Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika
Verse MeaningDeuteronomyComplex verse

Deuteronomy 13:4: Meaning Explained

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall...

Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after Yahweh your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and cling to him.
What it means

Follow God with respect and honor. Keep His rules, listen to His voice, serve Him, and stay loyal to Him with all your being.

What’s Happening Here

The right response is complete loyalty and obedience to God alone.

Key Words

fearto respect and honor
clingto hold tight and stay loyal

Why It Matters

This verse reminds us that a genuine relationship with God involves more than just belief; it requires our daily actions, reverence, obedience, and wholehearted loyalty, which is a timeless call to authentic faith.

Did You Know?

The Hebrew word translated as 'cling' implies a close, permanent bond, like glue or marriage, emphasizing total devotion.

Tradition Spectrum

Word Study

H310
afterאַֽחֲרֵ֨י
H3068
the LORDיְהוָ֧ה
H430
your Godאֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם
H3372
and fearתִירָ֑אוּ
H4687
his commandmentsמִצְוֹתָ֤יו
H8104
him and keepתִּשְׁמֹ֙רוּ֙
H6963
his voiceוּבְקֹל֣וֹ
H8085
and obeyתִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
H5647
and ye shall serveתַֽעֲבֹ֖דוּ
H1692
him and cleaveתִדְבָּקֽוּן׃

Frequently asked questions

What does Deuteronomy 13:4 mean?

Follow God with respect and honor. Keep His rules, listen to His voice, serve Him, and stay loyal to Him with all your being.

What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:4?

The right response is complete loyalty and obedience to God alone.

Why does Deuteronomy 13:4 matter?

This verse reminds us that a genuine relationship with God involves more than just belief; it requires our daily actions, reverence, obedience, and wholehearted loyalty, which is a timeless call to authentic faith.

What's a surprising detail about Deuteronomy 13:4?

The Hebrew word translated as 'cling' implies a close, permanent bond, like glue or marriage, emphasizing total devotion.

Continue Exploring
Read Deuteronomy 13:4 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
  3. Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →