Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Context

The book of Deuteronomy consists of farewell addresses that Moses delivered on the plains of Moab before the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan. After restating the Ten Commandments in chapter 5, the text presents in 6:4–5 a confession that begins, "Hear, O Israel." It declares that the LORD is one and commands Israel to love Him with all the heart, soul, and might. The present passage follows immediately and describes how that confession is to be kept in daily life. The verses that follow, 6:10–12, warn Israel not to forget God when they enter the land and enjoy its abundance. The command therefore belongs to a larger call to remain faithful to the covenant made with God.

Interpretation

• Jewish reading: Deuteronomy 6:4–9 is called the Shema (Hebrew for "hear"). Together with Deuteronomy 11:13–21 and other passages, it became a prayer recited morning and evening. Verses 8–9 have traditionally been observed literally, in the form of the tefillin (phylacteries), small boxes containing handwritten passages of Scripture that are bound on the hand and forehead, and the mezuzah, which is affixed to the doorpost.
• Majority Protestant reading: The hand, the space between the eyes, and the doorposts in verses 8–9 are understood figuratively, signifying that God's Word should govern one's thoughts, actions, and entire household life. The emphasis falls on the words "shall be in thine heart" in verse 6 and on the everyday teaching described in verse 7. Within the Reformed tradition, including Presbyterianism, the passage has been cited as a basis for the instruction of children in covenant families and for family worship.
• Connection to the New Testament: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 as the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28–34). Christian interpreters also read this passage alongside the new covenant promise that God will write His laws on the heart (Hebrews 8:6–13).

Questions Concerning Application

The passage is not a matter of notable controversy among denominations, though several questions are commonly raised.

• Literal observance: On the basis of Matthew 23:5, where Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they "make broad their phylacteries," the common interpretation holds that inward obedience matters more than outward signs.
• Translation: The precise meaning of the Hebrew word totafot, rendered "frontlets" in the KJV, is generally regarded as uncertain.
• Citation out of context: Some observe that citing the passage solely as a method for educating children obscures its original thrust, which is loyalty to the covenant.

In the Korean Church

The passage frequently serves as the sermon text on Children's Sunday, during Family Month (May), and in settings addressing Sunday school and the education of the next generation. It is also cited in support of the view that primary responsibility for faith formation rests not with the church school but with parents and the home. Family faith-formation programs and books bearing the name "Shema" have been published. Practices such as hanging framed Scripture verses in the home and Scripture memorization are sometimes explained with reference to this passage.

Related Passages

• Deuteronomy 11:18–20
• Exodus 13:9
• Proverbs 3:3
• Ephesians 6:4
• 2 Timothy 3:15