Deuteronomy 4:4

KJV

But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

But ye that did cleave {H1695} unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} are alive {H2416} every one of you this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but you who stuck with ADONAI your God are still alive today, every one of you.

Berean Standard Bible

But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day, every one of you.

American Standard Version

But ye that did cleave unto Jehovah your God are alive every one of you this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:4 stands as a powerful testament to the consequences of faithfulness and devotion to God, presenting a stark contrast to the preceding verses. It highlights God's severe judgment on those who strayed into idolatry and His miraculous preservation of those who remained steadfastly loyal to Him. This verse underscores that intimate allegiance to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the pathway to sustained life and flourishing, serving as a foundational principle for the nation as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4 serves as a pivotal chapter within Moses's first major address to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. Immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 4:4](/deuteronomy/4-4 "Deuteronomy 4:4 - Cleaving to the Lord"), verse [Deuteronomy 4:3](/deuteronomy/4-3 "Deuteronomy 4:3 - The Baal-Peor Incident") explicitly references the devastating plague at Baal-peor, where those who joined themselves to the idol Baal perished. This verse, therefore, functions as a stark counterpoint, highlighting God's judgment on the disobedient and His active preservation of the faithful. It sets the stage for Moses's impassioned plea for unwavering obedience to the covenant laws, emphasizing that adherence to God's commands is directly linked to life, prosperity, and longevity in the land they are about to inherit, a central theme woven throughout [the entire book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses's Farewell Address").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers this address to the second generation of Israelites, those who had survived the wilderness wanderings and were now poised to enter the Promised Land. The incident at Baal-peor, detailed extensively in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"), was a recent and traumatic event where many Israelites engaged in sexual immorality and idolatry with the Moabites, resulting in a divine plague that killed 24,000 people. This immediate historical backdrop makes the contrast in [Deuteronomy 4:4](/deuteronomy/4-4 "Deuteronomy 4:4 - Cleaving to the Lord") incredibly potent and relevant. Culturally, the concept of "cleaving" (Hebrew: _dabaq_) to a deity or a person implied a deep, exclusive, and enduring bond, often likened to the total commitment of a marital covenant. The Israelites were about to enter a land saturated with pagan worship and polytheistic practices, making this exhortation to exclusive devotion to Yahweh critically important for their distinct identity and continued existence as God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 4:4](/deuteronomy/4-4 "Deuteronomy 4:4 - Cleaving to the Lord") encapsulates several foundational themes of Deuteronomy. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Covenant Loyalty and Exclusivity**, demanding an undivided allegiance to Yahweh, who alone is God ([Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; There Is No Other")). Secondly, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience**, presenting a clear choice between life and death based on one's relationship with God, a principle explicitly articulated later in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life"). Finally, it highlights **Divine Preservation and Blessing**, demonstrating God's protective hand over those who remain faithful to Him, even amidst widespread apostasy and judgment, ensuring their continued existence and prosperity in the land He promised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** This verb signifies a deep, tenacious attachment, to cling, stick, or be glued to something or someone. It implies an inseparable bond, not merely a superficial adherence. Beyond physical clinging, _dabaq_ is used to describe the intimate union of marriage ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Cleaves to His Wife")), the unwavering devotion of Ruth to Naomi ([Ruth 1:14](/ruth/1-14 "Ruth 1:14 - Ruth Clings to Naomi")), and here, the exclusive spiritual loyalty required of Israel towards Yahweh. It denotes a profound commitment of heart, mind, and will, reflecting a covenant relationship characterized by fidelity and devoted allegiance.
* **Alive (Hebrew, _chai'_):** This word refers to physical life, existence, and vitality. In the context of Deuteronomy, "life" is not merely biological existence but a holistic state of well-being, flourishing, and prosperity in the land, enjoyed under God's blessing. It stands in stark contrast to the "death" (physical and spiritual destruction) experienced by those who turned away from God at Baal-peor. The declaration "alive every one of you this day" emphasizes the immediate, tangible, and collective preservation of the faithful, serving as a powerful, visible testimony to God's covenant faithfulness to those who cleave to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God":** This initial clause establishes a sharp contrast ("But") with the preceding verse's account of judgment and destruction. It identifies a specific, distinct group—those who maintained an unwavering, intimate, and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, their covenant God. The phrase "the LORD your God" (Yahweh Eloheikhem) emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship with Israel, highlighting His unique claim on their loyalty and their reciprocal responsibility to Him. This "cleaving" goes beyond mere ritual observance; it signifies a deep, internal commitment of the heart, a bond of fidelity.
* **"[are] alive every one of you this day":** This clause declares the direct, observable, and miraculous consequence of their faithfulness. Despite the widespread apostasy and divine judgment that swept through the nation at Baal-peor, those who remained loyal were preserved from the plague and destruction. The phrase "every one of you" underscores the comprehensive nature of this preservation for the faithful remnant, serving as a powerful, living testimony to God's protective hand. "This day" emphasizes the immediacy and present reality of their continued existence, standing before Moses on the plains of Moab, a living witness to God's faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:4 masterfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, setting the fate of the faithful against the destruction of the unfaithful described in the preceding verse. This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the life-giving consequences of obedience versus the death-dealing consequences of apostasy. The phrase "alive every one of you this day" uses **Emphasis** to underscore the completeness of God's preservation for the loyal, serving as a vivid, tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. The language of "cleaving" (dabaq) functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for deep, intimate, and exclusive spiritual devotion, drawing on the imagery of physical attachment (like a marital bond) to convey the profound nature of the desired relationship between Israel and Yahweh. The verse also serves as a potent **Didactic Statement**, directly teaching a vital lesson about the direct correlation between covenant loyalty and divine blessing and preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant relationship with His people and the reciprocal demand for exclusive loyalty. It teaches that true life and flourishing are found not in syncretism or fleeting allegiances, but in an unwavering, intimate devotion to the one true God, Yahweh. This "cleaving" is not merely intellectual assent but a comprehensive commitment that impacts one's choices, actions, and very existence. The verse underscores God's justice in judgment against apostasy, but also His mercy and protective care for those who remain faithful. It reveals a God who actively preserves and blesses those who prioritize Him, demonstrating that fidelity to the covenant is the pathway to sustained life and well-being, both individually and corporately, and a testament to His character.

