Deuteronomy 11:13
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 20
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken
H8085
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken
H8085
תִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
And it shall come to pass if ye shall hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִצְוֹתַ֔י
unto my commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתַ֔י
unto my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
6 of 20
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּלְעָבְד֔וֹ
and to serve
H5647
וּלְעָבְד֔וֹ
and to serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
16 of 20
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם
him with all your heart
H3824
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם
him with all your heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
18 of 20
the heart (as the most interior organ)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.Deuteronomy 10:12And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,Deuteronomy 11:8Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;Deuteronomy 6:17Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.Psalms 119:4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern treaties typically demanded loyalty to the suzerain, but Yahweh's covenant uniquely requires love—relationship, not merely political allegiance. This personalized covenant theology distinguished Israel's religion from transactional paganism. The command combines Deuteronomy 6:5 (love God) with 10:12 (serve God), showing love and service are inseparable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine love for God manifest in obedient service?
- What does it mean to serve God with 'all' your heart and soul, leaving no room for divided loyalty?
- How can we cultivate deeper love for God rather than mere duty-driven obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse begins the conditional clause: 'if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments.' The Hebrew shama shama (שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ, doubling for emphasis) means 'hear intently, obey carefully.' Covenant blessing depends on responsive obedience. The dual commands—'love the LORD your God' and 'serve him with all your heart and with all your soul'—echo the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Love isn't mere emotion but covenantal loyalty expressed through service. The 'heart' (lev, לֵב) represents mind, will, and affections; 'soul' (nephesh, נֶפֶשׁ) represents life-force or being. Total devotion is required.