Exodus 23:13

KJV

And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in all things that I have said {H559} unto you be circumspect {H8104}: and make no mention {H2142} of the name {H8034} of other {H312} gods {H430}, neither let it be heard {H8085} out {H5921} of thy mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Pay attention to everything I have said to you; do not invoke the names of other gods or even let them be heard crossing your lips.

Berean Standard Bible

Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips.

American Standard Version

And in all things that I have said unto you take ye heed: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:13 stands as a pivotal and emphatic command at the culmination of the Book of the Covenant, demanding Israel's absolute and unreserved devotion to Yahweh. It mandates diligent adherence to all divine instructions previously given and, most strikingly, strictly prohibits the very mention or utterance of the names of other gods. This powerful injunction underscores God's singular sovereignty, His intolerance for any form of syncretism, and His unwavering commitment to safeguarding Israel's spiritual purity and complete separation from the idolatrous practices prevalent among surrounding nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:13 serves as a profound concluding statement to the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a crucial legislative corpus that immediately follows the foundational Ten Commandments received at Mount Sinai. This section meticulously expands upon the broad ethical and theological principles of the Decalogue, providing specific civil, social, and religious statutes designed to govern Israel's life as a unique covenant nation. The preceding verses detail laws concerning justice, the sanctity of the Sabbath, and the observance of the three annual pilgrimage feasts. This particular verse functions as a solemn, non-negotiable capstone, reinforcing the paramount importance of exclusive loyalty to God before the narrative transitions to divine promises of blessing and guidance for Israel's journey into the Promised Land, as detailed in [Exodus 23:20-33](/exodus/23-20-33 "Exodus 23:20-33 - God's Angelic Guide and Promises"). It stands as an ultimate, emphatic reminder that the validity and efficacy of all preceding laws are inextricably linked to and flow from the nation's singular and undivided allegiance to Yahweh, powerfully echoing the [First Commandment in Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was geographically and culturally embedded within the polytheistic tapestry of the Ancient Near East (ANE). Surrounding civilizations, including the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, worshipped a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses—deities like Baal (god of storms and fertility), Asherah (consort of Baal), Dagon, and Moloch (to whom child sacrifices were offered). These cults were not merely religious; they were deeply interwoven into the social, economic, and political fabric of their respective societies, often involving practices abhorrent to Yahweh, such as ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination. God's command in [Exodus 23:13](/exodus/23-13 "Exodus 23:13 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") was a radical and counter-cultural call for Israel to be utterly distinct and set apart (holy) from these nations. The prohibition against even *mentioning* their names transcended mere avoidance of worship; it was a profound theological statement designed to eradicate any acknowledgment of their legitimacy, power, or even their perceived existence, thereby preventing syncretism and safeguarding Israel's unique, exclusive covenant relationship with the one true God. This absolute spiritual separation was indispensable for Israel's identity, purity, and survival as God's chosen people in a spiritually hostile environment.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:13 powerfully encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes central to the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **Monotheism and Exclusive Allegiance**, asserting Yahweh's singular existence and demanding Israel's undivided loyalty in a polytheistic world. This command is a direct outworking of God's **Holiness and Jealousy for His Glory**, demonstrating that He will not share His praise or His people's devotion with any false deity. It also highlights the theme of **Separation and Purity**, calling Israel to be distinct from the idolatrous nations around them, not just in practice but even in thought and speech. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Power of the Spoken Word and the Significance of Names** in the ancient world, where mentioning a name could signify acknowledgment or invocation, thus emphasizing the need to guard one's speech as an extension of one's worship. This theme of verbal purity is vital for maintaining the integrity of the covenant, as seen throughout the law, particularly in the prohibition against taking God's name in vain in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse the Lord's Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumspect (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The King James Version translates the Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (H8104, _shâmar'_) as "be circumspect." This primitive root properly means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard." By implication, it extends to "protect, attend to, keep, observe, preserve, or diligently attend to." In this context, it calls for more than passive awareness; it denotes active, careful, and vigilant adherence to *all* the divine commands previously given. It is a command to proactively guard and preserve the covenant relationship by meticulously observing God's instructions, ensuring no deviation or compromise.
* **Mention (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** The Hebrew verb זָכַר (H2142, _zâkar'_) is a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember." By implication, it means "to mention, recount, or bring to remembrance." The negative imperative "make no mention" (לֹא תַזְכִּירוּ) is a potent prohibition. It means not to bring the names of other gods into memory, not to invoke them, and not to speak of them in a way that acknowledges their existence, power, or legitimacy. This command extends beyond merely refraining from worship; it demands a purging of their very names from Israelite consciousness and vocabulary, preventing any subtle legitimization or acknowledgment of their reality.
