Deuteronomy 16:12
Deuteronomy 16:12 in Multiple Translations
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes.
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
And you will keep in mind that you were a servant in the land of Egypt: and you will take care to keep all these laws.
Don't forget that you were once slaves in Egypt, and be careful to follow these regulations.
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a seruant in Egypt: therefore thou shalt obserue and doe these ordinances.
and thou hast remembered that a servant thou hast been in Egypt, and hast observed and done these statutes.
You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt. You shall observe and do these statutes.
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bond-man in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a servant in Egypt: and thou shalt keep and do the things that are commanded.
“When you celebrate these festivals by obeying these commands, remember that your ancestors were previously slaves in Egypt.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
כִּי
עֶ֥בֶד
הָיִ֖יתָ
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
וְ/שָׁמַרְתָּ֣
וְ/עָשִׂ֔יתָ
אֶת
הַֽ/חֻקִּ֖ים
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וְ/זָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
הָיִ֖יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
וְ/שָׁמַרְתָּ֣
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְ/עָשִׂ֔יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַֽ/חֻקִּ֖ים
chôq
H2706
statute
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:12
וְ/זָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֶ֥בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הָיִ֖יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וְ/שָׁמַרְתָּ֣
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
וְ/עָשִׂ֔יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַֽ/חֻקִּ֖ים
chôq
H2706
"statute"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 16:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:12
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:12
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:12
Context — The Feast of Weeks
10And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you,
11and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.
12Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes.
13You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. 14And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 15:15 | Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:19–20 | Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me. |
| 3 | Romans 6:17–18 | But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. |
| 4 | Ephesians 2:11 | Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 16:15 | For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete. |
| 6 | Ephesians 2:1–3 | And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. |
Deuteronomy 16:12 Summary
[This verse reminds us to never forget where we came from and how God has delivered us, just like the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. By remembering this, we can be more thankful for our freedom and more careful to follow God's commands, as seen in Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:15. It's a call to obedience and gratitude, and it's something we can apply to our own lives today, just as the Israelites did during their feasts, like the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and appreciate His love and provision for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to remember that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt?
Remembering their time as slaves in Egypt helped the Israelites appreciate their freedom and the covenant God made with them, as seen in Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:15. This remembrance was crucial in their relationship with God.
What does it mean to 'carefully follow these statutes'?
Carefully following these statutes means to obediently keep the commands and laws given by God, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:12, which is reminiscent of the call to obedience in Joshua 1:7-8 and Matthew 28:20.
How does this verse relate to the feasts mentioned in the surrounding verses?
This verse serves as a reminder of the Israelites' history and their covenant with God, providing a foundation for the celebration of the feasts mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:10-14, such as the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
What is the significance of remembering their slavery in the context of the feasts?
Remembering their slavery in Egypt during the feasts, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:12, allowed the Israelites to acknowledge God's deliverance and provision, fostering gratitude and worship, similar to the spirit of Psalm 100:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the Israelites, remember my spiritual heritage and the freedom I have in Christ, and what impact should this have on my daily life?
- In what ways can I 'carefully follow' God's commands and statutes in my own life, and what role does obedience play in my relationship with Him?
- How does reflecting on my past experiences, both difficult and joyful, help me appreciate God's presence and provision in my life, and what can I learn from the Israelites' example?
- What are some ways I can celebrate and give thanks for the freedom and blessings I have, just as the Israelites did during their feasts, and how can I share this gratitude with others?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:12
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt,.... And now delivered from that bondage; the consideration of which should make them liberal in their freewill offering, and generous in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:12
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:12
Deuteronomy 16:12 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.Ver. 12. And thou shalt remember.] It is very good to look back and recognise our former worse condition. Agathocles, king of Sicily, being a potter’ s son, would be served only in earthen vessels. Willigis, archbishop of Ments, a wheelwright’ s son, hung wheels, and the tools wherewith they were made, around his bedchamber, and had these words written upon the walls in very fair characters, Willigis, Willigis, recole uncle veneris, Remember whence thou camest.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:12
Deuteronomy 16:9-12. THE FEAST OF WEEKS, OR .See also Exodus 23:16; Exodus 34:18-23; Leviticus 23:15-22; Numbers 28:26-31. The feast itself is ordained in Exodus; the time is given in Leviticus; and the sacrifices in Numbers. (9) From such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn.—The word for sickle only occurs here and in Deuteronomy 23:25. In Leviticus the weeks are ordered to be reckoned from the offering of the wave sheaf on the sixteenth day of the first month, two days after the Passover. This sheaf was of barley, the first ripe corn. A different view is sometimes taken of the word “Sabbath “in Leviticus 23:11; but the view given here is correct according to the Talmud. (10) A tribute.—This word (missah) occurs nowhere else in the Bible. The marginal rendering, “sufficiency,” is its Aramaic or Chaldæan sense. The idea seems to be “a proportionate offering “—i.e., a free will offering, proportioned to a man’s means and prosperity.
In Exodus 34:20; Exodus 23:15, we read, “None shall appear before me empty.” The command is made general for all the three feasts in Deuteronomy 16:16-17 further on. (11) Thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God.—This aspect of the feast of weeks is specially insisted upon in Deuteronomy. Its relation to the poor appears also in the command connected with this feast in Leviticus 23:22, to leave the corners of the fields un-reaped for them.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:12
12. And thou shalt remember, etc.] See on Deuteronomy 15:15. This clause is not relevant to the whole law, but only to the inclusion under it of the bondservant, Deuteronomy 16:11. It can hardly be original, and as the rest of the v. is purely formal, the whole is probably secondary.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rev. John Newton - an Example of Amazing Grace (Famous Saints #6) by Stephen Hamilton | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of John Newton, a man who experienced a powerful dream that made a great impression on him. However, he soon forgot the impact of the |
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(Genesis) 61 - Jacob - Surprised, Sustained and Satisfied by the God Of by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the greatness of God's purposes, which are wise, merciful, and sure to be seen in the long run. He draws parallels between the promises God |
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The Land Is in Ruins, Weep All Ye People! by Brian Long | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the desperate state of the nation during the time of Jeremiah. He emphasizes how Jeremiah's heart was deeply affected by the sins of God's p |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be |
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In My Father's House by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of man and its consequences. He emphasizes that when Adam and Eve sinned, they lost their privilege to live on earth permanently and |
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Becoming Who You Are by Hal Lindsey | In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration from the book "Psycho-Cybernetics" to explain how God wants to bring about a change in our lives. The story is about a plastic sur |
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Become Transparent Through Conviction by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke t |