Deuteronomy 6:2 Meaning and Explanation
“That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Fearing God and keeping His laws ensures long life and blessing for you and your descendants.
The Context of Deuteronomy 6:2
The purpose of keeping God's laws: fear of the Lord maintained across generations.
What Does Deuteronomy 6:2 Mean?
The fear of the Lord is the starting point of religious obedience. This isn't anxious dread but reverent awe and deep respect for God's authority and character. The goal is lasting relationship expressed through faithful obedience across generations—you, your children, and grandchildren walking the same covenant path together.
God's promise is concrete: obedience brings extended life and flourishing. The reference to multiple generations shows this is not individual piety but family legacy. Each generation inherits both the command and the blessing that comes from taking it seriously.
Deuteronomy 6:2 in the Original Language
yirah (יִרְאָה), 'fear'—in Hebrew, a reverent awe and relational respect, not mere terror.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 6:2
What does Deuteronomy 6:2 mean?
Fearing God and keeping His laws ensures long life and blessing for you and your descendants.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 6:2?
The purpose of keeping God's laws: fear of the Lord maintained across generations.