Deuteronomy 4:13

KJV

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he declared {H5046} unto you his covenant {H1285}, which he commanded {H6680} you to perform {H6213}, even ten {H6235} commandments {H1697}; and he wrote {H3789} them upon two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He proclaimed his covenant to you, which he ordered you to obey, the Ten Words; and he wrote them on two stone tablets.

Berean Standard Bible

He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.

American Standard Version

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:13 stands as a foundational declaration within Moses' second discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab. It succinctly articulates that God Himself, in an act of direct revelation, unveiled His covenant to His people, specifying its core stipulations as the "ten commandments." The verse further underscores the divine origin, absolute authority, and enduring nature of these foundational laws by stating that God personally inscribed them upon two tables of stone, thereby emphasizing their non-negotiable character and the expectation of Israel's unwavering adherence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:13 is strategically positioned within Moses' impassioned second address to the new generation of Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a powerful exhortation to covenant faithfulness, immediately following Moses' vivid recapitulation of the awe-inspiring, direct encounter with Yahweh at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses meticulously recounts the dramatic display of God's presence—fire, cloud, and thick darkness—from which God spoke directly to the people. Verse 13 functions as a concise yet profound summation of the pinnacle of that revelation: the giving of the Decalogue, which forms the very heart and foundational stipulations of the covenant. It directly precedes Moses' stern warnings against idolatry and his emphasis on the unique, intimate relationship God forged with Israel, setting them apart from all other nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this discourse is the plains of Moab, approximately four decades after the Exodus from Egyptian bondage. The generation that initially received the covenant at Sinai had largely perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience. Moses, now addressing their children, is essentially conducting a solemn covenant renewal ceremony. This generation, though familiar with the stories, had not personally witnessed the dramatic events at Horeb. Culturally, the concept of a "covenant" (Hebrew: *bĕrît*) was a well-established legal and social construct in the ancient Near East, frequently taking the form of a suzerain-vassal treaty. In such treaties, a powerful king (suzerain) would dictate terms to a lesser king or people (vassal), outlining loyalty, obligations, and the consequences of adherence or rebellion. Here, Yahweh, the divine Suzerain, establishes His covenant with Israel, His chosen vassal, with the Ten Commandments serving as the foundational stipulations. The inscription of laws on stone tablets was a common practice for crucial legal documents, signifying their permanence, authority, and public accessibility, ensuring their enduring nature.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:13 encapsulates several overarching theological and narrative themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing Israel's solemn and unwavering obligation to remain loyal to Yahweh, who graciously chose them and miraculously delivered them from slavery. The verse powerfully highlights **Divine Revelation and Authority**, showcasing God's direct, personal, and audible communication of His will, distinguishing Him sharply from the silent, impotent, man-made idols of surrounding nations, as Moses eloquently argues in [Deuteronomy 4:32-35](/deuteronomy/4-32-35 "Deuteronomy 4:32-35 - The Uniqueness of God's Revelation"). Furthermore, the "ten commandments" represent the essence of **God's Moral Law**, serving as the immutable framework for righteous living, just worship, and communal justice. Moses consistently links **Obedience as Life** throughout his speeches, promising abundant blessing and flourishing in the Promised Land for those who diligently keep God's statutes and judgments, as seen in the opening exhortation of [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Obedience for Life and Blessing"). This verse underscores that the covenant is not merely a set of abstract principles but a divine command requiring active and diligent "performance."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting "cutting" (referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in two when making a pact), denotes a solemn, binding agreement or pact established by an oath. In the biblical context, it primarily refers to God's gracious, sovereign initiative to establish a unique relationship with humanity, and specifically with Israel. Here, it signifies the foundational relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, characterized by mutual obligations, divine promises, and a shared history. God "declared" or "announced" His covenant, emphasizing its divine origin and the fact that it was not a human negotiation but a divine pronouncement.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** While the KJV translates the phrase as "ten commandments," the Hebrew literally reads "ten words" or "ten sayings" (*‘ăśeret haddĕbārîm*), which is the origin of the term "Decalogue." The word *dâbâr* itself signifies a "word," "matter," or "thing spoken." This emphasizes that these are not merely human rules or suggestions, but direct, authoritative utterances from God Himself. They are foundational statements that encapsulate God's moral and ethical will for His people, serving as the core stipulations of the covenant revealed at Horeb. Their divine origin imbues them with absolute authority and timeless relevance.
* **Wrote (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** This primitive root means "to grave" or "to write," implying to describe, inscribe, or prescribe. The significance of this verb in Deuteronomy 4:13 lies in its subject: God Himself ("he wrote"). This highlights divine authorship and direct involvement. The act of God personally inscribing these words on stone underscores their sacredness, permanence, and unchallengeable authority. It distinguishes them from any human legislation, which is inherently subject to change or decay, affirming their eternal validity as expressions of God's unchanging character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he declared unto you his covenant":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's active, sovereign, and personal initiative in establishing the covenant with Israel. It was not a human invention or a reciprocal negotiation, but a direct, verbal revelation from the Almighty to His chosen people. The term "declared" (H5046, *nâgad*) implies a clear, public, and authoritative announcement, underscoring the divine origin and the non-negotiable nature of the covenant that defines Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, setting them apart from all other nations.
* **"which he commanded you to perform":** The covenant is presented not merely as a statement of relationship or a set of abstract principles, but as a prescriptive and demanding agreement requiring active obedience. The phrase "to perform" (H6213, *ʻâsâh*) signifies diligent action, ethical living, and faithful adherence to God's will in all aspects of life. This highlights the practical, behavioral, and moral expectations inherent in the covenant, emphasizing that Israel's blessedness and continued relationship with God were contingent upon their active obedience.
* **"[even] ten commandments":** This parenthetical clarification precisely identifies the specific content and core stipulations of the declared covenant. The "ten commandments" (literally "ten words") are identified as the essential summary of God's moral and religious law, providing a comprehensive framework for Israel's conduct towards God (the first four) and towards one another (the latter six). They are the foundational blueprint for a holy, just, and thriving society, serving as the very heart of the covenant's demands.
* **"and he wrote them upon two tables of stone":** This concluding clause profoundly underscores the divine authorship, permanence, and immutability of the commandments. The act of God Himself writing them signifies their absolute and unchallengeable authority, distinguishing them from any human decree. "Tables of stone" (H3871, *lûwach*; H68, *ʼeben*) symbolize durability, endurance, and public record, indicating that these laws were meant to persist through generations and serve as a constant, tangible reminder of God's unchanging will. The "two tables" likely refer to the two distinct categories of commandments (duties to God and duties to neighbor) or, alternatively, two copies of the covenant document, one for each party (God and Israel), a common practice in ancient Near Eastern treaty-making.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its theological impact and underscore its significance. The **Repetition** of concepts such as "covenant" and "commanded" throughout Moses' discourse reinforces their centrality and the absolute necessity of obedience for Israel's well-being. The phrase "two tables of stone" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing the permanence, divine origin, and unchangeable nature of God's law. Stone, by its inherent properties, suggests durability and resistance to decay, standing in stark contrast to human decrees that are often fleeting or easily altered. The explicit statement that God personally "wrote" them further emphasizes **Divine Authorship** and the absolute, non-negotiable authority of these commands, setting them apart from any human legislation. This strong emphasis on God's direct involvement highlights the **Uniqueness** of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, who speaks, acts, and reveals His will decisively in their history, unlike the silent, passive deities of other nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:13 is a cornerstone for understanding the very nature of God's relationship with humanity and the profound role of His divine law. It unequivocally establishes that God's covenant is not a human construct or a reciprocal negotiation, but a sovereign, gracious initiative, freely given and authoritatively declared by the Creator Himself. The Ten Commandments, as the very core of this covenant, serve as a profound revelation of God's holy, righteous, and loving character, simultaneously outlining His expectations for ethical living and just worship. They function as a perfect standard, a moral compass for humanity, demonstrating what it truly means to love God with all one's being and to love one's neighbor as oneself. While initially given to Israel, their underlying principles resonate universally, exposing the pervasive reality of human sin and highlighting humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands, thereby pointing to a deeper, more profound need for divine grace and intervention.

