TRV
Translation
King James Version
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Complete Jewish Bible
"So if you listen carefully to my mitzvot which I am giving you today, to love ADONAI your God and serve him with all your heart and all your being;
Berean Standard Bible
So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love Jehovah your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
World English Bible Messianic
It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Geneva Bible (1599)
If yee shall hearken therefore vnto my commandements, which I commaund you this day, that yee loue the Lord your God and serue him with all your heart, and with all your soule,
Young's Literal Translation
`And it hath been--if thou hearken diligently unto My commands which I am commanding you to-day, to love Jehovah your God, and to serve Him with all your heart, and with all your soul--
See also
In the KJVVerse 5,222 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 11 verses 8–17
8 ¶ Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;
9 And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
10 For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:
11 But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
15 And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
17 And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
Still Moses urges the same subject, as loth to conclude till he had gained his point. "If thou wilt enter into life, if thou wilt enter into Canaan, a type of that life, and find it a good land indeed to thee, keep the commandments: Keep all the commandments which I command you this day; love God, and serve him with all your heart."
I. Because this was the way to get and keep possession of the promised land. 1. It was the way to get possession (Deu 11:8): That you may be strong for war, and so go in and possess it. So little did they know either of hardship or hazard in the wars of Canaan that he does not say they should go in and fight for it; no, they had nothing in effect to do but go in and possess it. He does not go about to teach them the art of war, how to draw the bow, and use the sword, and keep ranks, that they might be strong, and go in and possess the land; no, but let them keep God's commandments, and their religion, while they are true to it, will be their strength, and secure their success. (2.) It was the way to keep possession (Deu 11:9): That you may prolong your days in this land that your eye is upon. Sin tends to the shortening of the days of particular persons and to the shortening of the days of a people's prosperity; but obedience will be a lengthening out of their tranquillity.
II. Because the land of Canaan, into which they were going, had a more sensible dependence upon the blessing of heaven than the land of Egypt had, Deu 11:10-12. Egypt was a country fruitful enough, but it was all flat, and was watered, not as other countries with rain (it is said of Egypt, Zac 14:18, that it has no rain), but by the overflowing of the river Nile at a certain season of the year, to the improving of which there was necessary a great deal of the art and labour of the husbandman, so that in Egypt a man must bestow as much cost and pains upon a field as upon a garden of herbs. And this made them the more apt to imagine that the power of their own hands got them this wealth. But the land of Canaan was an uneven country, a land of hills and valleys, which not only gave a more pleasing prospect to the eye, but yielded a greater variety of soils for the several purposes of the husbandman. It was a land that had no great rivers in it, except Jordan, but drank water of the rain of heaven, and so, 1. Saved them a great deal of labour. While the Egyptians were ditching and guttering in the fields, up to the knees in mud, to bring water to their land, which otherwise would soon become like the heath in the wilderness, the Israelites could sit in their houses, warm and easy, and leave it to God to water their land with the former and the latter rain, which is called the river of God (Psa 65:9), perhaps in allusion to, and contempt of, the river of Egypt, which that nation was so proud of. Note, The better God has provided, by our outward condition, for our ease and convenience, the more we should abound in his service: the less we have to do for our bodies the more we should do for God and our souls. 2. So he directed them to look upwards to God, who giveth us rain form heaven and fruitful seasons (Act 14:17), and promised to be himself as the dew unto Israel, Hos 14:5. Note, (1.) Mercies bring with them the greatest comfort and sweetness when we see them coming from heaven, the immediate gifts of divine Providence. (2.) The closer dependence we have upon God the more cheerful we should be in our obedience to him. See how Moses here magnifies the land of Canaan above all other lands, that the eyes of God were always upon it, that is, they should be so, to see that nothing was wanting, while they kept close to God and duty; its fruitfulness should be not so much the happy effect of its soil as the immediate fruit of the divine blessing; this may be inferred from its present state, for it is said to be at this day, now that God has departed from it, as barren a spot of ground as perhaps any under heaven. Call it not Naomi: call it Marah.
III. Because God would certainly bless them with an abundance of all good things if they would love him and serve him (Deu 11:13-15): I will give you the rain of your land in due season, so that they should neither want it when the ground called for it nor have it in excess; but they should have the former rain, which fell at seed-time, and the latter rain, which fell before the harvest, Amo 4:7. This represented all the seasonable blessings which God would bestow upon them, especially spiritual comforts, which should come as the latter and former, rain, Hos 6:3. And the earth thus watered produced, 1. Fruits for the service of man, corn and wine, and oil, Psa 104:13-15. 2. Grass for the cattle, that they also might be serviceable to man, that he might eat of them and be full, Deu 11:15. Godliness hath here the promise of the life that now is; but the favour of God shall put gladness into the heart, more than the increase of corn, and wine, and oil will.
