King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:4 in the King James Version says “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve h...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

2

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

4

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.

5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. to turn: Heb. revolt against the LORD

6

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Read Deuteronomy 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The positive command: '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.' This fivefold description defines authentic faith: walk after God (follow His ways), fear Him (reverent awe), keep commandments (obey stipulations), obey His voice (responsive hearing), serve Him (devoted worship), cleave to Him (covenant loyalty). The Hebrew dabaq (דָּבַק, cleave) describes marital fidelity—exclusive, enduring attachment. True faith is comprehensive devotion, not partial or selective. This contrasts with false prophecy's appeal to novelty or experience; authentic faith maintains covenant loyalty regardless of circumstances or competing claims.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and reiterates covenant relationship's core. Following God means rejecting all alternatives—no religious pluralism or syncretism. Israel's history demonstrates failure: they repeatedly 'went after other gods' (Judges 2:12). Apostasy begins with divided affections. Jesus later declared: 'No man can serve two masters' (Matthew 6:24). Covenant relationship demands exclusive loyalty. The early church faced similar challenges—Judaizers, Gnostics, emperor worship—requiring unwavering commitment to apostolic doctrine.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of this fivefold description (walk, fear, keep, obey, serve, cleave) is most challenging for you personally?
  2. How does cleaving to God as in marriage illustrate the exclusivity required in spiritual devotion?
  3. What competing voices or claims threaten to divide your loyalty to God and His word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אַֽחֲרֵ֨י1 of 15

“after”

H310

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

יְהוָ֧ה2 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם3 of 15

“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

תֵּלֵ֖כוּ4 of 15
H1980

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

וְאֹת֣וֹ5 of 15
H853

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

תִירָ֑אוּ6 of 15

“and fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאֶת7 of 15
H853

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

מִצְוֹתָ֤יו8 of 15

“his commandments”

H4687

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

תִּשְׁמֹ֙רוּ֙9 of 15

“him and keep”

H8104

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

וּבְקֹל֣וֹ10 of 15

“his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ11 of 15

“and obey”

H8085

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

וְאֹת֥וֹ12 of 15
H853

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

תַֽעֲבֹ֖דוּ13 of 15

“and ye shall serve”

H5647

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

וּב֥וֹ14 of 15
H0
תִדְבָּקֽוּן׃15 of 15

“him and cleave”

H1692

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

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:10Deuteronomy 10:201 Corinthians 6:17Jeremiah 7:232 Chronicles 34:312 Kings 23:3

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