Deuteronomy 10 20

Deuteronomy 10:20 kjv

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Deuteronomy 10:20 nkjv

You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 10:20 niv

Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.

Deuteronomy 10:20 esv

You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.

Deuteronomy 10:20 nlt

You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone.

Deuteronomy 10 verses

Deuteronomy 10 20 Meaning

Deuteronomy 10:20 succinctly outlines the core duties and relational aspects required of God's covenant people. It is a comprehensive summary of devotion, emphasizing a reverence that leads to obedient service, steadfast loyalty, and exclusive acknowledgement of His supreme authority in all matters, including solemn vows. The verse underscores the singular and absolute claim of the Lord on His people.

Deuteronomy 10 20 Context

Deuteronomy 10:20 appears within Moses' second discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, before entering the promised land. This section (Deut 9:1-11:32) re-establishes the covenant between God and Israel, recounting God's grace and faithfulness despite Israel's past rebellions (e.g., the golden calf incident and the broken tablets). Moses reminds them that God gave them His Law out of His great love, not their merit. Verse 20 functions as a succinct summation of the spiritual heart of the Law's requirements, outlining the appropriate relationship Israel is to maintain with Yahweh – one of exclusive devotion, obedient service, and ultimate reliance, setting them apart from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. It builds upon previous commands like Dt 6:5 (love God with all) and Dt 6:13 (fear, serve, and swear by God's name).

Deuteronomy 10 20 Word analysis

• You shall fear (יָרֵא, yare): This Hebrew term does not primarily mean terror, but a profound reverential awe, respect, and submission. It acknowledges God's supreme power, holiness, and authority, leading to obedience and worship rather than cowering in fright. It's the foundational attitude towards the transcendent, sovereign God, distinguishing Him from human rulers or idols. This fear motivates diligent adherence to His commands out of profound respect for His character and authority, recognizing His judgment but also His mercy.
• the Lord (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God's covenant, personal name, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relational fidelity to Israel. It highlights His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from any false deities. Using His specific name reinforces the exclusive focus of these commands.
• your God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a general term for God, but when combined with the possessive "your," it highlights the unique, covenantal relationship God has established with Israel. He is not merely a god, but their God, specifically bound to them by promise and law. This implies a reciprocal loyalty.
• you shall serve (עָבַד, avad) Him: Means to work for, worship, or be a bondservant to. It denotes active obedience, performing duties, and engaging in religious worship or ministry dedicated solely to Him. It's about practical living and actions that demonstrate devotion, making Him the master of one's life. This serving stands in direct opposition to serving other gods or earthly masters ultimately.
• and hold fast (דָּבַק, dabaq) to Him: Literally means "to cling," "to cleave," "to stick fast," "to be joined to." This signifies an intimate, unwavering loyalty, steadfast commitment, and deep devotion. It's more than just obedience; it's a heartfelt attachment, indicating an unbreakable bond, like glue, implying intimacy, faithfulness, and never turning away from Him for any other allegiance or trust. This concept extends to interpersonal relationships as well (e.g., Gen 2:24, a man clinging to his wife). In this context, it underscores exclusive adherence to God above all others.
• and by His name (שֵׁם, shem) you shall swear (שָׁבַע, shava): "Name" refers to the person's character, reputation, authority, and presence. To "swear by His name" means to make solemn vows, pledges, or affirmations in public, invoking God as the ultimate witness and guarantor of truth. This action is an implicit acknowledgement of His omniscience, sovereignty, and truthfulness. It means His word is the absolute standard for truth and commitment, and any oath made in His name is binding and must be honored. It is a powerful declaration of His unique authority, contrasting sharply with swearing by false gods or idols. It also emphasizes the absolute trustworthiness of a person who takes such an oath, aligning themselves with God's truth.

Deuteronomy 10 20 Bonus section

The grouping of "fear," "serve," and "swear by His name" is also found earlier in Dt 6:13, showing this combination to be a foundational statement of allegiance within the Deuteronomic covenant theology. The inclusion of "hold fast" in Dt 10:20 (not in Dt 6:13 directly in that specific list, though implied elsewhere) strengthens the relational and commitment aspect. The command to swear by His name is often misinterpreted; it is not merely about verbal utterance but about whose authority one appeals to for truth. When Jesus later refined the teaching on oaths in the New Testament (Mt 5:33-37), He did not abolish the command to speak truthfully but challenged the spirit behind the swearing, exposing the attempt to manipulate truth through various oaths. Jesus' teaching rather upheld the absolute integrity that should mark a follower of God, implying that a person's "Yes" should be as binding as an oath sworn in God's name because the speaker's life is devoted to the God of truth. Thus, Deuteronomy 10:20 points to the unwavering, single-minded devotion God expects from His people, covering reverence, worship, intimate connection, and truthful speech.

Deuteronomy 10 20 Commentary

Deuteronomy 10:20 provides a comprehensive call to exclusive and active devotion to Yahweh, summarized in four complementary commands. The initial "fear" sets the proper mindset of reverential awe, recognizing God's absolute majesty and holiness, which prevents flippancy and promotes submission. This profound respect then translates into active "service," implying obedient living, worship, and allegiance that is demonstrated in daily life. "Holding fast" goes beyond mere action, describing a deep, unwavering loyalty and emotional attachment, like glue, signifying a profound, intimate, and steadfast relationship where one is continually bound to God alone, resisting all temptations to deviate. Finally, "swearing by His name" is a powerful affirmation of His exclusive authority and truthfulness. It signifies that God alone is the ultimate arbiter of truth and that one's words and covenants derive their authority and binding nature from Him. This practice serves as a direct polemic against the surrounding polytheistic cultures that swore by various gods, underscoring Israel's monotheistic identity and singular allegiance to the true and living God. These commands collectively demand an all-encompassing commitment: heart (fear, hold fast), mind (understanding His name's significance), and actions (serve, swear), foundational for living within God's covenant. Practically, it means letting God's presence shape every decision, offering one's best in His service, nurturing a close relationship with Him through consistent devotion, and ensuring integrity in all spoken commitments, understanding that one's word reflects His character when acknowledged by His Name.