Exodus 23:13
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְכֹ֛ל
H3605
וּבְכֹ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
And in all things that I have said
H559
אָמַ֥רְתִּי
And in all things that I have said
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
3 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ
unto you be circumspect
H8104
תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ
unto you be circumspect
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְשֵׁ֨ם
of the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֨ם
of the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 14
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
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ
and make no mention
H2142
תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ
and make no mention
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשָּׁמַ֖ע
neither let it be heard
H8085
יִשָּׁמַ֖ע
neither let it be heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Joshua 23:7That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:Zechariah 13:2And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;Hosea 2:17For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.Psalms 16:4Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.Deuteronomy 12:3And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Jeremiah 10:11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.Ephesians 5:15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.