Deuteronomy 6:21
Deuteronomy 6:21 in Multiple Translations
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.
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:
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;
Then you will say to your son, We were servants under Pharaoh's yoke in Egypt; and the Lord took us out of Egypt with a strong hand:
then you are to tell them, “Once we were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord by his power led us out of Egypt.
Then shalt thou say vnto thy sonne, We were Pharaohs bondmen in Egypt: but the Lord brought vs out of Egypt with a mightie hand.
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;
then you shall tell your son, “We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;
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:
Thou shalt say to him: We were bondmen of Pharao in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.
tell them, ‘Our ancestors were slaves of the king in Egypt, but Yahweh brought them out of Egypt by his great power [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 6:21
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 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
לְ/בִנְ/ךָ֔
עֲבָדִ֛ים
הָיִ֥ינוּ
לְ/פַרְעֹ֖ה
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֧/נוּ
יְהוָ֛ה
מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם
בְּ/יָ֥ד
חֲזָקָֽה
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לְ/בִנְ/ךָ֔
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms | Suff
עֲבָדִ֛ים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp
הָיִ֥ינוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
לְ/פַרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֧/נוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/יָ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
חֲזָקָֽה
châzâq
H2389
strong
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 6:21
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/בִנְ/ךָ֔
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֲבָדִ֛ים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp
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.
הָיִ֥ינוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
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.
לְ/פַרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
Prep | N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
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.
וַ/יּוֹצִיאֵ֧/נוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יְהוָ֛ה
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.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֖יִם
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.
בְּ/יָ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
חֲזָקָֽה
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 6:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Teach Your Children
19driving out all your enemies before you, as the LORD has said.
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. 23But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Ephesians 2:11–12 | 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)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 5:6 | “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 5 | Exodus 20:2 | “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 6 | Exodus 13:3 | So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:1 | “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. |
| 8 | Exodus 3:19 | But I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to go unless a mighty hand compels him. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 5:15 | Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 26:5–9 | and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous. But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor. So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers; and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, toil, and oppression. Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders. And He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. |
Deuteronomy 6:21 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is a powerful deliverer who can bring us out of difficult situations, just like He did for the Israelites in Egypt. We were once slaves to sin, but God has set us free through His mighty hand, as seen in John 8:36 and Romans 6:17. We can trust in His power and care for us, and we should share our testimonies of His deliverance with others, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:21 and Psalm 107:2. By remembering God's mighty hand in our lives, we can have confidence in His ability to help us overcome any challenge, as promised in Philippians 4:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to remember our past struggles and how God delivered us?
Remembering our past struggles and God's deliverance helps us to trust Him more and appreciate His power, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21 and Exodus 14:31. This remembrance also serves as a testimony to future generations, as instructed in Psalm 78:4.
What does it mean to be slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt?
Being slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt refers to the Israelites' period of bondage and oppression in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:14 and Exodus 2:23. This experience is a significant part of their history and a reminder of God's redemption.
How does God's mighty hand relate to our lives today?
God's mighty hand, which brought the Israelites out of Egypt, is a demonstration of His power and care for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21 and Isaiah 41:10. This same power is available to us today, as we face our own challenges and struggles, and we can trust in His deliverance, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Why is it essential to share our testimonies with the next generation?
Sharing our testimonies with the next generation helps them to understand God's faithfulness and power, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:21 and Psalm 145:4. This sharing also serves as a way to pass on our faith and ensure that they know and trust in God, as seen in Proverbs 22:6.
Reflection Questions
- How has God delivered you from your own 'Egypt' or place of bondage, and how can you share this testimony with others?
- What are some ways you can remember and celebrate God's mighty hand in your life, as the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 6:21?
- How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's power, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21, to your current challenges and struggles?
- What role can you play in passing on your faith and the stories of God's deliverance to the next generation, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:21 and Psalm 78:4?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 6:21
Ver. 21 Then shall thou say unto thy son,.... In order to lead him into the spring and original of them, and to acquaint him with the goodness of God, which laid them under obligation to observe
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 6:21
And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? When thy son asketh thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:21
(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 Ì 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.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 6:21
21. bondmen] See on Deuteronomy 5:6. mighty hand] See on Deuteronomy 4:34.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 6:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Vacuums Deut 6;21 by Harold Erickson | Harold Erickson emphasizes the concept of spiritual vacuums in his sermon, illustrating how God brings us out of bondage, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21, to lead us into a fuller life |
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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 |
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True vs. False Conversions by C.J. Cutrone | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the repetitive cycle of the Israelites in the Bible. He highlights how the people would turn to God when they needed deliverance, but would q |
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Obedience by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his lack of obedience as a child. He emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience to God's commands. The speaker then |
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Tulip - Part 3 (Total Depravity 2) by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our total depravity and our need for God's redemption. He highlights the significance of understanding our sinf |