Deuteronomy 6:24
And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙
us to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙
us to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
all these statutes
H2706
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
all these statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
6 of 18
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
לְיִרְאָ֖ה
to fear
H3372
לְיִרְאָ֖ה
to fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
8 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 18
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
לְט֥וֹב
for our good
H2896
לְט֥וֹב
for our good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
12 of 18
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּהַיּ֥וֹם
always
H3117
כְּהַיּ֥וֹם
always
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
15 of 18
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
לְחַיֹּתֵ֖נוּ
that he might preserve us alive
H2421
לְחַיֹּתֵ֖נוּ
that he might preserve us alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
16 of 18
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:39And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:Psalms 41:2The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.Deuteronomy 4:1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.Deuteronomy 8:1All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
Historical Context
Moses speaks to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, shortly before they enter Canaan. The first generation died in wilderness wandering due to unbelief; this generation must learn from their fathers' failure.
Deuteronomy functions as covenant renewal document, reiterating and expanding upon the Sinai covenant for those who will possess the Promised Land. The law is not merely legal code but relational framework for the theocratic nation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's law as designed for our good change our attitude toward obedience?
- In what ways have you experienced blessing through keeping God's commandments?
- How does proper fear of the LORD differ from mere terror or anxiety?
- What does it mean that God's statutes produce our good 'always' - both now and eternally?
- How should the benevolent purpose of God's law shape how we teach it to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always. This verse captures the essence of covenant obedience - God's law is not arbitrary restriction but revelation of what produces human flourishing.
The phrase for our good always reveals the benevolent purpose behind divine commandments. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's law reflects His character and reveals the created order. Obedience to God's statutes aligns humanity with reality as God designed it, producing blessing not as arbitrary reward but as natural consequence of living according to divine wisdom.
The command to fear the LORD establishes proper relationship orientation. Biblical fear combines reverent awe, holy respect, and loving trust. This fear is not servile terror but filial devotion - the response of redeemed children to their sovereign Father.
The Hebrew construction emphasizes perpetual benefit - always indicates continuous, unbroken welfare flowing from covenant faithfulness. God's statutes produce temporal and eternal good, preserving life in this age and securing blessing in the age to come.