Deuteronomy 16:12
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.
Original Language Analysis
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
And thou shalt remember
H2142
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
And thou shalt remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיִ֖יתָ
H1961
הָיִ֖יתָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֣
and thou shalt observe
H8104
וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֣
and thou shalt observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ
and do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Egypt's bondage (circa 1876-1446 BC per conservative dating) defined Israel's identity. The Exodus was God's paradigmatic redemptive act, referenced throughout Torah to motivate obedience. The command to remember slavery appears repeatedly (5:15, 15:15, 24:18, 24:22), especially regarding treatment of servants, strangers, and the poor. Remembering oppression cultivates empathy and prevents Israel from oppressing others. This principle of redemption-shaped ethics permeates Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How should remembering your own spiritual slavery (to sin) before redemption shape how you treat others?
- In what ways does God's past deliverance serve as both motivation and pattern for present obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt—The Hebrew vezacharta (וְזָכַרְתָּ֗) commands active remembrance, not passive recollection. Israel's slavery experience (עֶבֶד הָיִ֖יתָ, eved hayita, 'you were a slave') must shape present ethics. This motive clause grounds inclusive feast hospitality in experiential solidarity: 'You know the heart of a stranger, for you were strangers' (Exodus 23:9).
Thou shalt observe and do these statutes—The twin verbs veshamarta ve'asita (וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ, 'guard and do') stress careful obedience. Memory of redemption demands ethical action. This verse links Egypt's memory directly to feast inclusion (v. 11), making compassion for the marginalized a redemption-driven obligation. Christians similarly root ethics in Christ's redemption: 'Be kind...forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you' (Ephesians 4:32).