Exodus 23:13 kjv

And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Exodus 23:13 nkjv

"And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.

Exodus 23:13 niv

"Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.

Exodus 23:13 esv

"Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips.

Exodus 23:13 nlt

"Pay close attention to all my instructions. You must not call on the name of any other gods. Do not even speak their names.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 13 Meaning

Exodus 23:13 serves as a culminating command, urging the Israelites to meticulously observe all divine instructions previously given. Beyond general obedience, it imposes a strict prohibition: the names of foreign deities are not to be uttered, spoken, or even allowed to be heard from their mouths. This command emphasizes undivided allegiance to Yahweh, setting a clear boundary against the pervasive polytheism of the surrounding nations and demanding the exclusive devotion of His covenant people. It’s a call for radical singularity in worship and thought.

Exodus 23 13 Context

Exodus 23:13 concludes a significant section of the Mosaic Law known as the "Book of the Covenant" (Ex 20:22–23:33), which elaborates on the Ten Commandments given in chapter 20. This particular verse acts as a solemn concluding injunction, underscoring the vital importance of the entire legal code that precedes it. Historically and culturally, Israel was a newly formed nation, transitioning from Egyptian servitude into a land—Canaan—saturated with diverse polytheistic worship systems. The instruction for circumspection in all commands and the complete avoidance of mentioning other gods serve as crucial safeguards against spiritual contamination and syncretism. It sets apart Israel as a unique, holy people, utterly devoted to Yahweh alone, rejecting the idolatrous practices that defined the nations around them, including the pervasive cults of Baal, Asherah, and the Egyptian pantheon. This command is a powerful polemic, asserting the nullity of false deities and safeguarding Israel’s identity as the chosen people of the one true God.

Exodus 23 13 Word analysis

• in all that I have said to you (וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר-אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם, v'khol asher amarti aleikhem): This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness and totality of God’s commands. It refers to the entire body of laws, statutes, and judgments delivered, signifying that obedience must be absolute and without exception. It underscores divine authority over every aspect of Israel's life.
• be circumspect (תִּשְׁמְרוּ, tishm'ru): The Hebrew verb shamr (שמר) means "to keep," "to guard," "to observe diligently." It implies more than just passive hearing; it demands active vigilance, careful attention, and dedicated preservation of the commands. It suggests a conscious and disciplined effort to live by every word, protecting the divine instructions from neglect or distortion. This diligence is paramount for the covenant relationship.
• and make no mention (וְשֵׁם... לֹא תַזְכִּירוּ, v'shem... lo tazkiru): The root zakar (זכר) means "to remember," "to bring to mind," or "to mention." Coupled with "lo" (לא - "not"), it means "do not cause to be mentioned/remembered." This is a severe prohibition.
• of the name (שֵׁם, shem): In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" represents the essence, character, authority, reputation, and even existence of the entity it denotes. To mention a deity's name was to acknowledge its reality, honor it, or potentially invoke it. This prohibition implies that these "other gods" are utterly insignificant; they hold no reality, power, or authority to God's people.
• of other gods (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim): Literally "foreign gods" or "different gods." These are the false deities of polytheistic cultures (e.g., Baal, Molech, Ashtoreth), fundamentally distinct from Yahweh, the one true God.
• nor let it be heard from your mouth (וְלֹא יִשָּׁמַע עַל-פִּיךָ, v'lo yishama al pikha): This phrase is a powerful reinforcement of the previous command, leaving no room for ambiguity. Yishama is the Niphal (passive) form of shama (to hear), meaning "it shall not be heard." This is a complete and absolute ban, forbidding even casual or unwitting utterance. It guards not only against intentional homage but also against any acknowledgment or promotion that might lead to temptation or a diluted faith. This highlights the sacredness of the believer's speech and their environment.

Words-group Analysis:

• "be circumspect; and make no mention...": This juxtaposes active observance with active abstinence. Israel must diligently obey all of Yahweh’s commands while just as diligently suppressing any acknowledgment or recognition of false gods. This demands a complete reorientation of heart, mind, and speech toward exclusive devotion to God.
• "of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth": This dual prohibition emphasizes both mental intentionality and physical manifestation. Not only should they actively prevent the mention of false gods, implying a rejection of their existence and authority, but also prevent any sound related to them from issuing forth from their lips. This creates an impenetrable barrier against verbal contamination, designed to foster singular focus on Yahweh and prevent any slip into syncretism or apostasy. It highlights a commitment to absolute distinction from the pagan world.

Exodus 23 13 Bonus section

• This verse stands as an explicit polemic against the religious syncretism prevalent in the Ancient Near East. While other cultures might incorporate new gods or pantheons, Israel was commanded to utterly reject and ignore any deity apart from Yahweh, even to the point of not acknowledging their existence by name.
• The "silence" commanded here isn't merely pragmatic avoidance, but a profound theological statement. It declares that "other gods" are utterly powerless and unreal, possessing no essence or authority that warrants any verbal acknowledgment from the people of God. To name them would be to inadvertently grant them a degree of reality.
• This command fosters linguistic hygiene and promotes a worldview centered exclusively on the one true God. It prevents the subtle creeping in of pagan concepts through common speech or association, shaping the very way the Israelites thought about and interacted with their spiritual reality.
• This instruction foreshadows the NT emphasis on the power of speech and its reflection of the heart (Mat 12:34; Jas 3:10-12). What we allow to be uttered or acknowledged reveals where our true allegiance lies.
• While believers are not forbidden from discussing false religions for apologetic or educational purposes, the core principle remains: there is to be no honour, invocation, or genuine acknowledgment of deities other than the Triune God, nor is there to be anything in our lives or speech that would lead others to stumble into idolatry or worldly worship. Our focus must be singular and undistracted.

Exodus 23 13 Commentary

Exodus 23:13 serves as a foundational declaration of exclusive monotheism within the broader covenant stipulations. It goes beyond the "no other gods" of the Decalogue (Ex 20:3), moving from the abstract command to a very practical and direct instruction on verbal behavior. The emphasis on being "circumspect" (literally "guarding" or "observing") the totality of God's word is paramount, encapsulating all the previous civil and religious laws. This active preservation implies diligent application and protection of the divine standards against all compromise.

The prohibition against mentioning the names of other gods is profound. In the ancient world, naming was often equated with recognizing existence, authority, or even invoking power. By commanding silence, God devalues these false deities to absolute non-entities in the eyes of His people. This isn't just about avoiding idol worship, but about systematically stripping away any mental or verbal validation of paganism. It’s a call for radical disengagement from a worldview centered on multiple deities and demands unwavering, sole devotion to Yahweh. The reiteration, "nor let it be heard from your mouth," seals the prohibition, leaving no room for ambiguity—not even a casual reference. This command functions as a crucial bulwark against syncretism, ensuring Israel's unique spiritual identity is preserved in a world steeped in idolatry. For believers today, it implies guarding our speech and minds against anything that detracts from Christ's supremacy, be it worldly philosophies, self-worship, or false gospels. It urges a steadfast focus on truth and holiness, giving no room for competing allegiances.