Deuteronomy 6:6
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.
These words
The phrase "These words" refers to the commandments and teachings that God has given to the Israelites through Moses. In the Hebrew text, the word for "words" is "דְּבָרִים" (devarim), which can also mean "things" or "matters." This indicates that the instructions are not just verbal commands but encompass the entire covenantal relationship between God and His people. Historically, this reflects the oral tradition of passing down God's laws, emphasizing the importance of remembering and internalizing His teachings.

I am commanding you
The phrase "I am commanding you" underscores the authority of God as the lawgiver. The Hebrew root "צָוָה" (tsavah) means to command or to charge, highlighting the divine imperative behind these instructions. This is not a suggestion but a directive from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and the expectation of obedience from His people. In the historical context, this command was given as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, a pivotal moment requiring adherence to God's laws for their success and prosperity.

today
The word "today" signifies the immediacy and relevance of God's commandments. In Hebrew, "הַיּוֹם" (hayom) conveys a sense of urgency and present action. This reflects the timeless nature of God's word, applicable not only to the Israelites at that moment but to all believers throughout history. It serves as a reminder that God's instructions are always current and should be actively applied in our daily lives.

are to be
The phrase "are to be" indicates a state of being or existence. In the Hebrew text, this is implied rather than explicitly stated, emphasizing the natural and continuous presence of God's words in the believer's life. This suggests that the commandments should not be external or superficial but should become an integral part of one's identity and daily living.

upon your hearts
The phrase "upon your hearts" is central to understanding the verse's message. The Hebrew word for heart, "לֵבָב" (levav), represents the inner being, including the mind, will, and emotions. This indicates that God's commandments are not merely to be memorized or followed mechanically but are to be deeply internalized and cherished. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of decision-making and moral character, suggesting that God's words should influence every aspect of one's life. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship where God's laws are written on the hearts of His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33, pointing to a transformative and personal relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The 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. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God, which form the context for this passage.

4. Promised Land
The 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. Shema
The 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 Word
God'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 Devotion
In 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 Practice
The 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 Generation
The passage implies the importance of passing down God's commandments to future generations, ensuring that His truths are preserved and practiced.

Holistic Love for God
Loving 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
1. How can we practically internalize God's commandments in our daily lives, ensuring they are "upon our hearts"?

2. In what ways can we teach and model the importance of God's word to the next generation?

3. How does the concept of the heart in Hebrew culture deepen our understanding of what it means to love God fully?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that God's words influence our decisions and actions daily?

5. How do the teachings in Deuteronomy 6:6 connect with Jesus' affirmation of the greatest commandment in the New Testament, and how can this shape our understanding of Christian discipleship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 11:18
This verse reiterates the importance of keeping God's words in one's heart and soul, emphasizing the need for constant remembrance and teaching of God's commandments.

Psalm 119:11
This verse speaks about hiding God's word in one's heart to avoid sin, highlighting the protective and guiding role of Scripture in a believer's life.

Proverbs 3:3
This verse encourages binding mercy and truth around one's neck and writing them on the tablet of the heart, similar to the internalization of God's commandments in Deuteronomy 6:6.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus quotes the Shema, affirming the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, showing the continuity of this teaching in the New Testament.
Love, the Root-Principle of ObedienceD. Davies Deuteronomy 6:4-9
A Whole Family Trained for GodW. Grant.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
An Ever-Present ReligionW. F. Adeney, M. A.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Child Trained for ChristD. L. Moody.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Children Taught Christian TruthsJ. Trapp.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Familiarity with the Word of GodHomilistDeuteronomy 6:6-9
Family TrainingH. W. Beecher.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
God's Laws to be RememberedJ. Wilson.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
On the Religious and Moral Education of the YoungH. Belfrage.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
On the Religious Instruction of ChildrenS. Lavington.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
On the Religious Instruction of the YoungJohn Jardine.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Parental ObligationsM. Seaman, D. D.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Religious EducationC. A. Bartol.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Religious TrainingDeuteronomy 6:6-9
The Bible not Too Good to be UsedGeorge Mogridge.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Bible the Standard of EducationW. Arnot.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Duties and Privileges of Pious ParentsJames Kidd, D. D.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Importance of Scriptural EducationM. H. Seymour, M. A.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Necessity and Advantages of Early Religious EducationJohn Donne, D. D.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
The Scriptures to be Laid to Heart, and Diligently TaughtJ. Benson.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Training Children for God At the Start of LifeT. De Witt Talmage.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Training of ChildrenPhilip de Mornay.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Training of ChildrenF. Quarles.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Words in the HeartCanon Hutchings, M. A.Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Family Training is to Propagate the LawR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 6:6-25
The Religious Education of ChildrenJ. Orr Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20-25
People
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Massah
Topics
Command, Commanding, Deep, Heart, Hearts, To-day
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 6:6

