King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:22 in the King James Version says “For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to wa... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

Deuteronomy 11:22 · KJV


Context

20

And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

21

That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.

22

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

23

Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

24

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses reiterates the conditional: 'if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments' links blessing to comprehensive obedience. The triad of responsibilities: 'love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him' summarizes covenant faithfulness. 'Love' (ahav, אָהַב) denotes loyal affection; 'walk' (halak, הָלַךְ) indicates lifestyle and conduct; 'cleave' (dabaq, דָּבַק) means cling or adhere firmly, used elsewhere for marriage (Genesis 2:24). The metaphor: covenant relationship with God resembles marital fidelity—exclusive, affectionate, enduring. This anticipates New Testament language of church as Christ's bride.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The verb 'cleave' creates theological wordplay: Israel must 'cleave to' Yahweh, not to Canaanite gods. Ruth 'cleaved' to Naomi (Ruth 1:14), exemplifying covenant loyalty. The exilic prophets would charge Israel with 'adultery' (idolatry), violating their exclusive covenant with Yahweh (Ezekiel 16, 23; Hosea 1-3). This verse establishes the marriage metaphor foundational to biblical theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'cleave to' God in daily life, and how does this differ from casual religious affiliation?
  2. How do love, obedience, and loyalty to God function as inseparable elements of true faith?
  3. In what ways does understanding covenant as marriage relationship deepen appreciation for God's jealousy and grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּי֩1 of 22
H3588

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

אִם2 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן3 of 22

For if ye shall diligently

H8104

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

תִּשְׁמְר֜וּן4 of 22

For if ye shall diligently

H8104

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

אֶת5 of 22
H853

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

כָּל6 of 22
H3605

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

הַמִּצְוָ֣ה7 of 22

all these commandments

H4687

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

הַזֹּ֗את8 of 22
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר9 of 22
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֛י10 of 22
H595

i

מְצַוֶּ֥ה11 of 22

which I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֖ם12 of 22
H853

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

לַֽעֲשֹׂתָ֑הּ13 of 22

you to do

H6213

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

לְאַֽהֲבָ֞ה14 of 22

them to love

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

יְהוָ֧ה16 of 22

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם17 of 22

your God

H430

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

לָלֶ֥כֶת18 of 22
H1980

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

בְּכָל19 of 22
H3605

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

דְּרָכָ֖יו20 of 22

in all his ways

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וּלְדָבְקָה21 of 22

and to cleave

H1692

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

בֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 11:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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