King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:13 Mean?

“Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.”

Context

And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. bondage: Heb. bondmen or, servants

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

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Topics in This Verse

Fear & Courage

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him.**—Literally, *Jehovah thy God thou shalt fear, and him shalt thou serve: i.e., *Him only, as translated by the LXX., and cited by our Lord in His temptation. It is remarkable that all His answers to the tempter were taken not only from Deuteronomy, *but from one and the same portion of Deuteronomy*—Deuteronomy 5-10 inclusive—the portion which applies the principles of the Decalogue to Israel’s life. **And shalt swear by his name.**—Comp. Exodus 23:13. “Make no mention of the name of other gods.” The principle was not unknown to the patriarchs. Laban appealed to the “God of Nahor,” but “Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac” (Genesis 31:53). (Comp. Jeremiah 5:7 : “Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by . . . no-gods.”)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 6:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.