Deuteronomy 5:15
New International Version
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

New Living Translation
Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.

English Standard Version
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Berean Standard Bible
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

King James Bible
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

New King James Version
And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

New American Standard Bible
And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to celebrate the Sabbath day.

NASB 1995
‘You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

NASB 1977
‘And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

Legacy Standard Bible
You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm; therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

Amplified Bible
You shall remember [with thoughtful concern] that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Christian Standard Bible
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God brought thee out thence by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Jehovah thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Contemporary English Version
This special day of rest will remind you that I reached out my mighty arm and rescued you from slavery in Egypt.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God brought thee out thence by a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God used his mighty hand and powerful arm to bring you out of there. This is why the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the day of worship.

Good News Translation
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and that I, the LORD your God, rescued you by my great power and strength. That is why I command you to observe the Sabbath.

International Standard Version
You are to remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out from there with great power and a show of force. Therefore, the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Majority Standard Bible
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

NET Bible
Recall that you were slaves in the land of Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there by strength and power. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

New Heart English Bible
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Webster's Bible Translation
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence with a mighty hand and by an out-stretched arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath-day.

World English Bible
You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you have remembered that you have been a servant in the land of Egypt, and your God YHWH brings you out from there by a strong hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore your God YHWH has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast remembered that a servant thou hast been in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God is bringing thee out thence by a strong hand, and by a stretched-out arm; therefore hath Jehovah thy God commanded thee to keep the day of the sabbath.

Smith's Literal Translation
And remember that thou wert a servant in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God brought thee out from there by a strong hand and by an extended arm: for this, Jehovah thy God commanded thee to do the day of the Sabbath.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Remember that thou also didst serve in Egypt, and the Lord thy God brought thee out from thence with a strong hand, and a stretched out arm. Therefore hath he commanded thee that thou shouldst observe the sabbath day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Remember that you also were servants in Egypt, and the Lord your God led you away from that place with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. Because of this, he has instructed you so that you would observe the Sabbath day.

New American Bible
Remember that you too were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD, your God, brought you out from there with a strong hand and outstretched arm. That is why the LORD, your God, has commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

New Revised Standard Version
Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out thence by a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm; therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the sabbath day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And remember that you were a Servant in Egypt and LORD JEHOVAH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an exalted arm; because of this, LORD JEHOVAH your God commanded you to keep the day of the Sabbath.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou shalt remember that thou was a servant in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God brought thee out thence by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God brought thee out thence with a mighty hand, and a high arm: therefore the Lord appointed thee to keep the sabbath day and to sanctify it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ten Commandments
14but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. 15Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...

Exodus 13:3
So Moses told the people, “Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand. And nothing leavened shall be eaten.

Exodus 23:12
For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident.

Exodus 31:13-17
“Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. / Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. / For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. ...

Leviticus 23:3
For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 15:15
Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today.

Deuteronomy 16:12
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and carefully follow these statutes.

Deuteronomy 24:18
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

Deuteronomy 24:22
Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

Nehemiah 9:14
You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

Isaiah 58:13-14
If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Ezekiel 20:12
I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Ezekiel 20:20
Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’

Matthew 12:8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”


Treasury of Scripture

And remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out there through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.

remember

Deuteronomy 15:15
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Deuteronomy 16:12
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

Deuteronomy 24:18-22
But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing…

the Lord

Deuteronomy 5:6
I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Psalm 116:16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

through

Deuteronomy 4:34-37
Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? …

Jump to Previous
Arm Commanded Egypt Hand Mighty Mind Observe Outstretched Reason Remember Sabbath Sabbath-Day Servant Slave Slaves Stretched Stretched-Out Strong Thence Wast
Jump to Next
Arm Commanded Egypt Hand Mighty Mind Observe Outstretched Reason Remember Sabbath Sabbath-Day Servant Slave Slaves Stretched Stretched-Out Strong Thence Wast
Deuteronomy 5
1. The covenant in Horeb
6. The ten commandments
23. At the people's request Moses receives the law from God














Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt
This phrase serves as a reminder of Israel's past bondage and suffering under Egyptian rule. The historical context is the Israelites' enslavement, which lasted approximately 400 years, as described in Exodus 1. This period of slavery is a foundational narrative for the Jewish people, emphasizing God's deliverance and faithfulness. Theologically, it underscores the theme of redemption, a motif that runs throughout the Bible. The memory of slavery is intended to foster humility and gratitude among the Israelites, reminding them of their dependence on God.

and that the LORD your God brought you out of there
This highlights God's direct intervention in liberating the Israelites. The phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He alone orchestrated their deliverance. The Exodus event is central to Israel's identity and is frequently referenced throughout Scripture (e.g., Exodus 20:2, Psalm 81:10). It serves as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin.

with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm
This expression is a metaphor for God's strength and active involvement in the Exodus. It conveys the idea of divine power and authority, often used in the Old Testament to describe God's miraculous acts (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:34, Psalm 136:12). The imagery of a "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" suggests both power and protection, reinforcing God's role as a warrior and deliverer.

That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day
The command to observe the Sabbath is rooted in the memory of liberation. The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13) and is a day of rest and worship. It is a reminder of God's creation rest (Genesis 2:2-3) and a symbol of the rest and freedom found in Him. Theologically, the Sabbath points forward to the ultimate rest found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10), who offers spiritual rest and liberation from sin. The observance of the Sabbath is a call to remember God's past deliverance and to trust in His ongoing provision and care.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's commandments, including the reminder of their deliverance from Egypt.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were enslaved in Egypt and later delivered by God's mighty acts.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved for centuries before God delivered them.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel who delivered His people from slavery with power and authority.

5. Sabbath Day
A day of rest commanded by God as a sign of His covenant and a reminder of His deliverance.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering past deliverance is crucial for faith. Just as the Israelites were to remember their slavery and deliverance, Christians are called to remember their deliverance from sin through Christ.

God's Mighty Deliverance
The phrase "mighty hand and an outstretched arm" highlights God's power and faithfulness. Believers can trust in God's ability to deliver them from their own struggles and challenges.

Sabbath as a Covenant Sign
The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a sign of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of His provision and care.

Spiritual Rest in Christ
While the Sabbath was a physical rest, it points to the spiritual rest found in Jesus. Christians are invited to enter this rest by trusting in Christ's finished work.

Obedience to God's Commands
Observing the Sabbath was an act of obedience and trust in God. Similarly, Christians are called to obey God's commands as an expression of their faith and trust in Him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Remember
וְזָכַרְתָּ֞֗ (wə·zā·ḵar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

that
כִּ֣י־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you were
הָיִ֣֙יתָ֙ ׀ (hā·yî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a slave
עֶ֤֥בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

in the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt,
מִצְרַ֔֗יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

and that the LORD
יְהוָ֤֨ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֤֙יךָ֙ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

brought you out
וַיֹּצִ֨אֲךָ֜֩ (way·yō·ṣi·’ă·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of there
מִשָּׁ֔ם֙ (miš·šām)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

with a mighty
חֲזָקָ֖ה֙ (ḥă·zā·qāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2389: Strong, stout, mighty

hand
בְּיָ֤֥ד (bə·yāḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

and outstretched
נְטוּיָ֑֔ה (nə·ṭū·yāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

arm.
וּבִזְרֹ֣עַ (ū·ḇiz·rō·a‘)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2220: The arm, the foreleg, force

That is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has commanded
צִוְּךָ֙ (ṣiw·wə·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

you to keep
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the Sabbath
הַשַׁבָּֽת׃‪‬‪‬ (haš·šab·bāṯ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7676: Intermission, the Sabbath

day.
י֥וֹם (yō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day


Links
Deuteronomy 5:15 NIV
Deuteronomy 5:15 NLT
Deuteronomy 5:15 ESV
Deuteronomy 5:15 NASB
Deuteronomy 5:15 KJV

Deuteronomy 5:15 BibleApps.com
Deuteronomy 5:15 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 5:15 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 5:15 French Bible
Deuteronomy 5:15 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:15 You shall remember that you were (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 5:14
Top of Page
Top of Page