Deuteronomy 4:4
But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.
Original Language Analysis
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
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
חַיִּ֥ים
are alive
H2416
חַיִּ֥ים
are alive
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.Joshua 23:8But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.Revelation 14:4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Historical Context
This was spoken to the generation that survived the Baal-peor judgment and the wilderness wanderings. Their survival wasn't luck but divine preservation through covenant faithfulness. This living testimony—they were alive because they clung to God—provided powerful motivation for continued obedience as they entered Canaan's temptations.
Questions for Reflection
- What does cleaving to God with the intensity of marriage devotion look like for you?
- How have you experienced life as the fruit of faithfulness to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day' celebrates covenant faithfulness's fruit. The word 'cleave' (Hebrew 'dabaq') implies passionate attachment and loyal devotion—the same word describing marriage (Genesis 2:24). Spiritual life flows from intimate union with God. The phrase 'alive... this day' emphasizes present reality—faithfulness yields immediate, tangible blessing, not just future hope.