Deuteronomy Chapter 6 · Verse 20
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?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥
asketh
H7592
יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥
asketh
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
2 of 14
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בִנְךָ֛
And when thy son
H1121
בִנְךָ֛
And when thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מָחָ֖ר
thee in time to come
H4279
מָחָ֖ר
thee in time to come
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
מָ֣ה
H4100
מָ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙
and the statutes
H2706
וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙
and the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
8 of 14
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and the judgments
H4941
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and the judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 13:14And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:Exodus 12:26And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
Historical Context
Israel's festivals, Sabbaths, dietary laws, and Passover rituals naturally provoked children's questions about their meaning and purpose. These practices served as catechetical opportunities for rehearsing exodus redemption and covenant obligations. The Passover liturgy specifically included children's questions prompting parental explanation (Exodus 12:26-27). This generational teaching pattern sustained Israel's faith across centuries, preserving true worship even during apostasy periods. Faithful parents always maintained the remnant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse establish parental responsibility for deliberately instructing children in Scripture and redemptive history?
- What practices can Christian families implement to create regular opportunities for teaching children about God's Word and works?
Analysis & Commentary
The anticipated question 'What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments?' establishes the pattern of catechizing children. When children ask about covenant practices, parents must explain redemptive history and covenant obligations. The phrase 'which the LORD our God hath commanded you' indicates that younger generations require instruction in divine authority grounding obedience. This verse articulates the Reformed principle of covenant education: parents must intentionally disciple children, explaining God's Word and works. Faith transmission across generations requires deliberate teaching, not passive cultural osmosis.