Deuteronomy 10:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}; him shalt thou serve {H5647}, and to him shalt thou cleave {H1692}, and swear {H7650} by his name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to fear ADONAI your God, serve him, cling to him and swear by his name.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; him shalt thou serve; and to him shalt thou cleave, and by his name shalt thou swear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:20 presents a foundational summary of Israel's covenant obligations, encapsulating the comprehensive and exclusive devotion demanded by Yahweh. Moses calls the people to a profound reverence for God, active and dedicated service to Him alone, unwavering loyalty and intimate attachment, and a public acknowledgment of His supreme and unique authority. This verse serves as a concise yet powerful articulation of the holistic commitment required from God's people, forming the bedrock of their relationship with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivered just before their entry into the Promised Land. Chapters 9 and 10 serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion, particularly the egregious sin of the golden calf. Following a recounting of God's mercy and a call to "circumcise the foreskin of your heart" in [Deuteronomy 10:16](/deuteronomy/10-16 "Deuteronomy 10:16 - Circumcision of the Heart"), Moses articulates God's character as the "God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")). The commands in [Deuteronomy 10:12-22](/deuteronomy/10 "Deuteronomy 10 - God's Requirements and Israel's History") flow directly from this understanding of God's nature, with verse 20 summarizing the core ethical and relational response required of His people, echoing and expanding upon earlier injunctions like [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear, Serve, and Swear by the LORD").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is critical: the Israelites are on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land teeming with polytheistic cultures and idolatrous practices. Moses' address serves as a final, urgent call to fidelity before they encounter these corrupting influences. The commands in [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Fear, Serve, Cleave, and Swear by the LORD") are a stark contrast to the syncretism prevalent among their neighbors, emphasizing an exclusive, monotheistic devotion to Yahweh. The covenant established at Sinai is being renewed and re-articulated for a new generation, underscoring the unique relationship between God and Israel. The call to "swear by his name" is particularly significant in a culture where oaths were binding and often invoked deities; for Israel, it meant invoking only the one true God, distinguishing Him from all false gods and affirming His ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Fear, Serve, Cleave, and Swear by the LORD") encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **exclusive monotheism** and **covenant loyalty**, demanding that Israel's devotion be directed solely to Yahweh, rejecting all other gods. This exclusivity is foundational to the **identity of Israel** as God's chosen people. The verse also highlights the theme of **holistic obedience**, where faith is not merely intellectual assent but a comprehensive commitment involving the heart ("fear," "cleave"), actions ("serve"), and public declaration ("swear by his name"). It speaks to the **nature of true worship**, which encompasses reverent awe, active service, and unwavering devotion. This holistic call to devotion is a recurring motif, preparing the people for a life lived entirely under God's sovereignty, as seen in the broader call to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew: ירא, _yare'_):** This term, often translated as "fear," signifies far more than mere terror or dread. In the context of God, _yare'_ conveys a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for His holiness, power, and majesty. It implies acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and authority, leading to humble submission, obedience, and worship. This "fear" is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It motivates a desire to please God and avoid anything that would displease Him.
* **Serve (Hebrew: עבד, _'avad'_):** To "serve" means to work, labor, or be a servant. When applied to God, _'avad'_ denotes active worship, obedience, and dedication in all aspects of life. It is not a passive belief but a dynamic, practical devotion that involves putting God's will above all else, dedicating one's abilities, time, and resources to His purposes. This service is exclusive, demanding allegiance to God alone, as Jesus Himself affirmed in [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Worship and Serve God Alone").
* **Cleave (Hebrew: דבק, _dabaq'_):** This powerful verb means to cling, stick, hold fast, or be joined. It is often used to describe deep attachment and loyalty, such as the bond between a husband and wife in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife"). When applied to God, _dabaq'_ signifies an inseparable bond, an intimate fellowship, and an unwavering commitment of the heart and mind. It speaks of remaining steadfastly loyal to God even amidst challenges, being deeply devoted and utterly dependent on Him.
* **Swear by his name (Hebrew: שבע בשמו, _shava' bishmo'_):** To "swear by His name" is to invoke the divine presence as a witness to truth, solemn promises, or covenants. This command emphasizes the unique identity and supreme authority of the LORD. It signifies a public acknowledgment of His deity and an exclusive reliance on Him for validation and truth, distinguishing Him from all false gods. It highlights His incomparable nature and the absolute trustworthiness of His word, as prophesied in [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God":** This is the foundational command, calling for a reverential awe and profound respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. It is an internal disposition that acknowledges His sovereignty and leads to humble submission and obedience, recognizing His ultimate authority over all creation and life.
* **"him shalt thou serve":** Flowing from reverential fear, this command mandates active and exclusive devotion. It means to worship God through practical obedience, dedicating one's life, work, and resources to His purposes. This service is not merely ritualistic but encompasses all aspects of daily living, reflecting a commitment to His will above all else.
* **"and to him shalt thou cleave":** This phrase emphasizes an intimate and unwavering loyalty. "Cleaving" implies a deep, inseparable attachment—a bond of love, devotion, and faithfulness. It speaks to a steadfast commitment of the heart and mind, remaining joined to God in fellowship and trust, even when faced with temptations or difficulties.
* **"and swear by his name":** This final command underscores the public and exclusive acknowledgment of God's unique identity and authority. To swear by His name is to invoke Him as the ultimate guarantor of truth and promises, signifying a complete reliance on Him and a rejection of all other deities. It is a public declaration of His incomparable nature and supreme dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, where the four distinct commands ("fear," "serve," "cleave," "swear") are presented in a cumulative fashion, each building upon the previous one to create a comprehensive portrait of exclusive devotion. This creates a sense of **Merism**, where the totality of Israel's relationship with God is encapsulated by these distinct yet interconnected aspects. The use of the **Imperative Mood** throughout the verse ("shalt fear," "shalt serve," "shalt cleave," "shalt swear") underscores the divine authority behind these commands, presenting them not as suggestions but as non-negotiable requirements for covenant fidelity. Furthermore, the implicit **Exclusivity** of "him shalt thou serve" and "to him shalt thou cleave," reinforced by "swear by his name," serves as a stark contrast to the polytheistic environment, highlighting Yahweh's unique and singular claim on Israel's allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:20 stands as a theological cornerstone, summarizing the essence of the first commandment and the core of the Shema. It articulates the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the one true God, as the foundation for Israel's identity, flourishing, and covenant relationship. This verse is not merely a list of actions but a call to a holistic orientation of the entire being—heart, mind, and strength—towards God. It prefigures the New Covenant's call to love God with all one's being, demonstrating that true faith is comprehensive, touching every aspect of life and demanding an exclusive, passionate commitment to the God who redeems and sustains. It reminds us that our relationship with God is meant to be intimate, active, and publicly declared.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [Joshua 24:14](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:20 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to wholehearted devotion in a world filled with competing allegiances. It challenges us to cultivate a reverent awe for God, recognizing His holiness and sovereignty not just in our worship services but in every decision and circumstance of our lives. This verse compels us to actively serve Him, translating our faith into tangible obedience and dedication in our daily work, relationships, and stewardship of resources. It calls us to maintain an intimate and unwavering loyalty, cleaving to Him as our ultimate source of security and identity, allowing nothing to separate us from His love or His will. Finally, it urges us to publicly acknowledge His name and authority, letting our lives and words bear witness to His truth and uniqueness in a culture that often dismisses or distorts His reality. True faith, as presented here, is comprehensive, permeating every facet of our being and demanding an exclusive, passionate commitment to the God who has redeemed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I truly demonstrate reverent fear of God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness?**
* **How does my daily life reflect active service to the LORD, going beyond mere passive belief or ritualistic observance?**
* **What "other gods" (idols, desires, or allegiances) might be competing for the exclusive devotion God calls for in my life?**
* **How can I more intentionally "cleave" to God, fostering a deeper, more intimate, and unwavering loyalty to Him amidst life's challenges and distractions?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical context, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: _yare'_) does not primarily mean terror or dread, but rather a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. It is an acknowledgment of His ultimate sovereignty and majesty, leading to humble submission, obedience, and worship. This reverential fear motivates a desire to please God and avoid anything that would displease Him, serving as the foundation for wisdom and knowledge, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It's a healthy, worshipful fear that recognizes God's absolute authority and our dependence on Him.