* [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Giving of the Ten Commandments")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on Hearts")
* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:13 compels us to a profound and necessary reflection on the nature of God's law and our personal response to its enduring truth. The divine origin and inherent permanence of the Ten Commandments serve as a powerful reminder that God's moral standards are neither arbitrary nor subject to the shifting tides of cultural whims; rather, they are eternal reflections of His unchanging, holy character. While believers in Christ are liberated from the law as a means of salvation, the Decalogue remains an indispensable guide for ethical living, a mirror that shapes our conscience, reveals areas where we fall short, and continually points us to our ongoing, desperate need for God's boundless grace and the empowering work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Understanding that God "commanded you to perform" His covenant challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active, joyful, and diligent obedience, recognizing that living according to God's "ten words" ultimately leads to true flourishing, genuine human dignity, and honors the One who graciously declared them. This verse fosters a posture of deep reverence for God's authoritative Word and cultivates a commitment to integrating His timeless principles into every facet of our lives, from our private thoughts to our public interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin and inscription of the Ten Commandments impact your view of their authority and relevance in your life today?**
* **In what specific ways do these "ten words" continue to reveal God's unchanging character and His expectations for humanity, even in our contemporary context?**
* **How does the call to "perform" the covenant challenge you to live out your faith practically and consistently in your daily decisions, relationships, and vocational pursuits?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "two tables of stone" mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:13?**

Answer: The "two tables of stone" carry profound symbolic and practical significance. Firstly, stone itself inherently symbolizes permanence, durability, and immutability, indicating that these laws were not fleeting or easily altered, unlike human decrees that often change with time or circumstance. Secondly, the fact that God "wrote them" Himself underscores their divine authorship and absolute authority, setting them apart as uniquely sacred and unchallengeable. Thirdly, the "two tables" are most commonly understood to represent the two main categories of the Ten Commandments: the first table (commandments 1-4) dealing with humanity's duties and obligations directly to God (love for God), and the second table (commandments 5-10) dealing with duties to one's neighbor (love for neighbor). Alternatively, some scholars suggest the two tables might signify two identical copies of the covenant document, one for each party—God and Israel—a common practice in ancient Near Eastern treaties to ensure both parties possessed the full terms of the agreement. Regardless of the precise interpretation of "two," the overarching emphasis is on the enduring, divine, and authoritative nature of God's revealed law.

**How does Deuteronomy 4:13, which speaks of the Old Covenant, relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 4:13 describes the giving of the Old Covenant law at Sinai, its principles remain profoundly relevant and find their ultimate fulfillment under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Ten Commandments, as God's moral law, perfectly reveal His unchanging character and His holy standard of righteousness. They serve to expose humanity's sin and our inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands, thus highlighting our desperate need for a Savior (as articulated in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus Himself affirmed that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (as stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Under the New Covenant, salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by perfect obedience to the law. However, the moral principles of the Decalogue continue to serve as a vital guide for righteous living for believers, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The New Covenant promises a transformative work where God will write His laws not merely on external tables of stone, but on the hearts and minds of His people (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on Hearts") and expounded in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The Law Written on Hearts")), enabling them to live in a way that truly honors Him out of a transformed nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:13, with its profound emphasis on God's direct declaration of His covenant and the personal inscription of the "ten commandments" upon tables of stone, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Law, perfectly revealed and commanded by God at Sinai, served a crucial purpose: to expose humanity's pervasive sin and our utter inability to perfectly "perform" its righteous demands, thereby creating a profound, existential need for a Savior (as articulated in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment and living fulfillment of this very Law; He lived a life of flawless obedience, perfectly fulfilling every command where humanity consistently failed (as He Himself declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He bore the full penalty for our disobedience to the very Law declared in Deuteronomy 4:13, thereby establishing a [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant") that is superior in every way to the old. Under this New Covenant, the Law is no longer merely an external code written on cold stone, but it is internalized, graciously written on the hearts of believers by the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on Hearts"), empowering them to live righteously not out of obligation to earn salvation, but out of grateful response to the salvation already received (as described in [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")). Thus, the divine declaration and inscription of God's holy will, begun with thunder and fire at Sinai, culminates in the person and redemptive work of [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who is the living Word, the ultimate revelation of God's righteous character, and the sole means of humanity's salvation.

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

Exodus 34:28

¶ And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Exodus 24:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

Exodus 31:18

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Deuteronomy 9:9

When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

Deuteronomy 9:11

And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, [that] the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, [even] the tables of the covenant.

Deuteronomy 10:1

¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.