Deuteronomy Chapter 8 · Verse 6
Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁ֣מַרְתָּ֔
Therefore thou shalt keep
H8104
וְשָׁ֣מַרְתָּ֔
Therefore thou shalt keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִצְוֹ֖ת
the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹ֖ת
the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
3 of 9
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 9
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
לָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֥כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
H1870
בִּדְרָכָ֖יו
in his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:33Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.Psalms 128:1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.2 Chronicles 6:31That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.Exodus 18:20And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.1 Samuel 12:24Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
Historical Context
As Israel prepared to enter Canaan, they would face temptations the wilderness didn't present: agricultural cycles requiring trust in seasonal rains, prosperity tempting self-sufficiency, and Canaanite religious practices offering false security. 'Walking in God's ways' in this new context required applying covenant principles to new situations—Sabbath observance in farming cycles, tithing from harvests, and maintaining distinct worship. The command anticipated challenges of maintaining covenant faithfulness amid cultural pressure and material abundance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your daily 'walk' reflect comprehensive life orientation toward God versus compartmentalized religious activity?
- What is the relationship between fearing God and obeying His commands in your experience?
- In what new situations or circumstances do you need wisdom to 'walk in God's ways' faithfully?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'Therefore' connects the previous verses' description of God's provision (vv. 2-5) with the command to obedience. Because God has proven faithful, keep His commandments. 'To walk in his ways' (lalekheth bidrakhav) means comprehensive life orientation, not isolated acts of obedience. 'To fear him' (le-yir'ah oto) is reverential awe, not servile terror—the appropriate response to God's holiness and goodness. This fear motivates obedience from love and respect, not self-preservation. The threefold structure (keep commandments, walk in ways, fear Him) encompasses belief, behavior, and affection. True piety integrates right doctrine, right practice, and right devotion.