Deuteronomy 6:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:13 stands as a foundational command within the Mosaic covenant, articulating the practical outworking of Israel's exclusive devotion to Yahweh. Following the supreme command to love God with all one's being, this verse encapsulates the holistic allegiance demanded by God, calling His people to express their love through reverent awe, active service, and truthful commitment, thereby establishing the LORD as the singular object of their worship and the ultimate guarantor of all their words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 6:13 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter forms the core of Moses' exhortation, often referred to as the "Shema" due to its opening words in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). It immediately follows the paramount command to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD Your God")), which is the theological bedrock for all subsequent commands. Verses [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching the Commands") emphasize the diligent teaching of these statutes to future generations, while [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Warning Against Forgetting God") warn against forgetting God once they settle in a land of abundance. Thus, verse 13 serves as a crucial summary of the proper attitude and action required of a people in covenant with the one true God, setting the stage for subsequent warnings against idolatry and disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures and pervasive idolatrous practices. The surrounding nations worshipped numerous deities, often associated with natural forces or specific localities, engaging in abhorrent rituals such as child sacrifice and cultic prostitution. Moses' address in Deuteronomy provides a stark contrast, reiterating the unique nature of Yahweh and the absolute exclusivity of His covenant with Israel. The command to "swear by His name" held particular significance in a cultural milieu where oaths were binding and frequently invoked various deities. For Israel, this mandate meant invoking Yahweh alone as the ultimate guarantor of truth and commitment, sharply distinguishing them from their pagan neighbors who swore by false gods. This historical backdrop underscores the urgent imperative for Israel to maintain their distinct identity and unwavering devotion to Yahweh to avoid spiritual assimilation and divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **exclusive monotheism** is paramount; Israel is called to worship and serve Yahweh alone, rejecting all other gods ([Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; There is No Other")). Secondly, **covenant faithfulness** is profoundly emphasized; the commands to "fear" and "serve" are direct responses to God's gracious election and miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 6:12](/deuteronomy/6-12 "Deuteronomy 6:12 - Do Not Forget the LORD")). Thirdly, the concept of **reverent obedience** is highlighted; "fear" signifies not terror but a profound awe and respect that naturally leads to humble submission and diligent adherence to God's law. Finally, the sanctity of **God's name and truthfulness** is underscored, linking directly to the Third Commandment ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")). Swearing by God's name affirms His ultimate authority and demands integrity in all speech and commitments, reflecting the character of the God who is truth itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** In this context, "fear" transcends mere fright or terror. It denotes a profound, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission to God's majestic power, holiness, and absolute authority. It is a healthy, active fear that inspires obedience, devotion, and a deep recognition of God's sovereignty, serving as the very beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs/9-10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This fear motivates a desire to please God and avoid offending Him.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _'avad'_):** This term signifies active worship, labor, and devoted service. It implies a life wholly dedicated to God's purposes, commands, and kingdom. It is not a passive acknowledgment of God's existence but an engaged, practical commitment to living out one's faith through obedience, service to others, and participation in God's redemptive plan for the world. It encompasses all aspects of one's being and daily life.
* **Swear (Hebrew, _shava'_):** To "swear by his name" means to take a solemn oath or make a binding vow, invoking God's name as the ultimate guarantor of truth and commitment. This practice underscores the sanctity of God's name, which represents His very character and authority, and demands absolute integrity and truthfulness in the speaker. It implies that God's own character stands behind one's words, making a lie or a broken vow a direct offense against His holy name.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God":** This initial clause establishes the foundational attitude required of Israel. It is a command to cultivate a deep, reverential awe for Yahweh, acknowledging His supreme power, holiness, and unwavering covenant faithfulness. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a worshipful respect that motivates obedience and prevents any casual disregard for His commands. It is the proper, humble response to the God who graciously delivered them and continues to sustain them.
* **"and serve him":** This clause transitions from an internal attitude to outward, tangible action. It calls for active, devoted service to God, encompassing all aspects of life. This service includes sincere worship, diligent obedience to His laws, faithful participation in His covenant community, and living in a manner that consistently honors Him. It signifies a life entirely dedicated to His will, sharply distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations who served idols.
* **"and shalt swear by his name":** This final clause emphasizes the integrity and exclusive allegiance demanded by God. When making solemn oaths or vows, Israel was commanded to invoke Yahweh's name alone, signifying Him as the ultimate truth-teller and guarantor of all commitments. This command powerfully reinforces monotheism, explicitly prohibiting swearing by false gods, and underscores the profound sanctity of God's name, demanding truthfulness and unwavering faithfulness in all speech and solemn commitments.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse utilizes the **Imperative Mood** ("shalt fear," "serve," "shalt swear"), directly commanding the audience and emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of these divine requirements. This direct address creates a sense of urgency and personal responsibility for every individual within the covenant community. There is a strong element of **Didacticism**, as Moses is explicitly teaching and instructing the new generation on the essential principles of how to live in faithful covenant relationship with God. The verse functions as a concise **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the essence of the preceding commands regarding exclusive devotion and supreme love for God. Furthermore, the progression from "fear" (an internal attitude of reverence) to "serve" (outward action and devotion) to "swear by his name" (public affirmation of allegiance and integrity) demonstrates a logical **Climax** or a clear progression of commitment, moving from internal disposition to outward expression and ultimate, public allegiance. The phrase "by his name" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire character, authority, reputation, and very presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:13 is a pivotal statement on the nature of true worship and allegiance within the Mosaic covenant. It underscores God's absolute demand for exclusive devotion, a theme reiterated throughout the Old Testament as both a safeguard against the pervasive threat of idolatry and a call to covenant holiness. The "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented as the very foundation of wisdom, knowledge, and right living, leading to profound obedience and divine blessing. This verse also highlights the profound sanctity of God's name, which represents His very character and authority, demanding truthfulness, integrity, and faithfulness from all those who bear His name and enter into covenant with Him. It establishes a comprehensive standard for covenant faithfulness that transcends mere ritual, emphasizing a holistic commitment of heart, mind, and action to the one true God.

* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment: Do Not Misuse God's Name")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Response to Temptation: Worship God Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless and uncompromising call to radical, exclusive devotion to God. In a world constantly vying for our allegiance—whether through the allure of material possessions, the pursuit of social status, the demands of career, or even seemingly good causes—this verse powerfully reminds us that our ultimate fear, our deepest service, and our most solemn commitments must be directed solely and supremely toward the LORD. Cultivating a reverent awe for God transforms our entire perspective, leading us to obey His commands not out of legalistic compulsion or fear of punishment, but out of a deep respect for His holy character and an earnest desire to honor Him in all things. This profound fear then naturally flows into active, devoted service, where our lives become living expressions of our worship, seeking to fulfill His purposes in every sphere of influence. Furthermore, the command to "swear by His name" challenges us to live with unimpeachable integrity, ensuring that our words are consistently truthful and our commitments are faithfully honored, thereby reflecting the trustworthiness and faithfulness of the God whose name we bear and by whom we are called. It calls us to a life of consistent witness, where our inner reverence for God is matched by our outward actions and speech, demonstrating His reality to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be giving allegiance or "serving" something or someone other than the LORD, even subtly?**
* **How does my understanding and cultivation of "fearing the LORD" impact my daily decisions, priorities, and worship?**
* **How can I ensure that my words, promises, and commitments consistently honor God's name and reflect His absolute truthfulness and integrity?**

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

Answer: In Deuteronomy 6:13, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: *yare'*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of God in a paralyzing or cowering way. Instead, it signifies a profound, reverential awe, deep respect, and worshipful submission to God's majestic power, holiness, and absolute authority. It is a healthy, active fear that acknowledges God's sovereignty, His righteous judgment, and His covenant faithfulness, leading to obedience and devotion rather than a cowering dread. This kind of fear is consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and the proper posture of humanity before a holy God (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")). It's a fear that motivates us to honor God, walk in His ways, and live in accordance with His divine will.

**Why is "swearing by His name" important?**

Answer: The command to "swear by his name" (Hebrew: *shava' bishmo*) is crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the exclusive monotheism of Israel's faith; they were to invoke Yahweh alone as the ultimate authority, not the false, impotent gods of the surrounding nations. Secondly, it underscores the profound sanctity and authority of God's name, which represents His very character, presence, and divine power. When one swore by God's name, they were invoking the ultimate truth-teller and guarantor, making the oath supremely binding and solemn. This practice demanded absolute truthfulness and unwavering integrity from the one making the oath, as a broken oath or a lie made in God's name was a direct affront to His holiness and truthfulness, connecting directly to the prohibition against taking God's name in vain ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")). It signifies placing one's ultimate trust and allegiance in God's character and authority.

**How does this verse relate to the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 6:13 serves as a direct outworking and practical application of the Shema found in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). The Shema commands Israel to "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Verse 13 then describes *how* this supreme love and singular devotion are to be expressed and lived out: through cultivating a reverential fear, engaging in active service, and demonstrating truthful allegiance by invoking His name alone. The love commanded in the Shema is not merely an abstract emotion but a comprehensive, all-encompassing commitment that manifests in concrete actions, attitudes, and public declarations. Deuteronomy 6:13 succinctly outlines these tangible expressions, moving from the internal disposition of love to the external, holistic expressions of worship, obedience, and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:13 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus Himself quoted this very verse, declaring, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus' Response to Temptation"); also [Luke 4:8](/luke/4-8 "Luke 4:8 - Jesus' Temptation")). By doing so, Jesus affirmed the timeless and absolute demand for exclusive devotion to God, embodying the perfect fear and service that Israel, and indeed all humanity, often failed to maintain. As the Son, Jesus perfectly feared the Father, living a life of complete obedience and submission to His divine will in every aspect, always doing what pleased Him ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). His entire earthly ministry was one of selfless service to God and humanity, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross—the ultimate act of humble obedience ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ's name is the only name by which humanity can be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")), and it is in His name that believers are now called to make their vows, offer their prayers, and conduct their lives, trusting in His ultimate authority and truthfulness ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus")). Thus, Jesus not only perfectly fulfilled the commands of Deuteronomy 6:13 as the ideal Israelite and Son of God but also enables His followers, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live lives of true fear, devoted service, and unwavering allegiance to God.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leviticus 19:12

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

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.

Isaiah 65:16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.