Deuteronomy 24:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: 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 slavery in Egypt; this is why the law commands you to provide for the poor.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:22
The repeated theological basis for gleaning and poor relief.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:22 Mean?
This final verse repeats the motivational foundation from verse 18, bookending the gleaning laws with Israel's memory of deprivation. The repetition emphasizes that remembrance is not nostalgic but obligatory—it must generate compassion and action.
The phrase 'I command thee' places these gleaning practices not as optional charity but as divine law, binding on the community just as surely as ritual or moral commandments. Social justice is not secondary.
Deuteronomy 24:22 in the Original Language
עַם (am), 'land'—here meaning territory or geographic place; Egypt was where Israel's bondage occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:22
What does Deuteronomy 24:22 mean?
Remember your slavery in Egypt; this is why the law commands you to provide for the poor.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:22?
The repeated theological basis for gleaning and poor relief.