Deuteronomy 13:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִשְׁמַ֗ע
When thou shalt hearken
H8085
תִשְׁמַ֗ע
When thou shalt hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 18
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
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹר֙
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
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 #:
8 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
all his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
all his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
9 of 18
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַיּ֑וֹם
thee this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
thee this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 18
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
לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַיָּשָׁ֔ר
that which is right
H3477
הַיָּשָׁ֔ר
that which is right
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
15 of 18
straight (literally or figuratively)
בְּעֵינֵ֖י
in the eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֖י
in the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
16 of 18
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:28Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.Matthew 7:24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Deuteronomy 12:25Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.Psalms 119:6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Historical Context
This conditional structure permeates Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 28 details blessings and curses; chapter 30 offers restoration after judgment). Israel's history validated this: obedience under Joshua → conquest; apostasy under Judges → oppression; faithfulness under David/Solomon → empire; apostasy → divided kingdom → exile. The pattern proved reliable. New Testament applies this spiritually: obedience to Christ brings eternal life; rejection brings eternal judgment. The choice remains—blessing through faith or curse through unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we cultivate consistent obedience 'to all God's commandments' rather than selective compliance?
- What is the relationship between hearing God's voice and doing what is right in His eyes?
- How does understanding obedience as prerequisite for blessing affect our approach to Christian living?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The condition: '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.' Covenant blessing depends on covenant obedience—'hearken' (shama, שָׁמַע, hear/obey) and 'keep' (shamar, שָׁמַר, guard/observe) all commands. The standard: 'right in the eyes of the LORD'—divine perspective, not human judgment. This verse concludes chapter 13's warnings with positive exhortation: obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings curse. The choice remains perpetually before Israel. Faithfulness to revealed truth maintains covenant relationship; apostasy destroys it. Every generation faces this choice.