* **Other Gods (Hebrew, _ʼachêr_ _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The phrase אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ H312, _ʼachêr'_) literally translates to "other gods" or "foreign gods." The term _ʼĕlôhîym'_ (H430) refers to "gods in the ordinary sense," though it can also refer to the supreme God or even magistrates. Here, combined with _ʼachêr'_ (H312), meaning "other" or "strange," it consistently refers to the multitude of false deities worshipped by surrounding nations, in stark contrast to Yahweh, the one true God. The command emphasizes that Yahweh is utterly unique and incomparable, and His people are to acknowledge no other divine authority or power. The very existence of "other gods" is negated within the Israelite theological framework, and this command reinforces that negation, demanding exclusive devotion to the Lord alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect":** This clause functions as a comprehensive summary and concluding exhortation to the entire Book of the Covenant. It demands diligent, careful, and vigilant observance of every statute, ordinance, and principle God has delivered. The imperative to "be circumspect" (from _shâmar'_) indicates that Israel's obedience must be active, watchful, and protective of the covenant relationship. It is a call to guard God's commands in their hearts and minds, ensuring no deviation, compromise, or neglect of His revealed will.
* **"and make no mention of the name of other gods":** This is a radical and absolute prohibition. In the ancient world, a "name" was often believed to embody the very essence, power, and authority of the person or deity it represented. To "mention the name" could imply acknowledgment, invocation, or even a subtle legitimization of that deity's existence or power. God's command here is not just against worshipping other gods, but against even giving them the slightest recognition through speech. It demands a complete erasure of their names from Israel's public and private discourse, preventing any form of syncretism or dual allegiance.
* **"neither let it be heard out of thy mouth":** This phrase powerfully reinforces the preceding prohibition with an additional layer of emphasis and practical application. It is not enough to simply avoid *making* mention of these names; one must also ensure that such names are *never uttered* or heard from their own lips. This highlights the profound power of speech and its potential to either honor or dishonor God. It also implies a personal responsibility to guard one's own speech and perhaps even to avoid environments or conversations where such names are regularly invoked, ensuring a complete and uncompromising separation from idolatrous influence and thought patterns.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its absolute and uncompromising command. The most prominent is **Emphasis** achieved through **Negative Parallelism** and **Repetition**. The phrase "make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth" uses two distinct yet complementary negative commands to convey a single, unified, and absolute prohibition. This double negation intensifies the command, leaving no room for ambiguity or partial obedience, thereby highlighting the radical nature of God's demand for exclusive devotion. Furthermore, the text utilizes **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire being, essence, power, and authority of the "other gods." To not mention their name is to deny their very existence and power, effectively rendering them null and void in the Israelite consciousness. The command also borders on **Hyperbole** to underscore the gravity of idolatry; it's not merely about avoiding physical worship, but about completely purging any linguistic, conceptual, or even auditory acknowledgment of false deities, suggesting an extreme measure to ensure absolute spiritual purity and unwavering loyalty to Yahweh alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:13 encapsulates a core theological truth: the absolute sovereignty, uniqueness, and incomparable nature of Yahweh, the God of Israel. It underscores the foundational principle of biblical monotheism in a world saturated with polytheism, demanding Israel's exclusive allegiance and unequivocally rejecting any form of syncretism. This command is a practical and profound outworking of the First Commandment, emphasizing that God's people must not only refrain from worshipping other gods but also actively purge their influence, their very names, from their consciousness and speech. It speaks to God's inherent holiness and His fierce jealousy for His glory, asserting that He will not share His praise, His people, or His unique status with idols. The purity of speech, therefore, is directly linked to the purity of worship and the integrity of the covenant relationship, serving as a vital safeguard against spiritual compromise.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel!")
* [Joshua 23:7](/joshua/23-7 "Joshua 23:7 - Warning Against Mentioning Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While contemporary believers may not face literal pagan deities like Baal or Asherah, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Exodus 23:13 remain acutely relevant for our lives today. This verse issues a timeless call to a vigilant, uncompromising, and exclusive devotion to the one true God, ensuring that nothing else usurps His rightful place in our hearts, minds, or speech. Modern "gods" often manifest as subtle idols: the pursuit of wealth, status, self-indulgence, entertainment, political ideologies, or even good things that become ultimate things, subtly demanding our allegiance and attention. The command to "be circumspect" challenges us to actively guard our spiritual purity, discerning and resisting influences that subtly erode our singular allegiance to Christ. This includes a conscious awareness of the media we consume, the conversations we engage in, and the ideas we promote, ensuring they do not inadvertently legitimize or give credibility to values, philosophies, or worldviews contrary to God's revealed truth. Our words, too, must reflect our exclusive devotion, avoiding speech that dishonors God, trivializes His holiness, or gives undue prominence to worldly pursuits. This verse is a powerful and enduring call to holy separation and unwavering loyalty, ensuring our entire being is dedicated to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might modern "gods" (e.g., social media validation, career success, comfort, political ideologies) attempt to infiltrate my thoughts or conversations, potentially displacing God's preeminence?**
* **How does the command to "make no mention" of other gods challenge me to guard my speech and ensure my words consistently honor God and reflect His truth, rather than promoting worldly values or giving credence to unbiblical ideas?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to be more "circumspect" in my daily life, actively guarding my devotion and ensuring my allegiance remains exclusively to the Lord in all I think, say, and do?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Israelites not to even *mention* the names of other gods?**

Answer: In the ancient world, a name was often seen as embodying the essence, power, and even presence of the entity it represented. To "mention" a god's name was not merely to utter a word; it could imply acknowledgment of their existence, a tacit legitimization of their power, or even an invocation. God's command in [Exodus 23:13](/exodus/23-13 "Exodus 23:13 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") was a radical and comprehensive measure to ensure Israel's absolute separation from idolatry and polytheism. It went beyond prohibiting worship to prevent any form of syncretism—the dangerous blending of Yahweh worship with pagan practices. By not even allowing their names to be spoken, God aimed to purge the very thought and influence of these false deities from Israel's consciousness, safeguarding their unique, exclusive covenant relationship with Him as the one true, incomparable God.

**Does this command mean we can't study other religions or mention historical figures who worshipped idols?**

Answer: No, the command in [Exodus 23:13](/exodus/23-13 "Exodus 23:13 - Prohibition Against Idolatry") is primarily concerned with the *acknowledgment*, *legitimization*, or *invocation* of false gods, not with academic study or historical reference. The intent was to prevent Israel from falling into active idolatry or syncretism, which was a constant, pervasive temptation in the Ancient Near East. For contemporary believers, studying other religions or historical contexts where idols were worshipped can be incredibly valuable for understanding history, culture, and even for apologetics, as long as it does not lead to a compromise of one's exclusive devotion to God. The key is the heart's posture and the purpose of the mention: Is it to honor, acknowledge, or legitimize the false god, or is it for informational, analytical, or cautionary purposes within a framework of unwavering monotheistic faith? The emphasis is on guarding one's heart and speech from anything that would subtly diminish God's supreme authority or lead one away from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:13, with its radical demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh and the purging of all other divine names, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command to acknowledge no other god but Yahweh foreshadows the New Testament's call to worship and serve Christ alone, for He is the full and perfect revelation of God in human flesh, "[the image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")". Jesus Himself declared, "[No one can serve two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")," demanding a singular and undivided allegiance that transcends all worldly attachments and rival claims. He is the "[way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")," the exclusive path to the Father, rendering all other spiritual paths or "gods" utterly void and powerless. Under the New Covenant, the concept of idolatry expands from merely bowing to physical statues to encompass anything that replaces God in our hearts and affections, urging us to "[put to death... covetousness, which is idolatry](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")" and to "[flee from idolatry](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")" in all its subtle and overt forms. In Christ, the purity of speech and thought demanded in Exodus 23:13 is transformed into a call for our entire lives to be a living testimony to His supremacy, where every word, thought, and action reflects His glory and acknowledges His unique Lordship over all creation. He is the "name above every name," before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")).

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

Joshua 23:7

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Hosea 2:17

For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.

Deuteronomy 12:3

And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,