mat 12:35; Luk 6:45; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Pe1 3:15 Deuteronomy 6:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification