Deuteronomy 8:11
Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמֹ֤ר
Beware
H8104
שְׁמֹ֤ר
Beware
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח
that thou forget
H7911
תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח
that thou forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
4 of 16
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
not the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
not the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 16
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
לְבִלְתִּ֨י
H1115
לְבִלְתִּ֨י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
שְׁמֹ֤ר
Beware
H8104
שְׁמֹ֤ר
Beware
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתָיו֙
his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָיו֙
his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
10 of 16
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו
and his judgments
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו
and his judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This command anticipates Israel's entrance into Canaan, where they'll face temptations to adopt Canaanite practices and worship Canaanite deities. Walking in God's ways would distinguish Israel from surrounding nations, making them a 'holy nation' (Exodus 19:6). Israel's later syncretism and idolatry demonstrated failure to fear God and walk in His ways, resulting in prophetic warnings and eventual exile.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'walk in God's ways' in your daily decisions?
- How does the 'fear of the LORD' function as 'the beginning of wisdom' in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses continues: 'Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.' The 'therefore' connects God's fatherly discipline (verse 5) to obedient response—proper understanding of God's character produces reverence and obedience. 'Walk in his ways' presents the Christian life as a journey, requiring daily faithfulness. The 'fear' of God (yirah) is both reverential awe and practical wisdom—recognizing God's authority and aligning life accordingly.