Deuteronomy 13 4

Deuteronomy 13:4 kjv

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 nkjv

You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 niv

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 esv

You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.

Deuteronomy 13:4 nlt

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

Deuteronomy 13 verses

Deuteronomy 13 4 Meaning

Deuteronomy 13:4 is a concise and powerful directive to the Israelites, outlining the comprehensive and exclusive nature of their devotion to Yahweh, the Lord their God. It presents six active verbs that delineate what it means to live in covenant faithfulness: to consistently align one's life with God's path, to revere Him deeply, to meticulously observe His divine laws, to attentively heed and obey His instructions, to dedicate one's life in worship and service to Him, and to remain inseparably attached and loyal to Him alone. This verse serves as a crucial positive injunction within a chapter that warns against idolatry, setting the standard for true worship and preventing deviation.

Deuteronomy 13 4 Context

Deuteronomy 13 falls within the second major discourse of Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, immediately before they enter the promised land of Canaan. This chapter specifically addresses the severe danger of false prophets, dreamers, or even family members and entire towns who would attempt to lure Israel into idolatry and worship of other gods. Verse 4 is a foundational positive command, setting out the principles of absolute devotion to Yahweh that will serve as Israel's defense against such spiritual deception. It directly counteracts any potential urge to "walk after other gods" (Deut 13:2), emphatically stating what their allegiance must entail. Historically, the Israelites were about to encounter various polytheistic and pagan cultures in Canaan (e.g., worshippers of Baal, Asherah), making this uncompromising demand for singular loyalty to Yahweh incredibly urgent and crucial for their covenant identity and survival. The verse functions as a pre-emptive measure, providing the blueprint for genuine covenant living as an antidote to apostasy.

Deuteronomy 13 4 Word analysis

• Ye shall walk (הֲלָכוּ - halakhu): This verb means to go, to walk, but fundamentally implies a way of life, conduct, or course of action. It's not merely a physical act but signifies the entire direction and character of one's existence. The imperfect tense in Hebrew suggests continuous action and ongoing commitment.
• after the LORD your God (אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - 'akharey Yahweh Eloheykem): "After" signifies following closely, in allegiance or imitation. "LORD" is Yahweh (YHWH), the sacred covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. "Your God" (Eloheykem) highlights His exclusive ownership and their unique covenant bond.
• and fear him (וְאֹתוֹ תִירָאוּ - v'oto tir'u): To revere, to stand in awe. This is not a servile terror but a profound, reverential respect that acknowledges God's supreme power, holiness, and authority, leading to submission and obedience rather than sin.
• and keep his commandments (וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָיו תִּשְׁמְרוּ - v'et mitzvotav tishmeru): To guard, preserve, observe, or fulfill diligently. "Commandments" (mitzvot) refers to God's divine instructions given through Moses. This implies careful attention and conscious adherence.
• and obey his voice (וּבְקֹלוֹ תִשְׁמָעוּ - uv'qolo tishm'u): "To hear" (shama) in Hebrew often means to listen actively, to give heed, and consequentially, to obey. "His voice" (qol) denotes divine communication, highlighting the responsive aspect of the relationship – God speaks, Israel listens and acts.
• and ye shall serve him (וְאֹתוֹ תַעֲבֹדוּ - v'oto ta'avdu): To labor, to work for, to serve, and importantly, to worship. This denotes complete dedication and activity done on behalf of God, recognizing Him as Master and acknowledging their status as His bondservants (as opposed to being slaves to sin or idols).
• and cleave unto him (וּבוֹ תִדְבָּקוּ - uvo tidb'ku): To cling, adhere, be joined firmly. This verb, often used in contexts of intense loyalty (e.g., a wife cleaving to her husband, Gen 2:24; or Ruth to Naomi, Ruth 1:14), signifies an inseparable, devoted attachment and an exclusive bond of fidelity. It represents the highest level of commitment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Ye shall walk after... and fear him... and keep his commandments... and obey his voice... and ye shall serve him... and cleave unto him.": The six active verbs present a escalating and comprehensive progression of commitment. It starts with external action ("walk after," "keep commandments") and moves to internal reverence ("fear"), active listening ("obey voice"), dedicated service ("serve"), culminating in an intimate, exclusive, and unyielding attachment ("cleave"). This sequence depicts a holistic covenant relationship that engages mind, will, and action.
• The repetition of "and" (waw conjunction) before each verb creates a cumulative list of interdependent requirements, emphasizing that true faithfulness is not one action but a full embodiment of these interlinked practices. This complete devotion ensures a distinct separation from idolatrous practices.

Deuteronomy 13 4 Bonus section

The progressive nature of the six verbs in Deuteronomy 13:4 is highly significant. It illustrates that spiritual growth and devotion are not static but involve an deepening commitment. Beginning with outward action (walking, keeping commandments) and moving to inner reverence (fearing) and active reception (obeying His voice), it culminates in full dedication (serving) and unbreakable intimacy (cleaving). This climactic "cleaving" is deeply personal, mirroring the marital bond in Genesis 2:24, suggesting that Israel's relationship with Yahweh was intended to be one of profound, exclusive affection and loyalty. This verse serves as the theological and practical standard that justifies the harsh penalties against idolatry discussed later in the chapter; if Israel lived according to these injunctions, there would be no room for false prophets or idols. It defines true monotheism, where there is no space for other deities alongside Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 13 4 Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:4 is a profound summary of covenant faithfulness, providing the positive counterpoint to the negative warnings against idolatry in the chapter. It's a comprehensive instruction on how to truly worship and relate to Yahweh exclusively. The six verbs describe not just individual actions but a full disposition of heart, mind, and life. "Walking after" establishes the direction of life; "fearing" cultivates proper reverence; "keeping commandments" defines moral adherence; "obeying His voice" demonstrates responsive trust; "serving Him" dedicates one's entire being; and "cleaving" establishes an inseparable, intimate, and exclusive bond. This verse highlights that genuine faith involves every facet of a person's existence and leaves no room for divided loyalties. It underscores that God demands unreserved devotion, particularly in the face of spiritual compromise.

• Practical Examples: Choosing to prioritize biblical teachings over cultural trends (walking after), making decisions that honor God even when unpopular (fearing, obeying), consistently studying and applying God's Word (keeping commandments), actively seeking divine guidance through prayer and scripture (obeying voice), volunteering time or resources for kingdom work (serving), and holding onto one's faith steadfastly through trials (cleaving).