Deuteronomy 6:17
Deuteronomy 6:17 in Multiple Translations
You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.
Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of Jehovah your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Keep with care the orders of the Lord your God, and his rules and his laws which he has given you;
You must be careful to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and the laws and rules he's given you.
But ye shall keepe diligently the commandements of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his ordinances which he hath commanded thee,
ye do diligently keep the commands of Jehovah your God, and His testimonies, and His statutes which He hath commanded thee,
You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you.
Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Keep the precepts of the Lord thy God, and the testimonies and ceremonies which he hath commanded thee.
Be sure that you always obey all the laws, the commandments, the rules, and the regulations that he has given to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:17
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 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמ֣וֹר
תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ/ן
אֶת
מִצְוֺ֖ת
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
וְ/עֵדֹתָ֥י/ו
וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
צִוָּֽ/ךְ
שָׁמ֣וֹר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Ptc
תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ/ן
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִצְוֺ֖ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וְ/עֵדֹתָ֥י/ו
ʻêdâh
H5713
witness
Conj | N-fp | Suff
וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו
chôq
H2706
statute
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
צִוָּֽ/ךְ
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:17
שָׁמ֣וֹר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ/ן
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
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.
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.
מִצְוֺ֖ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/עֵדֹתָ֥י/ו
ʻêdâh
H5713
"witness"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.
Definition: testimony, witness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. Compare H5712 (עֵדָה). See also: Genesis 21:30; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 25:10.
וְ/חֻקָּ֖י/ו
chôq
H2706
"statute"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּֽ/ךְ
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 6:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:17
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:17
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:17
Context — The Greatest Commandment
15For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.
16Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.
17You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.
18Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers, 19driving out all your enemies before you, as the LORD has said.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 11:22 | For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— |
| 2 | Psalms 119:4 | You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:14 | Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 1:5–10 | For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, |
| 6 | Exodus 15:26 | saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” |
| 7 | Hebrews 6:11 | We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. |
| 8 | Titus 3:8 | This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 11:13 | So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 6:1–2 | These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. |
Deuteronomy 6:17 Summary
[This verse, Deuteronomy 6:17, is a reminder that God wants us to carefully follow His instructions, which are given to us in the Bible, and to make them a priority in our lives, just as it is written in Psalm 119:105, 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' By doing so, we can experience a deeper relationship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him. As we seek to diligently keep God's commandments, we can trust that He will guide and direct us, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6, and that we will experience His blessings, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD?
To diligently keep the commandments of the LORD means to carefully and thoroughly follow His instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:17, and to make them a priority in our lives, just as it is written in Psalm 119:32, where the psalmist says, 'I will run the way of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.'
Why is it important to keep the testimonies and statutes given by God?
Keeping the testimonies and statutes given by God is important because they provide a foundation for our relationship with Him and guide us in living a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:17, and as seen in the example of King Josiah in 2 Kings 23:3, who made a covenant to follow the LORD's commandments.
How can we ensure that we are diligently keeping God's commandments?
We can ensure that we are diligently keeping God's commandments by consistently reading and studying His Word, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15, and by seeking to apply its teachings in our daily lives, as seen in James 1:22, where it says, 'But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.'
What is the relationship between keeping God's commandments and experiencing His blessings?
Keeping God's commandments is closely tied to experiencing His blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:17-19, where obedience to His commandments is followed by the promise of entering and possessing the good land, and as stated in Psalm 37:3-4, where trusting in the LORD and doing good is connected to dwelling in the land and being fed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific commandments or statutes that I have been neglecting, and how can I begin to diligently keep them?
- How can I prioritize keeping God's commandments in my daily life, and what steps can I take to make them a central part of my decision-making process?
- In what ways have I been testing the LORD, as warned against in Deuteronomy 6:16, and how can I instead seek to trust and obey Him?
- What are some testimonies or statutes that have been particularly meaningful to me, and how can I share them with others to encourage and edify them?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:17
You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God,.... Not only the ten commands, but all others: and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee; those of a judicial and ceremonial kind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:17
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:17
Deuteronomy 6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.Ver. 17. Ye shall diligently keep.] So Psalms 119:4. Howbeit the most that David could do towards it, was to wish well to it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:17
Verse 17. Ye shall diligently keep, &c.] On this and the following verse See Clarke on Deuteronomy 6:3.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:17
16, 17. Another interruption by the Pl. Because of this; because the reference to Massah is hardly relevant to the context, and because the perfect, he hath commanded, is not yet true of the separate laws; these sentences seem to be a later editorial insertion. The return to the Sg. at their close is explicable by the attraction of the Sg. in Deuteronomy 6:18.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Do Watchman Roar or Meow by Scott Hynds | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God boldly and urgently. He uses the analogy of a tsunami approaching to illustrate the need for w |
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Where We Are by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the importance of diligently keeping the commandments of the Lord, His testimonies, and statutes, emphasizing the need to do what is right and good |
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Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Errors in Thinking by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a man who is struggling and feeling unable to be the person he wants to be. However, he realizes that through Jesus Christ, he can find freed |
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Studies in Joshua 04 - Dividing the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of destruction as seen in the Book of Judges and the history of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience |
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Caleb by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Caleb from the Bible who is commended for his wholehearted devotion to God. The speaker challenges the audience to examine the |
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Precept and Prayer by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the importance of diligently keeping God's precepts, emphasizing the command to obey them as a rule of conduct and guide in life, recognizing that God is th |