**How is "cleaving" to God different from "serving" Him?**

Answer: While both "cleaving" and "serving" are essential aspects of devotion, they emphasize different dimensions of our relationship with God. "Serving" (Hebrew: _'avad'_) refers to active obedience, practical dedication, and the commitment of one's life and resources to God's will. It's about what we *do* for God—our worship, our work, our obedience to His commands, as seen in Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Worship and Serve God Alone"). "Cleaving" (Hebrew: _dabaq'_), on the other hand, speaks to the internal, intimate bond—a deep, unwavering loyalty, attachment, and spiritual closeness. It's about *who* we are joined to, signifying an inseparable bond of heart and mind, much like the marital bond described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Cleave to His Wife"). Serving is the outward expression of devotion, while cleaving is the inward disposition of intimate, steadfast loyalty. Both are crucial for a complete and healthy relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:20 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodied all these commands, demonstrating what it truly means to "fear the LORD," "serve Him," "cleave to Him," and "swear by His name." Jesus lived a life of absolute reverence for the Father, always doing His will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). He perfectly served God, dedicating His entire life to the Father's redemptive purposes, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His intimate and unwavering loyalty to the Father, even in the face of immense suffering, exemplifies "cleaving" in its purest form ([John 15:10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Abiding in His Love")). Furthermore, Jesus' entire ministry was a public declaration and vindication of God's name and authority, as He taught His disciples to pray for God's name to be hallowed ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")). For believers, the ability to fulfill these commands is not by human effort alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit through union with Christ. We are enabled to "fear the LORD" not out of terror, but out of grateful reverence for the God who saved us through Christ ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). We "serve Him" as His redeemed people, empowered for good works ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). Our "cleaving" to God is made possible by Christ, who unites us to Himself and to the Father ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), and our "swearing by His name" is now a public confession of Jesus as Lord, for "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:11](/philipians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Every Tongue Confess")). Thus, what was commanded of Israel finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who both perfectly obeyed and enables His followers to obey.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 6:13

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

Deuteronomy 13:4

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.

Luke 4:8

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Deuteronomy 11:22

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Psalms 63:11

But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Isaiah 45:23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.