Deuteronomy 24:18

Verse

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

American Standard Version (1901)

but thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and Jehovah thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Bible in Basic English

But keep in mind that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God made you free: for this is why I give you orders to do this.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Remember that thou wast a slave in Egypt, and the Lord thy God delivered thee from thence. Therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Free Bible Version

Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, and the Lord your God rescued you from that place. That's why I'm ordering you to do this.

Geneva Bible 1599

But remember that thou wast a seruant in Egypt, and howe the Lord thy God deliuered thee thence. Therefore I commaund thee to doe this thing.

King James (Authorized) Version

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

One Unity Resource Bible

but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt [Abode of slavery], and Adonai your God redeemed you there. Therefore I enjoin you to do this thing.

Translation for Translators

Do not forget that you had great hardships/troubles when you were slaves in Egypt, and Yahweh our God rescued you from there. That is why I am commanding you to help others who have troubles.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Instead, you must call to mind that you were a slave in Egypt, and that Yahweh your God rescued you from there. Therefore I instruct you to obey this command.

Noah Webster Bible

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bond-man in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

World English Bible

but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you there. Therefore I command you to do this thing.

Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast remembered that a servant thou hast been in Egypt, and Jehovah thy God doth ransom thee from thence; therefore I am commanding thee to do this thing.

Context

Additional Laws

¹⁷Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security.¹⁸Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

Summary

This verse instructs the Israelites to remember their past as slaves in Egypt and to show compassion to the foreigners, orphans, and widows among them. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and kindness towards those who are vulnerable and in need of help. By reminding the people of their own history of oppression, God calls them to act justly and generously towards others, reflecting His own character of love and mercy. This verse underscores the principle of caring for the marginalized and less fortunate members of society, promoting a community of compassion and support.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt,.... The remembrance of which may cause sympathy with persons in distress; particularly the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow: and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence; the Targum of Jonathan,"the Word of the Lord thy God;''which, as it was an act of great kindness and mercy in God to them, taught them, and laid them under obligation to show favour to their fellow creatures in distress: therefore I command thee to do this thing: not to pervert the judgment of the stranger and fatherless, nor take a widow's raiment for a pledge; and it may be carried further into the context, and respect the laws about the pledge of the poor man, and giving the hired servant his wages in due time.