Deuteronomy 13:4

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַֽחֲרֵ֨י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם

H430

your 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

תֵּלֵ֖כוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאֹת֣וֹ

H853

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

תִירָ֑אוּ

H3372

and fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת

H853

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

מִצְוֹתָ֤יו

H4687

his commandments

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

תִּשְׁמֹ֙רוּ֙

H8104

him and keep

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

#10

וּבְקֹל֣וֹ

H6963

his voice

a voice or sound

#11

תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ

H8085

and obey

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

#12

וְאֹת֥וֹ

H853

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

#13

תַֽעֲבֹ֖דוּ

H5647

and ye shall serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#14

וּב֥וֹ

#15

תִדְבָּקֽוּן׃

H1692

him and cleave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Deuteronomy 13:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources