Deuteronomy 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Original Language Analysis
וְלִמַּדְתֶּ֥ם
And ye shall teach
H3925
וְלִמַּדְתֶּ֥ם
And ye shall teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
אֹתָ֛ם
H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם
them your children
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם
them your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
speaking
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤
of them when thou sittest
H3427
בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤
of them when thou sittest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙
in thine house
H1004
בְּבֵיתֶ֙ךָ֙
in thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣
H1980
וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Psalms 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Isaiah 38:19The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.Proverbs 2:1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
Historical Context
This repeats Deuteronomy 6:7, establishing home-centered spiritual education. Ancient Israel lacked synagogue schools until post-exilic period; fathers taught children Torah. The Shema and surrounding commandments formed core curriculum. This domestic discipleship model contrasts with modern delegation of spiritual training to church programs. Family discipleship was covenant requirement, not optional.
Questions for Reflection
- How can modern families recover the practice of natural, daily Scripture conversation?
- What barriers prevent parents from fulfilling this command, and how can they be overcome?
- How does consistent Scripture exposure in childhood shape lifelong faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command extends to generational transmission: 'teach them your children, speaking of them' whenever—'when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.' This describes total life integration—Scripture discussion permeates all contexts: home, travel, morning, evening. The Hebrew diber (דִּבֶּר, 'speak, talk') indicates conversational teaching, not just formal instruction. Faith transmission requires consistent, natural Scripture engagement throughout daily life. Parents bear primary responsibility for children's spiritual formation.