King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:13 in the King James Version says “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.”

Deuteronomy 4:13 · KJV

Context

11

And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. midst: Heb. heart

12

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. only: Heb. save a voice

13

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

14

And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments.' The equation of covenant with Decalogue reveals that the Ten Commandments function as covenant stipulations, not arbitrary rules. The Hebrew 'berit' (covenant) binds God and people in legal relationship with mutual obligations. God's initiative ('he declared...he commanded') emphasizes divine sovereignty in covenant establishment. Writing on 'two tables of stone' indicates permanence and divine authorship. From a Reformed perspective, the moral law reveals God's unchanging character and continues to guide Christian ethics, though Christ fulfills ceremonial aspects.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God inscribed the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets at Sinai (Exodus 31:18, 34:28). Following ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns, both tablets likely contained the full covenant text—one copy for each party (God and Israel). Moses received these tablets twice, smashing the first set after the golden calf apostasy (Exodus 32:19), then receiving replacement tablets (Exodus 34:1-4). These tablets were deposited in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does identifying the Ten Commandments as 'covenant' shape your understanding of God's moral law?
  2. In what ways do the Ten Commandments continue to reveal God's character and guide Christian living today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּגֵּ֨ד1 of 15

“And he declared”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָכֶ֜ם2 of 15
H0
אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

בְּרִית֗וֹ4 of 15

“unto you his covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 15
H834

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

צִוָּ֤ה6 of 15

“which he commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶם֙7 of 15
H853

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת8 of 15

“you to perform”

H6213

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

עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת9 of 15

“even ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַדְּבָרִ֑ים10 of 15

“commandments”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וַֽיִּכְתְּבֵ֔ם11 of 15

“and he wrote”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁנֵ֖י13 of 15

“them upon two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לֻח֥וֹת14 of 15

“tables”

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

אֲבָנִֽים׃15 of 15

“of stone”

H68

a stone

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:28Exodus 31:18Deuteronomy 9:9-11Exodus 24:12Exodus 19:5Deuteronomy 10:1-5

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