Deuteronomy Chapter 11 · Verse 22
For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן
For if ye shall diligently
H8104
תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן
For if ye shall diligently
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן
For if ye shall diligently
H8104
תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן
For if ye shall diligently
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
all these commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
all these commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 22
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 22
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 #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֑הּ
you to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֑הּ
you to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְאַֽהֲבָ֞ה
them to love
H157
לְאַֽהֲבָ֞ה
them to love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
14 of 22
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 22
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
לָלֶ֥כֶת
H1980
לָלֶ֥כֶת
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
18 of 22
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דְּרָכָ֖יו
in all his ways
H1870
דְּרָכָ֖יו
in all his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
20 of 22
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:17Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.Deuteronomy 11:13And 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,Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Historical Context
The verb 'cleave' creates theological wordplay: Israel must 'cleave to' Yahweh, not to Canaanite gods. Ruth 'cleaved' to Naomi (Ruth 1:14), exemplifying covenant loyalty. The exilic prophets would charge Israel with 'adultery' (idolatry), violating their exclusive covenant with Yahweh (Ezekiel 16, 23; Hosea 1-3). This verse establishes the marriage metaphor foundational to biblical theology.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'cleave to' God in daily life, and how does this differ from casual religious affiliation?
- How do love, obedience, and loyalty to God function as inseparable elements of true faith?
- In what ways does understanding covenant as marriage relationship deepen appreciation for God's jealousy and grace?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses reiterates the conditional: 'if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments' links blessing to comprehensive obedience. The triad of responsibilities: 'love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him' summarizes covenant faithfulness. 'Love' (ahav, אָהַב) denotes loyal affection; 'walk' (halak, הָלַךְ) indicates lifestyle and conduct; 'cleave' (dabaq, דָּבַק) means cling or adhere firmly, used elsewhere for marriage (Genesis 2:24). The metaphor: covenant relationship with God resembles marital fidelity—exclusive, affectionate, enduring. This anticipates New Testament language of church as Christ's bride.