These wordsThe phrase "these words" refers to the commandments and teachings that Moses is delivering to the Israelites. In the broader context of Deuteronomy, these words encompass the laws and decrees given by God to guide His people. This is part of the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of God's commandments.
I am commanding you today
Moses speaks with authority as the mediator of God's covenant, emphasizing the immediacy and relevance of the commandments. The use of "today" underscores the urgency and continual relevance of God's laws. Historically, this was a pivotal moment as the Israelites were on the brink of entering the Promised Land, requiring a renewed commitment to God's covenant.
are to be upon your hearts
The heart in biblical terms is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The command to have these words upon the heart indicates an internalization of God's laws, not merely an external adherence. This anticipates the New Covenant promise inJeremiah 31:33, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people. It also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the spirit of the law over mere ritualistic observance, as seen inMatthew 22:37-40.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered God's commandments to the people. He is the speaker in this passage, conveying God's laws and instructions.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving the commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God, which form the context for this passage.
4.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the brink of entering this land.
5.
ShemaThe larger context of
Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which is a central declaration of the Jewish faith, emphasizing the oneness of God and the importance of loving Him with all one's heart, soul, and strength.
Teaching Points
Internalization of God's WordGod's commandments are not just to be heard but internalized, becoming a part of who we are. This involves meditation, memorization, and reflection on Scripture.
Heart as the Center of DevotionIn Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. God's words should influence every aspect of our lives.
Daily Remembrance and PracticeThe commandments are to be a daily part of life, influencing decisions, actions, and interactions with others. This requires intentionality in study and application.
Teaching the Next GenerationThe passage implies the importance of passing down God's commandments to future generations, ensuring that His truths are preserved and practiced.
Holistic Love for GodLoving God with all our heart involves a holistic approach to faith, where every part of our life is aligned with His will and purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 6:6?
2.How can we keep Deuteronomy 6:6's words in our hearts daily?
3.What does it mean to have God's commandments "upon your hearts"?
4.How does Deuteronomy 6:6 connect with Psalm 119:11 about hiding God's word?
5.In what ways can families implement Deuteronomy 6:6 in their homes?
6.How can memorizing Scripture help fulfill Deuteronomy 6:6's command?
7.What does Deuteronomy 6:6 mean by "these words" in the context of the entire chapter?
8.How does Deuteronomy 6:6 emphasize the importance of internalizing God's commandments?
9.Why is Deuteronomy 6:6 significant in the context of the Shema prayer?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 6?
11.What does the Bible say about indoctrinating children?
12.What does the Bible say about homemaking?
13.How can we effectively conduct family devotions?
14.How can I effectively memorize Bible verses?What Does Deuteronomy 6:6 Mean
These words• Moses has just declared the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One” and the greatest command: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
• “These words” covers every instruction the Lord has revealed—nothing is optional or expendable (Deuteronomy 4:2;Matthew 24:35).
• Because Scripture is God-breathed and infallible, every syllable comes with His authority and reliability (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I am commanding you today• The living God speaks in the present tense; His commands are never obsolete. What He said that day in Moab still carries weight this very moment (Deuteronomy 11:1;John 14:15).
• “Commanding” underscores that obedience is love in action, not a suggestion or mere ideal.
• “Today” places the call into the believer’s current calendar. We respond now, not later (Hebrews 3:7-8).
Are to be upon your hearts• God’s goal is more than external conformity; He wants His truth embedded deep within.
– Internalized truth safeguards against sin (Psalm 119:11).
– It produces willing, joyful obedience (Psalm 40:8).
– It anticipates the new-covenant promise: “I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33; cf.James 1:21-22).
• “Upon your hearts” pictures constant, conscious meditation—truth engraved where decisions are made (Joshua 1:8;Colossians 3:16).
summaryDeuteronomy 6:6 insists that God’s revealed words, spoken with present authority, must move from parchment to the very core of our being. When His commandments rest upon our hearts, obedience becomes a natural overflow, love for Him is deepened, and our lives reflect the unchanging truth of Scripture.
Verses 6, 7. - Where true love to God exists in the heart, it will manifest itself in a regard to his will, and in the diligent keeping of his commandments. Hence his words were to be not only in the memory of the people, but laid upon their heart (cf.
Deuteronomy 11:18), that they might be ever present to the thought and will. They were also to be inculcated upon their children, and to be the subject of conversation on all fitting occasions between them, the members of their household, and even their casual associates.
Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children; literally,
Thou shalt sharpen them to thy children, impress them upon them, send them into them like a sharp weapon.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Theseהָאֵ֗לֶּה(hā·’êl·leh)Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosewordsהַדְּבָרִ֣ים(had·də·ḇā·rîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeIאָנֹכִ֧י(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iam commanding youמְצַוְּךָ֛(mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, ordertodayהַיּ֖וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayare to beוְהָי֞וּ(wə·hā·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beuponעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstyour hearts.לְבָבֶֽךָ׃(lə·ḇā·ḇe·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heart
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 6:6 These words which I command you this (Deut. De Du) 
