Deuteronomy 11:13

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken {H8085} diligently {H8085} unto my commandments {H4687} which I command {H6680} you this day {H3117}, to love {H157} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, and to serve {H5647} him with all your heart {H3824} and with all your soul {H5315},

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:13 serves as a pivotal conditional statement within Moses' second major address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This verse articulates the foundational requirement for Israel's continued flourishing and divine blessing: a deep, active, and comprehensive commitment to God. It establishes that their prosperity in the land is contingent upon their diligent obedience to God's commandments, driven by a profound love for Him, expressed through wholehearted and complete service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:13 is embedded within Moses' extended exhortation to the Israelites, following the foundational declaration of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). This chapter, particularly [Deuteronomy 11:8-17](/deuteronomy/11-8 "Deuteronomy 11:8-17 - Blessings of Obedience"), elaborates on the blessings that will follow obedience to God's covenant stipulations, contrasting them sharply with the curses that will result from disobedience, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The "if...then" structure of the covenant is clearly laid out, with verse 13 serving as the crucial "if" clause, immediately preceding the promise of abundant rain and agricultural prosperity in [Deuteronomy 11:14-15](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Deuteronomy 11:14-15 - Promise of Rain and Fertility"). It reinforces the idea that Israel's well-being in the land is directly tied to their fidelity to the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are poised on the brink of entering Canaan, a land vastly different from Egypt, relying on rain rather than river irrigation. This context makes the promise of "rain in its season" (implied in the subsequent verses) incredibly significant. Moses is addressing a new generation, many of whom did not experience the Exodus firsthand, but whose parents failed in the wilderness due to disobedience. The covenant being renewed is not merely a legal document but a relational agreement between Yahweh, the sovereign God, and His chosen people. The emphasis on "love" and "heart and soul" speaks to a cultural understanding where loyalty and devotion were expressed through comprehensive allegiance, often mirrored in ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties between a great king and his vassals. The call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh was a radical counter-cultural demand in a polytheistic world, where many deities vied for allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, **Conditional Covenant** is central; God's blessings are not automatic but are contingent upon Israel's faithful response to His covenant. The phrase "if ye shall hearken diligently" underscores this foundational principle. Secondly, **Wholehearted Devotion** is paramount, 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, demanding an internal, passionate, and undivided commitment of one's entire being. This concept is echoed and amplified throughout Scripture, including in Jesus' summation of the greatest commandment in [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Obedience as an Expression of Love**, illustrating that true love for God is not merely an emotion but is intrinsically linked to and demonstrated through diligent adherence to His revealed will and commandments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken diligently (Hebrew, _shama` shama`'_):** This phrase employs a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction, where the verb "to hear" (שָׁמַע, _shama`_) is repeated for intense emphasis. It signifies far more than passive listening; it denotes an attentive, careful, and persistent hearing that leads directly to responsive action and obedience. It implies a deep engagement with God's word, not just an intellectual acknowledgment, but a transformative reception that shapes one's will and behavior.
* **Love (Hebrew, _'ahab'_):** The Hebrew word אָהַב (_'ahab'_) in this covenantal context refers to a deep, committed loyalty and devotion, rather than merely an emotional affection. It is a volitional love, demonstrated through faithfulness, allegiance, and obedience to the covenant relationship. It implies a conscious choice to prioritize God, His will, and His relationship above all else, expressing itself in dedicated service and adherence to His commands.
* **Heart and Soul (Hebrew, _lebab_ and _nephesh'_):** The terms לֵבָב (_lebab_) for "heart" and נֶפֶשׁ (_nephesh_) for "soul" (or often, "life," "being," "self") together represent the totality of a person. "Heart" encompasses the inner core of a person—intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. "Soul" refers to one's entire vitality, inner being, and animating principle. The combination emphasizes a comprehensive, undivided, and unreserved commitment to God, involving every faculty and dimension of human existence—intellectual, emotional, volitional, and spiritual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day,"**: This opening clause establishes the conditional nature of the covenant. The phrase "it shall come to pass" introduces a consequence dependent on the preceding condition. "Hearken diligently" (as analyzed above) stresses active, attentive, and obedient listening to God's "commandments," which are presented as current and immediate ("this day"), emphasizing their ongoing relevance and the urgency of their application for the new generation. This sets the stage for the reciprocal relationship between God's directives and Israel's response.
* **"to love the LORD your God,"**: This clause reveals the motivation and essence of the required "hearkening diligently." Obedience is not to be a mere legalistic adherence but an outflow of a deep, committed love for Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. This love is not just an emotion but a demonstrated loyalty and devotion that undergirds and informs all actions. It highlights that the relationship with God is personal and relational, not just transactional.
* **"and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,"**: This final clause specifies the manner and extent of the required service. "To serve him" (עָבַד, _'avad'_) implies active worship, obedience, and practical devotion. The qualification "with all your heart and with all your soul" (as analyzed above) demands total, undivided commitment. It signifies that every aspect of one's inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and life force—must be engaged in this service, leaving no room for divided loyalties or half-hearted devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("if...then" structure), which undergirds the entire covenant relationship, making Israel's well-being directly dependent on their obedience. This creates a clear framework for understanding divine blessings and judgments. **Emphasis through Repetition** is evident in "hearken diligently" (שָׁמַע שָׁמָע), which intensifies the call for attentive and active obedience. Furthermore, **Merism** is employed with the phrase "with all your heart and with all your soul," where two contrasting or complementary parts ("heart" and "soul") 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 motif in Deuteronomy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:13 stands as a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, articulating the 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 and prosperity 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 a high standard for covenant faithfulness, revealing God's desire for an exclusive and intimate relationship with His chosen people.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord with All Your Being")
* [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Matthew 22:37-38](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-38 - The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:13 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless principles for believers today. It challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity 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 call to "hearken diligently" means actively engaging with God's Word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives, rather than treating it as a mere intellectual exercise. 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, and priorities. This verse reminds us that true spiritual flourishing and experiencing God's blessings are inextricably linked to our active, passionate, and holistic obedience, flowing from a sincere love for our Creator and Redeemer. It invites us to a life of radical commitment, where God is truly first in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to "hearken diligently" more to God's commandments?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I love the LORD my God with "all my heart and with all my soul"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more undivided and wholehearted devotion to God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's love for me motivate my obedience to Him?**

### 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 not passive hearing, but a deep engagement with God's word, allowing it to penetrate one's mind and will, 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 and submission to His authority. This concept is foundational throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of internalizing God's laws, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children God's Commands").

**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 but a demonstrated loyalty and commitment. True love for God is expressed through obedience to His revealed will. 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](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on Love and Obedience")). Therefore, while love is the motivation, obedience is its tangible expression, proving the sincerity and depth of that love.

**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 or partial 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](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - Book Overview").

### 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 Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While Israel often struggled to maintain this comprehensive obedience, Jesus perfectly embodied it, living a life of absolute love and submission to the Father's will, even "to the point of death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He declared 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](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment")), echoing this very Deuteronomic principle. Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit is 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](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - The New Heart and Spirit")). 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 but on Christ's perfect obedience imputed to us, and the Spirit's power working within us, transforming our desires and enabling us to walk in His ways ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). 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 source of our empowered devotion.

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 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 11:8

¶ 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;

Deuteronomy 6:17

¶ Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

Psalms 119:4

¶ Thou hast commanded [us] to keep thy precepts diligently.