     6185   imagination, desires

Deuteronomy 6:1-8

     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

Deuteronomy 6:2-7

     5376   law, purpose of

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

     5302   education
     7410   phylactery
     8313   nurture

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

     5191   thought
     5588   traditions
     5666   children, needs
     5682   family, significance
     5685   fathers, responsibilities
     5694   generation
     5698   guardian

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

     1613   Scripture, purpose
     5031   knowledge, of sin
     5339   home
     5549   speech, positive
     7797   teaching

Library
Home-Education.
SECTION I. THE CHARACTER OF HOME EDUCATION. "Scratch the green rind of a sapling, or wantonly twist it in the soil, The scarred and crooked oak will tell of thee for centuries to come; Wherefore, though the voice of instruction waiteth for the ear of reason, Yet with his mother's milk the young child drinketh education." We come now to consider one of the most important features of the Christian home, viz., as a school for the education of character. This is important because of its vital bearing
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: A large and complex library] Turning from the Jewish and mediaeval traditions and theories which so easily beset us, we ask, What is the real nature of the Old Testament as it is revealed in this new and clearer light? The first conclusion is that it is a library containing a large and complex literature, recording the varied experiences, political, social, ethical, and religious, of the Israelitish race. The fact that it is a library consisting of many different books is recognized
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
'But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying, 36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke X. 25-37. ^c 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [For the term lawyer see pp. 313, 314, The lawyer wished to make trial of the skill of Jesus in solving the intricate and difficult question as to how to obtain salvation. Jesus was probably teaching in some house or courtyard, and his habit of giving local color to his parables suggests that he was probably in or near Bethany, through
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our
THE period between Christ's return from the Feast of the Dedication' and His last entry into Jerusalem, may be arranged into two parts, divided by the brief visit to Bethany for the purpose of raising Lazarus from the dead. Even if it were possible, with any certainty, chronologically to arrange the events of each of these periods, the variety and briefness of what is recorded would prevent our closely following them in this narrative. Accordingly, we prefer grouping them together as the Parables
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Jesus' study of the Old Testament] The opening chapters of the Gospels record only three or four meagre facts regarding the first thirty years of Jesus' life. The real history of those significant years ran so far beneath the surface of external events that it completely escaped the historian. The history of the mental and spiritual life of the Master is recorded in his mature character and teachings. The fugitive hints, however, vividly illustrate the supreme fact that he ever grew
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - a Voice in the Wilderness
THERE is something grand, even awful, in the almost absolute silence which lies upon the thirty years between the Birth and the first Messianic Manifestation of Jesus. In a narrative like that of the Gospels, this must have been designed; and, if so, affords presumptive evidence of the authenticity of what follows, and is intended to teach, that what had preceded concerned only the inner History of Jesus, and the preparation of the Christ. At last that solemn silence was broken by an appearance,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary
ALTHOUGH, for the reasons explained in the previous chapter, the exact succession of events cannot be absolutely determined, it seems most likely, that it was on His progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated' [3870] those seventy' [3871] others,' who were to herald His arrival in every town and village. Even the circumstance, that the instructions to them are so similar to, and yet distinct from, those formerly given to the Twelve, seems to point to them as those from whom the Seventy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Links
Deuteronomy 6:6 NIV
Deuteronomy 6:6 NLT
Deuteronomy 6:6 ESV
Deuteronomy 6:6 NASB
Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV

Deuteronomy 6:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 6:5
Top of Page
Top of Page