Deuteronomy 24:18 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Remember your own slavery in Egypt and God's redemption; therefore show mercy to the vulnerable.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:18
The theological foundation for social justice: God's redemptive acts toward Israel.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:18 Mean?
Israel's memory of bondage in Egypt is the foundation for its duty toward the poor, the stranger, and the widow. Having experienced slavery, Israel understands deprivation and should extend mercy. The word 'remember' calls for visceral, emotional recollection, not mere intellectual acknowledgment.
God's redemption of Israel from Egypt models the legal protection the law now requires. Just as God freed Israel, Israel must not further enslave or oppress others.
Deuteronomy 24:18 in the Original Language
עָבֶד (eved), 'bondman'—slave or servant in forced labor; Israel's memory of this condition shapes its law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:18
What does Deuteronomy 24:18 mean?
Remember your own slavery in Egypt and God's redemption; therefore show mercy to the vulnerable.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:18?
The theological foundation for social justice: God's redemptive acts toward Israel.