Deuteronomy 13:18

Authorized King James Version

When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

When thou shalt hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקוֹל֙

H6963

to the voice

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

H430

thy God

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

לִשְׁמֹר֙

H8104

to keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְוֹתָ֔יו

H4687

all his commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

אָֽנֹכִ֥י

H595

#12

מְצַוְּךָ֖

H6680

which I command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#13

הַיּ֑וֹם

H3117

thee this day

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

#14

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

הַיָּשָׁ֔ר

H3477

that which is right

straight (literally or figuratively)

#16

בְּעֵינֵ֖י

H5869

in the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#17

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

H430

thy God

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Deuteronomy 13:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources