Deuteronomy 13 18

Deuteronomy 13:18 kjv

When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 13:18 nkjv

because you have listened to the voice of the LORD your God, to keep all His commandments which I command you today, to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 13:18 niv

because you obey the LORD your God by keeping all his commands that I am giving you today and doing what is right in his eyes.

Deuteronomy 13:18 esv

if you obey the voice of the LORD your God, keeping all his commandments that I am commanding you today, and doing what is right in the sight of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 13:18 nlt

"The LORD your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him.

Deuteronomy 13 verses

Deuteronomy 13 18 Meaning

Deuteronomy 13:18 declares that the fierce anger and strictness seen in the preceding verses, especially concerning the eradication of idolatry, are ultimately aimed at eliciting Israel's full obedience to God's commandments. This obedience, stemming from hearkening to God's voice and doing what is right in His eyes, is the condition for God to turn from His wrath, show pity, and grant increase and prosperity, just as He promised their fathers. The verse highlights God's justice in requiring absolute loyalty, balanced by His compassionate nature which desires blessing for His obedient people.

Deuteronomy 13 18 Context

Deuteronomy 13 serves as a strong warning against idolatry and any temptation to depart from the Lord God. It presents a stark choice between complete allegiance to the one true God and devastating consequences for disobedience. The chapter outlines severe punishments for false prophets, for family members who entice to serve other gods, and for entire cities that turn to idolatry. The preceding verses (Dt 13:12-17) describe the radical process of identifying and utterly destroying an apostate city, including its inhabitants, livestock, and plunder, setting it apart as a devoted thing to the Lord, never to be rebuilt. This seemingly harsh judgment of "devotion to destruction" (cherem) is presented not as a punitive measure against innocent people, but as a necessary purification of the community to preserve the purity and holiness of Israel's relationship with God, preventing the spread of spiritual corruption. Verse 18 then clarifies the underlying purpose and desired outcome of such severe commands: that God's people would heed His voice, obey all His commandments, and do what is inherently right in His eyes. When they do so, God's promise to their ancestors—of turning from His fierce anger, showing pity, and multiplying their numbers—would be realized, transforming potential judgment into a flow of blessings.

Deuteronomy 13 18 Word analysis

• When thou shalt hearken (כִּי־תִשְׁמַע / ki-tishməʿa): This phrase goes beyond mere hearing to imply active listening, paying close attention, understanding, and most importantly, obeying. This reflects the central theme of Shema (Hear, O Israel) found throughout Deuteronomy, signifying a profound covenant relationship where Israel is called to not only acknowledge but also internalize and act upon God's instructions. It speaks of a responsiveness of the heart.
• To the voice of the LORD thy God (בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ / bəqōl YHWH ʾĕlōheḵa): Emphasizes divine authority and the personal nature of the covenant. "Voice" suggests direct revelation and intimate communication from Israel's sovereign ruler. "LORD thy God" (YHWH Elohim) stresses God's personal covenant name and His unique relationship with Israel as their exclusive God.
• To keep all his commandments (לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֹתָיו / lishmōr ʾet-kol-mitsəwōtāyw): "Keep" (שמר / shamor) implies guarding, preserving, observing, and acting upon. The inclusion of "all" (כָל / kol) is crucial; it demands holistic and non-selective obedience, indicating that compromise with idolatry in any form renders the obedience incomplete and unacceptable. This signifies the totality required in the covenant relationship.
• Which I command thee this day (אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם / ʾăšer ʾānōḵî mətsawwəḵā hayyōm): "I command" underscores the divine origin and authority of the laws, given directly by God through Moses. "This day" highlights the immediacy and current relevance of the covenant and its stipulations. It's not a historical relic but an ongoing, present obligation for the current generation, reinforcing their constant decision-making point in faith and obedience.
• To do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God (לַעֲשׂוֹת הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ / laʿăśôt hayyāšār bəʿênê YHWH ʾĕlōheḵa): "To do that which is right" (הישר / hayyāšār - literally "the straight" or "the upright thing"). This is not subjective human morality but an objective standard set by God Himself. It stands in contrast to people doing "what was right in their own eyes" (as seen in Judges), emphasizing that true righteousness is conformity to God's revealed will and perspective, aligning with His justice and holiness. The ultimate measure of righteousness is God's own standard, ensuring purity and distinction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "when thou shalt hearken... to keep all his commandments": This phrase emphasizes that true "hearkening" is evidenced by comprehensive and unwavering "keeping" of God's entire body of laws. It is a seamless link between hearing and doing, demonstrating that faith without works (obedience) is insufficient. This hearing implies internalizing God's word, allowing it to transform the heart and direct one's actions fully.
• "to the voice of the Lord thy God... which I command thee this day": This grouping underlines the divine origin and present authority of the commandments. It’s not human legislation but the direct, personal instruction from the covenant God, active and relevant for the people at that very moment. It speaks to the ongoing, dynamic nature of their relationship with the living God.
• "to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God": This conclusion reaffirms the divine standard of morality and action. It reiterates that human judgment of "right" is insufficient and often flawed. The only reliable and righteous course of action is that which aligns with God's perfect character and revealed will. This phrase encapsulates the core expectation of ethical living that stems from genuine obedience.

Deuteronomy 13 18 Bonus section

• Theological Balance: This verse beautifully illustrates the balance between God's justice and His mercy. The preceding verses showcase God's absolute demand for holiness and His wrath against spiritual treason (idolatry). Verse 18 then reveals that even these severe judgments have a redemptive aim: to bring about Israel's wholehearted return to Him so He can extend His pity and fulfill His covenant blessings. It implies that God's severe judgment in the previous verses is ultimately to avert even greater suffering by keeping His people pure and in His favor.
• Conditional Blessing: The structure of this verse is explicitly conditional ("when thou shalt hearken..."). God's blessings—turning from wrath, showing pity, multiplication—are directly contingent upon Israel's active and comprehensive obedience to His revealed will. This highlights the ongoing responsibility of the covenant people.
• Significance for New Testament Believers: While the specific context of an apostate city's destruction is part of the Old Covenant law for Israel, the underlying principles of obedience, resisting spiritual defilement, God's justice, and His mercy remain timeless. Believers are called to "hear" and "do" the Lord's commands (Matt 7:24, Jam 1:22), and to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" from worldly and idolatrous influences (2 Cor 6:17), trusting that God's favor rests on those who strive to walk righteously in His eyes.

Deuteronomy 13 18 Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:18 serves as a pivotal concluding statement to a chapter that details severe measures against idolatry. After prescribing radical cleansing (even the destruction of an apostate city), this verse reveals the redemptive purpose behind such strictness. It clarifies that God's desire is not primarily for judgment but for obedience, which in turn leads to His blessing and pity. The emphasis is on Israel's comprehensive "hearkening" – a term deeply embedded in Deuteronomy, signifying not just listening but actively internalizing and performing God's "all" commandments. This wholehearted obedience, doing precisely "what is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God" (according to His perfect standard, not human subjective opinions), is the indispensable condition for God to turn from His fierce anger and extend His compassionate mercy, resulting in the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs concerning multiplication and prosperity. Thus, the verse articulates that radical purity (removing evil) leads to radical blessing, reflecting God's consistent character of justice tempered with abundant grace when His people walk in faithfulness.