Old Testament
Deuteronomy 16:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Instead, sacrifice the Passover at the place the LORD your God chooses as the dwelling for his name. Do it in the evening, as the sun goes down, at the same time of year you came out of Egypt.
Compare translations
But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.
What Deuteronomy 16:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to celebrate the Passover. They are to offer the sacrifice at a specific location chosen by God, which is significant because it represents His presence among them. The timing is also important; they must do this in the evening, as the sun sets, marking the moment they were freed from slavery in Egypt. This act of remembrance is not just a ritual; it connects them to their history and God's deliverance. By following these instructions, they acknowledge God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The Passover is a powerful reminder of their identity as a people chosen by God, and it reinforces their commitment to Him. This celebration is a way to honor their past while looking forward to their future with God. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and the significance of sacred moments in their journey as a community of faith. Each year, this practice helps them remember who they are and the God who saved them from oppression.
How to apply Deuteronomy 16:6 to your life
Consider how you remember significant moments in your life. Just as the Israelites were instructed to celebrate their freedom, think about ways to honor your own milestones. Create rituals or traditions that help you reflect on your journey and the support you've received along the way. These practices can deepen your appreciation for your experiences and relationships. They can also strengthen your connection to your values and beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 16:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 16:6
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the Passover sacrifice in Deuteronomy 16:6?
The Passover sacrifice in Deuteronomy 16:6 is significant as it commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. By following God's command to sacrifice at a specific location chosen by Him, the Israelites acknowledge His presence and sovereignty. This act serves as a powerful reminder of their identity as God's chosen people and reinforces their commitment to Him through obedience and remembrance.
Why does God specify the timing for the Passover sacrifice?
God specifies the timing for the Passover sacrifice to be in the evening, at sunset, to mark the exact moment of their liberation from Egypt. This timing is crucial as it connects the act of sacrifice to their historical experience of freedom, allowing the Israelites to remember and reflect on God's faithfulness and deliverance. It emphasizes the importance of sacred moments in their faith journey.
How can I apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 16:6 to my life?
You can apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 16:6 by creating your own rituals or traditions to commemorate significant moments in your life. Just as the Israelites celebrated their freedom, consider ways to honor your milestones and reflect on your journey. These practices can deepen your appreciation for your experiences and strengthen your connection to your values and beliefs.
How does Deuteronomy 16:6 relate to the concept of obedience in faith?
Deuteronomy 16:6 highlights the theme of obedience in faith by instructing the Israelites to follow God's specific commands regarding the Passover. Their willingness to adhere to these guidelines reflects their trust in God's plan and their commitment to honoring Him. This obedience is not just about following rules; it is an expression of their relationship with God and their recognition of His authority in their lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.