Deuteronomy 6:20

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?

Deuteronomy 6:20 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ final words to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses calls the people to love and obey God completely. The immediate context, Deuteronomy 6:17-19, emphasizes diligently keeping God’s commandments, testimonies, and statutes, and doing what is right and good in the LORD’s sight. The verse looks ahead to a time when children will ask about the meaning of God’s laws.

Meaning

The son’s question is not hostile but curious. He asks what the testimonies, statutes, and judgments mean. These three words together describe the whole of God’s instruction: testimonies are His witness to His character, statutes are His written decrees, and judgments are His decisions for right living. The question expects an answer that explains not just the rules but the reason behind them. This question is a teachable moment, an opportunity for parents to pass down spiritual knowledge.

Biblical connections

The answer to the son’s question appears in the following verses, where parents are told to recount God’s mighty acts, especially the deliverance from Egypt. This shows that the law is a response to grace. God first saved His people, then gave them commands for their good. The pattern of question and answer is a model for passing on faith: the “why” of obedience is explained through the story of God’s saving work. The threefold description of the law points to the comprehensive nature of God’s instruction for His people.

Application

Parents and caregivers have a vital role in guiding children’s spiritual growth. When children ask about God, His Word, or faith, those moments are opportunities for meaningful conversation. Believers should be prepared to explain the reasons behind their faith and obedience, making it intelligible to the next generation. This teaching is not only for parents but for anyone who mentors or influences young believers. Being ready to give an answer helps make faith understandable and relevant.

Reflection

The verse reminds us that faith is passed on through honest answers and lived example. It encourages believers to know not only what they believe but why they believe it. As we study the Bible, considering the surrounding verses and the broader message of the passage helps us gain a comprehensive understanding. The goal is that children would understand and embrace the covenant relationship between God and His people, growing in faith and obedience. This covenant is rooted in God’s redeeming work, and our obedience flows from gratitude for His salvation.