Deuteronomy 15:15
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.
Original Language Analysis
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֗
And thou shalt remember
H2142
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֗
And thou shalt remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיִ֙יתָ֙
H1961
הָיִ֙יתָ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֖
redeemed
H6299
וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֖
redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
7 of 17
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
יְהוָ֣ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 17
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
מְצַוְּךָ֛
thee therefore I command
H6680
מְצַוְּךָ֛
thee therefore I command
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
13 of 17
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thee this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
thee this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
15 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
Egypt's bondage (400 years, Genesis 15:13) culminated in midnight liberation without negotiation or payment—pure grace (Exodus 12:31-32). The Exodus became Israel's paradigmatic salvation event, constantly recalled to motivate covenant obedience, especially economic justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regularly remembering your spiritual 'Egypt' (slavery to sin) fuel Christlike generosity?
- What practical habits (prayer, journaling, testimony) keep your redemption story fresh rather than faded?
- In what areas are you acting like an unransomed slave-owner rather than a ransomed liberator?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee—The ultimate motivation: memory of your own redemption. Israel's generosity must mirror God's grace. The verb redeemed (פָּדָה, padah) means 'to ransom, deliver by payment'—God paid the price for Israel's freedom.
Peter applies this: Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8). The cross makes miserliness absurd—hoarding when you've received infinite grace. Paul's rhetorical question devastates self-righteousness: Who maketh thee to differ from another? (1 Corinthians 4:7). Every blessing traces to unmerited grace; therefore all generosity is merely 'paying forward' what we could never repay upward.