What does Deuteronomy 16:6 mean?
"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." - Deuteronomy 16:6

Deuteronomy 16:6 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."
This verse is found within a larger context of laws and regulations pertaining to the observance of the Passover. The Passover is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. It is a time of remembrance, thanksgiving, and redemption for the Israelites and holds deep spiritual and historical significance.
The verse emphasizes the importance of sacrificing the Passover in a specific location, which is chosen by the Lord. This location represents the presence and blessing of God, and it is essential for the Israelites to gather there for the observance of this sacred event. By specifying the time of sacrifice as "even, at the going down of the sun," the verse conveys a sense of solemnity and significance to the Passover offering, highlighting the reverence and devotion that should be given to this act of worship and remembrance.
The verse also connects the observance of the Passover with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, linking it to their deliverance and freedom from bondage. By sacrificing the Passover at the same season that they came out of Egypt, the Israelites are reminded of God's faithfulness and protection throughout their journey and are called to give thanks and praise for His deliverance.
This verse is not only a specific instruction for the Israelites regarding the observance of the Passover, but it also conveys broader themes and principles that are relevant for believers today. The location chosen by God to place His name represents His presence and the centrality of worship in the lives of His people. It emphasizes the significance of gathering together in a specific place to offer worship and sacrifices to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.
Furthermore, the timing of the sacrifice at the going down of the sun symbolizes the transition from day to night, representing the passing of time and the changing of seasons. This can be seen as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing the opportunities for worship and obedience while they are available. It also serves as a call to reflect on the past and remember God's faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage and leading them to freedom.
The historical and symbolic context of the verse also points to the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover in the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings freedom from sin and spiritual deliverance. His sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover, providing redemption and salvation for all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 16:6 provides specific instructions for the observance of the Passover, emphasizing the significance of worshipping in the presence of God and remembering His deliverance from bondage. It conveys broader themes of worship, obedience, gratitude, and the transient nature of life, while also pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to reflect on the principles and symbolism of this verse and to embrace the freedom and redemption found in Christ.
Have questions about Deuteronomy 16:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Deuteronomy 16:6 Artwork
Deuteronomy 16:6 - "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."
"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." - Deuteronomy 16:6
Deuteronomy 6:16 - "¶ Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah."
"¶ Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah." - Deuteronomy 6:16
Deuteronomy 20:16
Deuteronomy 20:16
Deuteronomy 20:16
Deuteronomy 14:16 - "The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,"
Deuteronomy 6:6 - "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:"
Deuteronomy 10:16 - "Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked."
Deuteronomy 34:5-6
Deuteronomy 28:16 - "Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 32:16 - "They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger."
Deuteronomy 6:4 - "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:"
Deuteronomy 19:16 - "¶ If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;"
Deuteronomy 16:12 - "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes."
Deuteronomy 12:16 - "Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water."
Deuteronomy 25:16 - "For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God."
Deuteronomy 33:6 - "¶ Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few."
Deuteronomy 2:16 - "¶ So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,"
Deuteronomy 27:16 - "Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen."
"The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan," - Deuteronomy 14:16
Deuteronomy 23:6 - "Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever."
Deuteronomy 11:16 - "Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;"
Deuteronomy 4:16 - "Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,"
Genesis 16:6
Ezra 6:16
Deuteronomy 16:22 - "Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth."
Deuteronomy 6:9 - "And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."
Deuteronomy 6:19 - "To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken."