Deuteronomy 6:21
New International Version
tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

New Living Translation
“Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand.

English Standard Version
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Berean Standard Bible
then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

King James Bible
Then 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:

New King James Version
then you shall say to your son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

New American Standard Bible
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

NASB 1995
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand.

NASB 1977
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt; and the LORD brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand.

Legacy Standard Bible
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and Yahweh brought us from Egypt with a strong hand.

Amplified Bible
then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Christian Standard Bible
tell him, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
tell him, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

American Standard Version
then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt: and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

Contemporary English Version
Then you will answer: We were slaves of the king of Egypt, but the LORD used his great power and set us free.

English Revised Version
then 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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Tell them, "We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, but the LORD used his mighty hand to bring us out of there.

Good News Translation
Then tell them, 'We were slaves of the king of Egypt, and the LORD rescued us by his great power.

International Standard Version
tell him, 'We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with great power.

Majority Standard Bible
then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

NET Bible
you must say to them, "We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt in a powerful way.

New Heart English Bible
then you shall tell your son, "We were Pharaoh's bondservants in Egypt: and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

Webster's Bible Translation
Then thou shalt say to thy son, We were Pharoah's bond-men in Egypt: and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

World English Bible
then you shall tell your son, “We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then you have said to your son, We have been servants of Pharaoh in Egypt, and YHWH brings us out of Egypt by a high hand;

Young's Literal Translation
then 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;

Smith's Literal Translation
And say thou to thy son, We were servants to Pharaoh in Egypt, and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt by a strong hand:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou shalt say to him: We were bondmen of Pharao in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You shall say to him: ‘We were servants of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord led us away from Egypt with a strong hand.

New American Bible
you shall say to your son, “We were once slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand

New Revised Standard Version
then you shall say to your children, “We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then you shall say to your son, We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Say to your son: ‘We were Servants of Pharaoh in Egypt and LORD JEHOVAH brought us out from Egypt by a mighty hand:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
then 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then shalt thou say to thy son, We were slaves to Pharao in the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought us forth thence with a mighty hand, and with a high arm.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Teach Your Children
20In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household.…

Cross References
Exodus 13:14
In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Exodus 12:26-27
When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Exodus 20:2
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Deuteronomy 5:6
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Joshua 24:17
For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

Judges 6:13
“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.”

Nehemiah 9:9-11
You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt; You heard their cry at the Red Sea. / You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day. / You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters.

Psalm 78:42-43
They did not remember His power—the day He redeemed them from the adversary, / when He performed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zoan.

Psalm 105:26-27
He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen. / They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

Psalm 136:10-12
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. / and brought Israel out from among them His loving devotion endures forever. / with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. His loving devotion endures forever.

Isaiah 63:11-12
Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, / who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown,

Jeremiah 32:21
You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror.

Acts 7:36
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

Acts 13:17
The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land.

Hebrews 11:27-29
By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. / By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. / By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.


Treasury of Scripture

Then you shall say to your son, We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

We were

Deuteronomy 5:6,15
I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage…

Deuteronomy 15:15
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Deuteronomy 26:5-9
And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: …

with a mighty

Exodus 3:19
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

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 the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Jump to Previous
Bondmen Bond-Men Bondservants Egypt Hand High Mighty Pharaoh Pharaoh's Powerful Servants Slaves Yoke
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Bondmen Bond-Men Bondservants Egypt Hand High Mighty Pharaoh Pharaoh's Powerful Servants Slaves Yoke
Deuteronomy 6
1. The end of the law is obedience
3. An exhortation thereto
20. What they are to teach their children














tell him
The phrase "tell him" indicates a direct command to communicate a specific message. In the Hebrew context, this is a directive for parents to actively engage in teaching their children about their faith and history. The Hebrew root word for "tell" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This emphasizes the importance of verbal transmission of faith and tradition, underscoring the role of parents as primary educators in spiritual matters. Historically, this reflects the oral tradition of the Israelites, where accounts and laws were passed down through generations by word of mouth.

We were slaves
This phrase serves as a reminder of the Israelites' past bondage in Egypt. The Hebrew word for "slaves" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which denotes servitude and oppression. This historical context is crucial as it highlights the transformation from slavery to freedom, a central theme in the Jewish narrative. It serves as a humbling reminder of their past and a testament to God's deliverance. Theologically, it underscores the concept of redemption, a cornerstone of the Christian faith, where believers are reminded of their own deliverance from the bondage of sin.

of Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, symbolizes the epitome of earthly power and oppression. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh is often seen as an antagonist to God's people, representing the forces that oppose God's will. The mention of Pharaoh serves as a historical anchor, reminding the Israelites of the specific context of their enslavement. It also serves as a metaphor for any power or authority that stands in opposition to God's purposes.

in Egypt
Egypt, in biblical terms, is often symbolic of a place of bondage and idolatry. The Hebrew word "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim) is used here, which not only refers to the geographical location but also to a spiritual state of oppression. For the Israelites, Egypt was a place of suffering and hardship, but also the backdrop for God's mighty acts of deliverance. This serves as a reminder of God's power to save and transform, encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to deliver them from their own "Egypts" or places of spiritual bondage.

but the LORD
The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast, highlighting a shift from the negative past to a positive intervention. "The LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This phrase emphasizes God's active role in the history of His people. The use of "Yahweh" underscores His personal and relational nature, reminding believers of His faithfulness and commitment to His promises. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite human limitations and circumstances, God is sovereign and intervenes on behalf of His people.

brought us out
This phrase signifies deliverance and liberation. The Hebrew root "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth, indicating a movement from confinement to freedom. This act of bringing out is not just a physical relocation but a spiritual and existential transformation. It reflects God's power to redeem and His desire for His people to live in freedom. For Christians, this echoes the New Testament theme of salvation, where believers are brought out of darkness into the light of Christ.

of Egypt
Reiterating the place of bondage, this phrase serves to remind the Israelites of the specific context from which they were delivered. It reinforces the historical reality of their past and the miraculous nature of their deliverance. For contemporary believers, it serves as a metaphor for any situation or condition from which God has delivered them, encouraging gratitude and faith in God's continued faithfulness.

(21) The Lord brought us out of Egypt.--The simple explanation of the obligations of the Law given in these verses is based upon the message of Jehovah to Israel from Sinai. in Exodus 19:3-6 : "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how ? bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me." The keeping of the Law of Jehovah by Israel as a nation in the land that He gave them was the final cause of their national existence. This fundamental fact must never be forgotten. This alone would justify what had been done to Egypt. Hence the neglect of the Law must inevitably bring down the Divine vengeance.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
then you are to tell
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

him,
לְבִנְךָ֔ (lə·ḇin·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

“We were
הָיִ֥ינוּ (hā·yî·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

slaves
עֲבָדִ֛ים (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

of Pharaoh
לְפַרְעֹ֖ה (lə·p̄ar·‘ōh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

in Egypt,
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם (bə·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

but the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

brought us out
וַיּוֹצִיאֵ֧נוּ (way·yō·w·ṣî·’ê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of Egypt
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם (mim·miṣ·ra·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

with a mighty
חֲזָקָֽה׃ (ḥă·zā·qāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2389: Strong, stout, mighty

hand.
בְּיָ֥ד (bə·yāḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 6:21 Then you shall tell your son We (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 6:20
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