Deuteronomy 4 13

Deuteronomy 4:13 kjv

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

Deuteronomy 4:13 nkjv

So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

Deuteronomy 4:13 niv

He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets.

Deuteronomy 4:13 esv

And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments, and he wrote them on two tablets of stone.

Deuteronomy 4:13 nlt

He proclaimed his covenant ? the Ten Commandments ? which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 13 Meaning

This verse declares that the Most High God directly revealed His covenant to the people of Israel at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This covenant was encapsulated in the "Ten Commandments," often called "Ten Words," which He not only spoke but also commanded them to diligently obey. Furthermore, He permanently inscribed these sacred laws upon two tables of stone, signifying their divine origin, unchangeable nature, and enduring authority.

Deuteronomy 4 13 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 4 is part of Moses' farewell addresses to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before they cross the Jordan River into the promised land. Moses recounts significant events of their wilderness journey, particularly emphasizing the giving of the Law at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This chapter serves as a solemn exhortation for the new generation, who did not witness the original giving of the Law, to remember and obey God's commands. It stresses that Israel's unique status as God's chosen people rests upon their faithful adherence to His revealed will. The chapter highlights the unparalleled directness of God's revelation to Israel (Deut 4:12), warning against idolatry and forgetfulness. Verse 13 specifically hones in on the foundational content and physical manifestation of this divine covenant, emphasizing its clarity and permanence.

Deuteronomy 4 13 Word analysis

• And he declared (ויגד - vaiyaged): Literally "and he caused to know" or "and he told." This active verb signifies God's direct, personal, and explicit communication. It's not a suggestion but a clear proclamation from the divine sovereign. It underscores divine initiative, not human seeking.
• unto you: Refers to the collective nation of Israel at Horeb. It emphasizes that this revelation was for all of them, establishing a national covenant.
• his covenant (בריתו - berito): A binding agreement initiated by God, often with conditions and promises. In this context, it refers to the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai, signifying God's relationship with Israel. It implies mutual obligations, though God's part is unfailing, and Israel's involves obedience. This "covenant" makes Israel a peculiar treasure among all people (Ex 19:5-6).
• which he commanded (אשר צוה - asher tzavah): Indicates the imperative nature of the covenant stipulations. God is the sovereign Commander. This is not merely an option but a divine decree, demanding obedience from His people. The commands carry the full weight of His authority.
• you to perform (אתכם לעשות - etchem la'asot): The emphasis is on active doing, not just knowing or hearing. The covenant demands concrete action and living out its principles in daily life. It’s about obedience resulting in ethical and moral living (Lev 18:5; Ez 20:11; Rom 2:13).
• even ten commandments (עשרת הדברים - aseret ha'devarim): Literally "ten words" or "ten sayings." This is the foundational moral and spiritual code of Israel, encompassing duties to God and to fellow humans. The use of "words" emphasizes their origin as spoken divine utterances before they were written, giving them profound authority and intrinsic power.
• and he wrote them (ויכתבם - vayiktovem): The subject "he" (God) implies direct divine authorship. This is crucial for establishing the authenticity and unchangeable nature of the Law. It’s not humanly devised or interpreted; it’s God's own handiwork.
• upon two tables of stone (על שני לוחות אבנים - al shnei luchot avanim): "Tables" (לוחות - luchot) were flat, durable slabs. "Stone" (אבנים - avanim) implies permanence, immutability, and resistance to decay, contrasting with human documents on perishable materials. "Two tables" likely signifies the two distinct categories of the commandments: those concerning duties to God (first four or five) and those concerning duties to neighbor (remaining six or five). It also suggests a complete and encompassing legal document.

Words-group analysis:

• "he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments": This sequence highlights God's initiative in revealing His specific expectations. It moves from general declaration ("covenant") to its core content ("ten commandments") and the required response ("to perform"), demonstrating a clear, actionable divine will.
• "and he wrote them upon two tables of stone": This phrase emphasizes the eternal and unchangeable nature of God's Law. The act of writing by God Himself and the choice of enduring stone symbolize that these commands are not transient or negotiable but foundational and perpetual. It also distinguishes them from the oral commands or ephemeral laws of other nations, which lacked such divine attestation and permanent inscription.

Deuteronomy 4 13 Bonus section

• The term "ten commandments" (aseret ha'devarim) literally means "ten words." This terminology suggests a profound truth: these are not merely rules or statutes, but fundamental expressions of God's character and foundational principles for human flourishing in relationship with Him and one another. They speak to the very essence of moral being.
• The act of God writing the commandments upon stone with "the finger of God" (Ex 31:18) implies absolute divine authority and authorship. It distinguishes these laws from humanly derived legal codes of the ancient world and underscores their sacred, inviolable nature. This direct divine action sets Israel's law apart from all other legislative systems.
• The two tables of stone are often interpreted as containing the two divisions of the Decalogue: duties to God (first table) and duties to humanity (second table), highlighting the dual aspects of love: love for God and love for neighbor, as later summarized by Jesus (Mt 22:37-40).
• The permanence of the law written on stone in contrast to a New Covenant, where the law is written on the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Cor 3:3; Jer 31:33), shows a transition in the mode of enforcement and internalization, yet without diminishing the inherent truth or righteousness of God's standards. It signifies a deeper, internal transformation enabled by the Spirit, leading to willing obedience rather than merely external conformity.

Deuteronomy 4 13 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:13 stands as a bedrock verse for understanding the Mosaic Covenant. It encapsulates several critical truths: God's direct and personal engagement with His people ("He declared unto you"), the essence of His demands ("His covenant... ten commandments"), the expectation of active obedience ("to perform"), and the enduring nature of His revealed will ("wrote them upon two tables of stone"). The "ten words" (Decalogue) are presented as the very heart of the covenant, the distilled moral and ethical core. Their divine inscription on stone set them apart, signifying their perfect, non-negotiable, and authoritative nature. This divine act demonstrated God's desire for His commands to be clearly understood, permanently accessible, and fully integrated into the life of the nation, distinguishing Israel's unique relationship with the Creator from all other nations.