Deuteronomy 11:22

Authorized King James Version

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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)
הַזֹּ֗את H2063
הַזֹּ֗את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 8 of 22
this (often used adverb)
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
אָֽנֹכִ֛י H595
אָֽנֹכִ֛י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 10 of 22
i
מְצַוֶּ֥ה which I command H6680
מְצַוֶּ֥ה which I command
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 11 of 22
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
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
וּלְדָבְקָה and to cleave H1692
וּלְדָבְקָה and to cleave
Strong's: H1692
Word #: 21 of 22
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
בֽוֹ׃ H0
בֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 22 of 22

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.

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.

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