King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:13 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere”

Deuteronomy 18:13 · KJV

Context

11

Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .

12

For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

13

Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere

14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. possess: or, inherit

15

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Read Deuteronomy 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God—The Hebrew tamim (perfect) means whole, complete, blameless, or having integrity—not sinless perfection but wholehearted devotion without divided loyalties. This is covenant faithfulness language: complete allegiance to YHWH alone, rejecting the syncretistic compromise of mixing His worship with occult practices. The preposition im (with) indicates relational intimacy, not mere external conformity.

This verse encapsulates the contrast between Israel's calling and Canaan's corruption. Where the nations consulted omens and spirits (v. 14), Israel must walk in undivided trust in God's revealed will through His prophets (vv. 15-19). Jesus echoes this principle in Matthew 5:48: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect'—wholehearted love for God and neighbor, unmixed devotion to the kingdom. Paul applies it in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, calling believers to separation from idolatry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This command was given as Israel stood on the threshold of Canaan, where Canaanite religion permeated every aspect of culture—agriculture, warfare, sexuality, and governance. The temptation to hedge bets by consulting both YHWH and Canaanite deities would be overwhelming. Archaeology reveals household idols, divination tools, and fertility cult objects throughout ancient Israel, confirming that many Israelites failed this test of wholehearted devotion. The prophets repeatedly condemned this covenant infidelity as spiritual adultery.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of life are you tempted toward divided loyalty—trusting God verbally while functionally relying on worldly wisdom or practices?
  2. How does wholehearted devotion to God require rejecting not only blatant idolatry but also subtle syncretism with cultural values?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
תָּמִ֣ים1 of 5

“Thou shalt be perfect”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה2 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִ֖ם3 of 5
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֥ה4 of 5

“with the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃5 of 5

“thy 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

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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:48Genesis 17:1Genesis 6:9Job 1:8Job 1:1Philippians 3:12

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 18 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes