Deuteronomy 11:2
And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
Original Language Analysis
יָדְעוּ֙
And know
H3045
יָדְעוּ֙
And know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 23
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הַיּוֹם֒
ye this day
H3117
הַיּוֹם֒
ye this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 23
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּנֵיכֶ֗ם
for I speak not with your children
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֗ם
for I speak not with your children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדְעוּ֙
And know
H3045
יָדְעוּ֙
And know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 23
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָא֔וּ
and which have not seen
H7200
רָא֔וּ
and which have not seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
12 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מוּסַ֖ר
the chastisement
H4148
מוּסַ֖ר
the chastisement
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 23
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 23
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 #:
19 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָדוֹ֙
hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
20 of 23
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה
his mighty
H2389
הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה
his mighty
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
21 of 23
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
Historical Context
This address comes as Israel stands on the plains of Moab, ready to enter Canaan forty years after the Exodus. The original generation that left Egypt had died in the wilderness (except Joshua and Caleb). Moses speaks to those who were young during the Exodus or born in the wilderness—they witnessed Egypt's plagues, the Red Sea crossing, Sinai, the golden calf, Korah's rebellion, and decades of God's provision. Their children, however, would know these events only through testimony.
Questions for Reflection
- How does personal experience of God's faithfulness create unique responsibility to testify to others?
- What 'mighty acts' has God done in your life that you must not allow the next generation to forget?
- How does God use both blessing and discipline as 'chastisement' to teach His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, neither have seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
Moses addresses the generation that witnessed firsthand God's mighty acts in Egypt and the wilderness. The Hebrew verb yada (יָדַע, 'know') implies experiential knowledge, not mere intellectual assent. This generation 'knows' because they have 'seen' (רָאָה, ra'ah)—they are eyewitnesses to divine intervention.
The phrase 'chastisement' (מוּסָר, musar) encompasses discipline, correction, and instruction. God's redemptive judgment on Egypt and discipline of Israel served pedagogical purposes—revealing His character and teaching His people. The threefold description—'greatness, mighty hand, stretched out arm'—emphasizes God's sovereign power and purposeful intervention in history.
This verse establishes the principle of generational witness: those who experience God's works bear responsibility to testify to subsequent generations. The contrast with 'your children which have not known' underscores the unique accountability of eyewitnesses.