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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. 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Teach them to your children and to their children after them. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Only be careful for yourself and watch over your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Only keep yourself and keep your soul very carefully, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. But make them known to your sons and to your grandsons. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Only pay attention and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your grandchildren [impressing these things on their mind and penetrating their heart with these truths]— <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don&#8217t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don&#8217t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children; <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children; <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things which you have seen with your own eyes. Don't let them fade from your memory as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Be on your guard! Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and your grandchildren <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Only guard yourselves carefully so you won't forget the things that you saw and let them slip from your mind for the rest of your life. Tell them to your children and to your grandchildren. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Again, however, pay very careful attention, lest you forget the things you have seen and disregard them for the rest of your life; instead teach them to your children and grandchildren. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children's children; <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou shouldst forget the things which thy eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them to thy sons, and thy sons' sons: <a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children’s children— <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Only, take heed to yourself, and watch your soul exceedingly, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they turn aside from your heart all [the] days of your life; and you have made them known to your sons and to your sons’ sons. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Only, take heed to thyself, and watch thy soul exceedingly, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they turn aside from thy heart, all days of thy life; and thou hast made them known to thy sons, and to thy sons' sons. <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Only watch to thyself and watch thy soul greatly, lest thou shalt forget the words which thine eyes saw, and lest they shall remove from thy heart all the days of thy life: and make them known to thy sons and to the sons of thy sons.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Keep thyself therefore, and thy soul carefully. Forget not the words that thy eyes have seen, and let them not go out of thy heart all the days of thy life. Thou shalt teach them to thy sons and to thy grandsons, <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, guard yourself and your soul carefully. You should not forget the words that your eyes have seen, and do not let them be cut away from your heart, throughout all the days of your life. You shall teach them to your sons and to your grandsons, <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children’s children, <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Only take heed for yourselves, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but declare them to your children and your children's children. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Only be very aware and keep your souls so that you will not forget any statement that your eyes see and they shall not pass away from your heart all the days of your life, and teach them to your children and to the children of your children;<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children; <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Take heed to thyself, and keep thy heart diligently: forget not any of the things, which thine eyes have seen, and let them not depart from thine heart all the days of thy life; and thou shalt teach thy sons and thy sons' sons, <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1187" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">An Exhortation to Obedience</a> …8And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? 9<a href="/hebrew/7535.htm" title="7535: raq (Adv) -- The same as raq as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e. limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although.">Only</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: hiš·šā·mer (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">be on your guard</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">and diligently</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: ū·šə·mōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">watch</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">yourselves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">so that you do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: tiš·kaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">forget</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the things</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·ne·ḵā (N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">your eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">have seen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: ū·p̄en- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">and so that they do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sū·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">slip</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: mil·lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">from your heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·ye·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">long as you live.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tām (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">Teach them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: lə·ḇā·ne·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to your children</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: wə·liḇ·nê (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and grandchildren.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇā·ne·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> 10The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-7</a> We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children ... <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. <a href="/joshua/4-21.htm">Joshua 4:21-24</a> Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ / you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ / For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. ... <a href="/psalms/145-4.htm">Psalm 145:4</a> One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— <a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a> I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. <a href="/2_peter/1-12.htm">2 Peter 1:12-15</a> Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. / I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, / because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. ... <a href="/exodus/13-8.htm">Exodus 13:8-9</a> And on that day you are to explain to your son, ‘This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ / It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a> I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. <a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a> We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-15</a> But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a> Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/isaiah/38-19.htm">Isaiah 38:19</a> The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness. <a href="/joel/1-3.htm">Joel 1:3</a> Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. <a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a> and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life: but teach them your sons, and your sons' sons;keep thy soul<a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15,23</a> Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: … <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1,3</a> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: … <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20-23</a> My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings… lest they<a href="/joshua/1-18.htm">Joshua 1:18</a> Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.<a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a> Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.<a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-3,21</a> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: … teach them<a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Deuteronomy 6:7</a> And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.<a href="/deuteronomy/11-19.htm">Deuteronomy 11:19</a> And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a> The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/3-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-46.htm">Children's</a> <a href="/numbers/22-13.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/numbers/11-12.htm">Shouldst</a> <a href="/numbers/31-28.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-9.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm">Children's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-7.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Shouldst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-29.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a> 41. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a> 44. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves This phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's faith and obedience to God's commandments. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The call to "be on your guard" reflects the need for constant spiritual awareness and self-examination, akin to the New Testament exhortation in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> to be sober-minded and watchful. The Israelites were surrounded by pagan nations, and the temptation to adopt foreign practices was a real threat. This vigilance is a timeless principle, urging believers to guard against spiritual complacency and moral compromise.so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen Moses reminds the Israelites of the miraculous events they witnessed, such as the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and God's provision in the wilderness. These events were not only historical but also foundational to their identity as God's chosen people. Forgetting these acts of God could lead to a loss of faith and a turning away from His commandments. This warning is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to remember the works of Christ and the apostles, as seen in <a href="/2_peter/1-12.htm">2 Peter 1:12-15</a>. The act of remembering is crucial for maintaining a vibrant faith.and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The danger of God's works slipping from the heart suggests a gradual process of spiritual decline. This phrase underscores the need for continual meditation on God's Word and His deeds, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>, where the psalmist treasures God's word in his heart to avoid sin. The heart's retention of God's acts is vital for lifelong faithfulness and obedience.Teach them to your children and grandchildren This command highlights the importance of generational faith transmission. The family is seen as the primary context for spiritual education, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, notably in <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a> and <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a>. The Israelites were to ensure that their children understood their heritage and the covenant relationship with God. This teaching was not merely academic but involved living out the faith in daily life, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a>. The emphasis on teaching future generations ensures the continuity of faith and obedience to God’s commandments, serving as a safeguard against cultural assimilation and spiritual amnesia.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The speaker of this verse, Moses is addressing the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant with God and the importance of remembering His laws and deeds. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The audience of Moses' address, they are the chosen people of God, who have witnessed His mighty works and are about to enter the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where the Israelites received the Law, which they are being urged to remember and teach. 4. <a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a> The destination of the Israelites, representing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. <a href="/topical/g/generations.htm">Generations</a> The children and grandchildren of the Israelites, who are to be taught the laws and deeds of God to ensure the continuity of faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a> The Hebrew word for "guard" (shamar) implies careful attention and protection. Believers are called to actively protect their hearts and minds from forgetting God's works and commands. <a href="/topical/d/diligent_remembrance.htm">Diligent Remembrance</a> The act of remembering is not passive. It requires intentional reflection and meditation on God's Word and His deeds in our lives. <a href="/topical/g/generational_responsibility.htm">Generational Responsibility</a> Teaching the next generation is a biblical mandate. Parents and grandparents have a responsibility to pass on their faith and knowledge of God to their children and grandchildren. <a href="/topical/v/vigilance_against_forgetfulness.htm">Vigilance Against Forgetfulness</a> Forgetting God's works can lead to spiritual drift. Regular study, prayer, and community worship help keep God's deeds fresh in our minds. <a href="/topical/l/living_testimonies.htm">Living Testimonies</a> Our lives should be living testimonies of God's faithfulness, serving as examples for others, especially the younger generation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a> <a href="/q/why_no_archaeological_proof_of_exodus.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9–10 references miraculous events of the Exodus—why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence supporting these large-scale occurrences? </a> <a href="/q/what_advice_does_the_bible_give_grandparents.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer grandparents?</a> <a href="/q/how_meditate_on_god's_law_with_low_literacy.htm">If Psalm 1:2 calls for constant meditation on God’s law, how was this even possible in ancient societies with low literacy rates or in modern times with busy lifestyles? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_israelites_bound_commands_then.htm">Exodus 13:9 – Is there any historical evidence that Israelites literally bound these commands on their hands or foreheads at this time? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Only take heed to thyself.--The exhortation contained in the following verses lays special emphasis on one point--the worship of the invisible Jehovah without images. This more than anything else would tend to separate the religion of Israel from that of all other nations.Teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.--A command which Israel evidently failed to obey. For a generation speedily rose up "which knew not Jehovah nor yet the works which he had done for Israel" (<a href="/judges/2-10.htm" title="And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.">Judges 2:10</a>). It is worth while to observe that we cannot find any trace of a system of national education in Israel until many years later. When education is purely parental, it is likely to be neglected in many instances. It is not every parent who finds himself able to "teach his sons, and his sons' sons."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 9-14. - The possession of the oracles of God by Israel was a benefit to them only as these were kept in mind and reverently obeyed. Therefore they were to take heed and diligently beware of forgetting the circumstances under which the Law had been received at Horeb. God had then commanded the people to be gathered together, so that they stood before the Lord, were in his manifested presence, and were made to hear his voice speaking to them from amidst the fire and the clouds that covered the mount. They had thus actual evidence and guarantee that the Law they had received was Divine; and this they were to keep in mind as long as they lived, and to communicate to their children in all coming time, that so they might fear the Lord; for on this rested that covenant which God had made with Israel, and which they were to keep as the condition of their continuing to enjoy privilege and life. Verse 9. - Keep thy soul diligently; i.e. Be very careful to preserve thy life (cf. <a href="/job/2-6.htm">Job 2:6</a>; <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a>; <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Proverbs 19:16</a>; in all which passages the same formula is used as here). The Hebrew (נֶפֻשׁ) means primarily breath, then vital principle, natural life (anima), then soul life, the soul or mind (animus). The forgetting of the wonders they had seen would lead to their forgetting God, and so to their departing from him, and this would mar and ultimately destroy their life (cf. <a href="/joshua/23-11.htm">Joshua 23:11-16</a>). The things which thine eyes have seen (see <a href="/exodus/19-10.htm">Exodus 19:10</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Only רַ֡ק (raq) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7535.htm">Strong's 7535: </a> But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless be on your guard הִשָּׁ֣מֶר (hiš·šā·mer) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to and diligently מְאֹ֗ד (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily watch וּשְׁמֹ֨ר (ū·šə·mōr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to yourselves, נַפְשְׁךָ֜ (nap̄·šə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion so that you do not פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest forget תִּשְׁכַּ֨ח (tiš·kaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention the things הַדְּבָרִ֜ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause your eyes עֵינֶ֗יךָ (‘ê·ne·ḵā) Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain have seen, רָא֣וּ (rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see and so that they do not וּפֶן־ (ū·p̄en-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest slip יָס֙וּרוּ֙ (yā·sū·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside from your heart מִלְּבָ֣בְךָ֔ (mil·lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart as כֹּ֖ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every long as you live. חַיֶּ֑יךָ (ḥay·ye·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life Teach וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֥ם (wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know them to your children לְבָנֶ֖יךָ (lə·ḇā·ne·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and grandchildren. וְלִבְנֵ֥י (wə·liḇ·nê) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to yourself and keep (Deut. 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