IV. Because their revolt from God to idols. would certainly be their ruin: Take heed that your hearts be not deceived, Deu 11:16, Deu 11:17. All that forsake God to set their affection upon, or pay their devotion to, any creature, will find themselves wretchedly deceived to their own destruction; and this will aggravate it that it was purely for want of taking heed. A little care would have prevented their being imposed upon by the great deceiver. To awaken them to take heed, Moses here tells them plainly that if they should turn aside to other gods, 1. They would provoke the wrath of God against them; and who knows the power of that anger? 2. Good things would be turned away from them; the heaven would withhold its rain, and then of course the earth would not yield its fruit. 3. Evil things would come upon them; they would perish quickly form off this good land. And the better the land was the more grievous it would be to perish from it. The goodness of the land would not be their security, when the badness of the inhabitants had made them ripe for ruin.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–17. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Deuteronomy 11:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:13 functions as a foundational conditional statement within Moses' second major address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse articulates the essential prerequisite for Israel's sustained flourishing and divine blessing: a profound, active, and comprehensive commitment to God. It unequivocally establishes that their prosperity and security in the land are contingent upon their diligent and obedient response to God's commandments, motivated by a deep, covenantal love for Him, and expressed through unreserved service with their entire being.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Deuteronomy 11:13 is strategically positioned within Moses' extended exhortation, immediately following the foundational declaration of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. This chapter, particularly the section from Deuteronomy 11:8-17, meticulously elaborates on the abundant blessings that will inevitably follow Israel's faithful adherence to God's covenant stipulations. This promise of blessing stands in stark contrast to the severe curses detailed later in Deuteronomy 28, which are the consequence of disobedience. The entire structure of the Mosaic Covenant is presented as an "if...then" proposition, with verse 13 serving as the crucial "if" clause, directly preceding the promise of essential agricultural prosperity, symbolized by abundant rain, in Deuteronomy 11:14-15. This placement powerfully reinforces the theological principle that Israel's well-being and very existence in the Promised Land are directly and inextricably tied to their fidelity and responsive obedience to the Lord.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites stand at a pivotal moment in their history, on the threshold of entering Canaan, a land fundamentally different from the irrigated agricultural system of Egypt. Unlike Egypt, Canaan's fertility was entirely dependent on seasonal rainfall, making the promise of "rain in its season" (implied in the subsequent verses) a matter of existential significance for the fledgling nation. Moses is addressing a new generation, many of whom were born in the wilderness and did not personally witness the Exodus or the initial covenant at Sinai. Their parents' generation had largely failed due to disobedience, resulting in their demise in the wilderness. The covenant being renewed is not merely a legalistic document but a profound relational agreement between Yahweh, the sovereign God, and His chosen people, Israel. The emphasis on "love" and "heart and soul" resonates with ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, where a great king (suzerain) demanded exclusive loyalty and comprehensive devotion from his vassal states. In a polytheistic world where numerous deities vied for allegiance, the call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh was a radical, counter-cultural demand, setting Israel apart as a people whose entire identity and prosperity were bound to their singular relationship with the one true God.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 11:13 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, the theme of Conditional Covenant is paramount; God's blessings and Israel's prosperity in the land are not automatic entitlements but are contingent upon Israel's faithful and obedient response to His covenant stipulations. The phrase "if ye shall hearken diligently" underscores this foundational principle, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the relationship. Secondly, Wholehearted Devotion is central, as the command "to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul" transcends mere external conformity or ritualistic observance. It demands an internal, passionate, and undivided commitment of one's entire being—intellect, will, emotions, and vitality. This holistic concept of devotion is a recurring motif in Deuteronomy and is later affirmed by Jesus as the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37. Thirdly, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of Obedience as an Expression of Love. It teaches that true love for God is not merely an abstract emotion but is intrinsically linked to and demonstrated through diligent, active adherence to His revealed will and commandments. Obedience, therefore, becomes the tangible evidence of genuine love for the covenant Lord.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and urgent message. The most prominent is the Conditional Clause, which structures the entire covenant relationship as an "if...then" proposition, making Israel's well-being and prosperity directly contingent upon their obedience. This creates a clear and unambiguous framework for understanding divine blessings and judgments. Emphasis through Repetition is powerfully evident in the Hebrew phrase for "hearken diligently" (שָׁמַע שָׁמָע, shâmaʻ_ _shâmaʻ), an infinitive absolute construction that intensifies the call for attentive, active, and responsive obedience, underscoring its critical importance. Furthermore, Merism is skillfully employed with the phrase "with all your heart and with all your soul." Here, two complementary parts ("heart," representing the inner core of intellect and will, and "soul," representing one's vital being) are used to represent the whole, signifying a total, comprehensive, and undivided commitment of one's entire being. This holistic demand for devotion is a recurring and central motif throughout the book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the exclusivity and totality of God's claim on His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:13 stands as a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, articulating the very essence of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It profoundly links obedience to love, establishing that true devotion to God is not merely an emotional sentiment but a volitional act expressed through diligent adherence to His commands. This verse underscores the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings, particularly prosperity and security in the land, are contingent upon Israel's faithful and wholehearted response. It emphasizes that God desires not just outward conformity but an internal, comprehensive commitment from His people, involving every facet of their being. This holistic demand for love and service sets an incredibly high standard for covenant faithfulness, revealing God's desire for an exclusive, intimate, and all-encompassing relationship with His chosen people, rejecting any form of divided loyalty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:13 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless and profound principles for believers across all generations. It challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity and depth of our relationship with God. Are we merely going through the motions of faith, or is our obedience rooted in a genuine, overflowing love for Him? The imperative to "hearken diligently" means actively and intentionally engaging with God's Word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, inform our minds, and transform our lives, rather than treating it as a mere intellectual exercise or a list of rules. Moreover, serving God "with all your heart and with all your soul" demands an undivided devotion that permeates every aspect of our existence – our thoughts, desires, actions, priorities, and resources. This verse powerfully reminds us that true spiritual flourishing, experiencing God's manifest blessings, and living a life of purpose are inextricably linked to our active, passionate, and holistic obedience, flowing from a sincere and unreserved love for our Creator and Redeemer. It invites us to a life of radical commitment, where God is truly first, supreme, and preeminent in all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "hearken diligently" truly imply beyond just listening?
Answer: "Hearken diligently" (Hebrew: shama shama_) implies an active, intentional, and sustained attention that leads directly to obedience and action. It's far from passive hearing; it denotes a deep, transformative engagement with God's word, allowing it to penetrate one's mind, will, and emotions, resulting in a responsive and obedient life. It suggests a commitment to not only understand what God commands but to wholeheartedly put it into practice, demonstrating a profound respect for and submission to His divine authority. This concept is foundational throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of internalizing God's laws and passing them on, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
How is love for God connected to obedience in this verse? Is it not enough to just love Him?
Answer: Deuteronomy 11:13 explicitly links "hearken diligently unto my commandments" with "to love the LORD your God." In biblical thought, especially within the covenant context, love is not merely an emotion or a sentiment but a demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and allegiance. True love for God is intrinsically expressed through obedience to His revealed will and commands. It's a volitional act of allegiance that manifests in keeping His commands. As Jesus later affirmed, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Therefore, while love is the essential motivation, obedience is its tangible and indispensable expression, proving the sincerity and depth of that love in a covenant relationship.
What is the significance of serving God with "all your heart and with all your soul"?
Answer: Serving God with "all your heart and with all your soul" signifies a total, comprehensive, and undivided commitment of one's entire being. The "heart" (lebab) in Hebrew thought represents the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, while "soul" (nephesh) refers to one's life force, inner being, and vitality. Together, they form a merism, encompassing every faculty and dimension of a person. This phrase demands that devotion to God is not compartmentalized, partial, or superficial but permeates every thought, desire, action, and aspect of life. It leaves no room for divided loyalties, requiring an exclusive and passionate dedication to God, as opposed to serving other gods or worldly desires, a theme common throughout Deuteronomy. This holistic service reflects the absolute nature of God's claim on His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:13, with its profound call to love and serve God with wholehearted devotion, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. While ancient Israel often struggled to maintain this comprehensive obedience, falling short of the divine standard, Jesus perfectly embodied it. He lived a life of absolute love and unwavering submission to the Father's will, demonstrating perfect obedience even "to the point of death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Jesus Himself affirmed the supremacy of this Deuteronomic principle, declaring that the greatest commandment was indeed to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit is graciously given to believers, enabling them to fulfill what the Old Covenant required but could not empower: a genuine, Spirit-led love and obedience to God (Ezekiel 36:27). Our ability to "hearken diligently" and "serve him with all our heart and with all our soul" is no longer based on our own flawed efforts or legalistic striving, but on Christ's perfect obedience imputed to us, and the Spirit's transformative power working within us, renewing our desires and enabling us to walk in His ways (Romans 8:3-4). Thus, in Christ, the conditional promise of Deuteronomy is transformed into a gracious reality, as His perfect love and obedience become the foundation for our relationship with God and the wellspring of our empowered devotion.