* [Joshua 23:8](/joshua/23-8 "Joshua 23:8 - Cleave to the Lord")
* [Psalm 119:31](/psalm/119-31 "Psalm 119:31 - I Cling to Your Testimonies")
* [Acts 11:23](/acts/11-23 "Acts 11:23 - Cleaving to the Lord with Purpose of Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:4 offers a timeless principle for all who seek to live in relationship with God: our spiritual vitality and flourishing are directly tied to the depth and exclusivity of our devotion to Him. To "cleave unto the LORD" in our contemporary context means making God the supreme priority of our lives, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and actions, and cultivating an intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience. In a world filled with competing allegiances—from material possessions and career ambitions to social media and personal desires—this verse calls us to a radical singularity of focus. It reminds us that while physical preservation may not always be the immediate outcome in every circumstance, spiritual life, true peace, and eternal hope are assured for those who remain steadfastly loyal to God. It challenges us to examine where our true allegiances lie and to re-center our lives on the One who gives life in abundance, trusting in His promises and His protective hand over those who are truly His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "cleaving unto the LORD" practically look like in my daily life today?**
* **Are there any "Baal-peors"—competing allegiances or distractions—that are subtly drawing my devotion away from God?**
* **How does my commitment to God manifest in my choices, relationships, and priorities?**
* **In what ways have I experienced God's preservation or blessing as a result of my faithfulness, even if not in physical safety?**

### FAQ

**Does "cleave unto the LORD" imply a physical clinging or just spiritual devotion?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _dabaq_ (דָּבַק) can indeed mean physical clinging (e.g., a tongue cleaving to the roof of the mouth, [Psalm 22:15](/psalm/22-15 "Psalm 22:15 - My Tongue Cleaves to My Jaws")), in the context of Deuteronomy 4:4, it primarily signifies a deep, exclusive, and unwavering spiritual and relational devotion. It's a powerful metaphor for an intimate, loyal, and inseparable bond with God, akin to the total commitment in a marital relationship ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Cleaves to His Wife")). It implies a total allegiance of heart, mind, and will, prioritizing God above all other gods or worldly pursuits.

**Was the "alive every one of you this day" a guarantee of physical safety for all time for the faithful?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Deuteronomy 4:4, it was a direct, observable historical reality for those who remained faithful during the Baal-peor plague ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). It served as a powerful, tangible sign of God's protective hand over His loyal remnant. While faithfulness generally leads to blessing and life, the Bible does not guarantee absolute physical safety from all harm in every circumstance for believers (e.g., martyrs throughout history). Rather, the deeper theological truth is that "cleaving to the LORD" leads to true spiritual vitality, a flourishing life in covenant with God, and ultimately, eternal life, which transcends physical death. The principle remains: devotion to God is the pathway to true life, even if the form of "life" may shift from temporal preservation to eternal salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:4, with its call to "cleave unto the LORD" for life and preservation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel was called to cling to Yahweh through obedience to the Mosaic Covenant, humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill this command led to spiritual death and separation. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of perfect "cleaving" to God, living a life of absolute obedience and unwavering devotion to the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, He provides the means for us to be truly "alive" in a spiritual and eternal sense. To "cleave unto the LORD" now means to be united with Christ by faith, to abide in Him ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), and to draw our very life from Him, for He is the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of living water ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Our spiritual preservation and eternal life are not based on our perfect adherence to the law, but on our intimate union with Christ, who has fulfilled the law on our behalf and offers us new life in the Spirit ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - The Law of the Spirit of Life")). In Him, we are not merely preserved from temporal judgment, but granted everlasting life and an unbreakable bond with God, for our life is now "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3-4](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ")).

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 10:20

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

John 6:67

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

John 6:69

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Joshua 23:8

But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Revelation 14:4

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Ruth 1:14

And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.