Hear, O Israel
The LORD our God, the LORD is One
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- A verse number shows the Bible’s exact words.
- An underlined word shows what it means.
Read
What does it say?
This is a plain-language guide, not a translation. Check it against the Bible text any time.
Tap a verse number, like , to read the Bible’s exact words.
The whole passage, in shortThe main points of the whole passage, in a few sentences.
Before God's people entered the promised land, Moses taught them the words at the center of their faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Keep these words on your heart, and talk about them with your children at home and on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Where it is in the Bible: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
All the sections at a glanceA map of the passage, with the verses for each section.
Map of the Message
| Section | Verses | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. So You May Live | 6:1-3 | God's commands are for life in the land |
| 2. Hear, O Israel | 6:4-5 | The LORD is One. Love him with everything |
| 3. On Your Heart | 6:6-9 | Talk about God's words everywhere |
Before You Read
Who is speaking. Moses, near the end of his life. The book of Deuteronomy is his long farewell to God's people.
Where they are. On the plains of Moab, by the Jordan River. Forty years in the desert are over. They're about to enter the promised land, but Moses won't go with them (Deuteronomy 34:4).
What this passage is. The Shema, the most important prayer for Jewish people, still prayed every morning and evening. Shema is the Hebrew word for "hear."
Why it matters. When asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus quoted these words (Mark 12:29-30).
Section by Section
Section 1 of 3So You May Live
Moses says these commandments are for living in the new land God is giving them.
They're for "you and your children and grandchildren" (6:2).
God's commands are meant to bring good life.
Section 2 of 3Hear, O Israel
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (6:4).
There is only one true God. Not many gods like the nations around them believed in.
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (6:5).
All your heart: your feelings and choices. All your soul: your whole life. All your strength: everything you have.
Section 3 of 3On Your Heart
"These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts" (6:6).
"And you shall teach them diligently to your children" (6:7). Diligently means carefully, again and again.
Talk about them "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (6:7).
In other words, all the time.
Tie them on your hands and forehead. Write them on your doorposts and gates.
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "Hear, O Israel" (6:4) | Listen carefully. This matters most. |
| "The LORD is One" (6:4) | There is one true God. |
| "Love the LORD your God with all your heart" (6:5) | God wants all of you, not just part. |
| "Upon your hearts" (6:6) | God's word should live inside us. |
| "Teach them diligently to your children" (6:7) | Faith is passed on at home. |
| "When you sit at home and when you walk along the road" (6:7) | Talk about God in everyday life. |
Back Then
Some Jewish people still wear tefillin. These small leather boxes hold Scripture and are tied to the arm and forehead during prayer.
Many Jewish homes have a mezuzah. It's a small case on the doorpost with these words inside.
Luther's Small Catechism was made for homes. Luther wrote it so "the head of the family" could teach it to the household.
Literal Reader Alert
Do Christians have to write Bible verses on doors? Not as a rule. The point is keeping God's word close in everyday life. Some Christians hang a cross or a verse on the wall.
Can anyone love God with everything? No one does perfectly. Jesus did, for us. Then he helps us grow in love.
Is this only for Jewish people? These words were given to Israel. Jesus called it the greatest commandment for everyone.
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Moses | Urgent | He was saying goodbye (6:1) |
| The people | Hopeful | They were about to enter the land (6:3) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
Where could God's word be part of your day? Tap one.
When I get up
A short prayer in the morning.
On the road
Talking about God in the car or on a walk.
At home
Reading the Bible with family.
When I lie down
A prayer before sleep.
You Might Have Heard
"Faith is just for Sundays."
What's true: Gathering for worship on Sundays matters.
What the passage is mainly about: God's words belong in every part of life: at home, on the road, morning and night. Faith is something families live and talk about every day.
Where Jesus is: Jesus called this the greatest commandment. Then he kept it perfectly, loving God with all his heart, all the way to the cross.
Good News
God gave his people a simple center: love the one true God with everything.
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (6:4).
We don't love God perfectly. But God loves us perfectly. In Jesus, he loved us with all his heart, soul, and strength.
There is one true God. Love him with all your heart, soul, and strength, and talk about his words everywhere you go.
Big Idea
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and keep his words with you everywhere.
If this passage brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther's Small Catechism has prayers for morning and evening, and blessings for meals. He wanted God's word in every part of family life, just like Deuteronomy 6.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. In Year B, it reads Deuteronomy 6:1-9 in late October or early November (Lectionary 31), next to Jesus naming the greatest commandment.
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
How did that feel?
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Lectionary 31 Year BFirst reading, Deuteronomy 6:1–9
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Hear, O Israel, explained in plain words. Moses gives God's people the prayer at the center of their faith. About 7 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/hear-o-israel/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church