Deuteronomy 10:20
Deuteronomy 10:20 in Multiple Translations
You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; him shalt thou serve; and to him shalt thou cleave, and by his name shalt thou swear.
Let the fear of the Lord your God be before you, give him worship and be true to him at all times, taking your oaths in his name.
You must respect the Lord your God and worship him. Hold onto him and make your promises in his name.
Thou shalt feare the Lord thy God: thou shalt serue him, and thou shalt cleaue vnto him, and shalt sweare by his Name.
'Jehovah thy God thou dost fear, Him thou dost serve, and to Him thou dost cleave, and by His name thou dost swear.
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him. You shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name.
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him only: to him thou shalt adhere, and shalt swear by his name.
Revere Yahweh our God and worship only him. ◄Be faithful to/Have a close relationship with► him, and say that he should punish you if you do not do what you promise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 10:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
יְהוָ֧ה
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
תִּירָ֖א
אֹת֣/וֹ
תַעֲבֹ֑ד
וּ/ב֣/וֹ
תִדְבָּ֔ק
וּ/בִ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
תִּירָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֹת֣/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
תַעֲבֹ֑ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וּ/ב֣/וֹ
Conj | Prep | Suff
תִדְבָּ֔ק
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וּ/בִ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 10:20
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
תִּירָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֹת֣/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תַעֲבֹ֑ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
וּ/ב֣/וֹ
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
תִדְבָּ֔ק
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
וּ/בִ/שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 10:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 10:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 10:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 10:20
Context — A Call to Obedience
18He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.
19So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
20You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.
21He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen. 22Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 6:13 | Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 13:4 | You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him. |
| 3 | Luke 4:8 | But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 11:22 | For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— |
| 5 | Psalms 63:11 | But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut. |
| 6 | Matthew 4:10 | “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus declared. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ” |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:23 | By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:4 | But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day, every one of you. |
| 9 | Joshua 23:8 | Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. |
| 10 | Romans 12:9 | Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. |
Deuteronomy 10:20 Summary
[This verse reminds us to have a deep respect and reverence for God, and to serve Him with our lives. It means obeying His commands and following His will, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:20, and also loving and serving others, as taught in Matthew 25:40. We are also encouraged to trust in God and hold fast to Him, as encouraged in Psalm 63:8, and to make promises and vows with God as our witness, acknowledging His authority and holiness. By doing so, we can demonstrate our commitment to God and live a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear the LORD our God?
Fearing the LORD our God means having a deep reverence and respect for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalm 111:10, where it says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
How do we serve God?
Serving God involves obeying His commands and following His will, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:20, and also loving and serving others, as taught in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says that whatever we do for the least of His brothers and sisters, we do for Him.
What does it mean to hold fast to God?
Holding fast to God means to cling to Him, trust in Him, and be committed to Him, as encouraged in Psalm 63:8, where it says to cling to God, for He is our help, and in Hebrews 10:23, which reminds us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.
Why take oaths in God's name?
Taking oaths in God's name means to make promises or vows with God as our witness, acknowledging His authority and holiness, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13, where it says to fear the LORD our God and serve Him, and to take oaths in His name, and also in Matthew 5:33-37, where Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping our word and being truthful.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear and reverence for God in my daily life?
- How can I serve God more faithfully and obediently, and what steps can I take to prioritize His will above my own desires?
- In what areas of my life do I need to hold fast to God, and how can I trust in Him more fully?
- What does it mean for me to take my oaths in God's name, and how can I be more mindful of the promises I make and the vows I take?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 10:20
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God,.... Which includes the whole worship of him, external and internal: him shalt thou serve; heartily and sincerely, according to his revealed will, and him only: and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 10:20
And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
To him shalt thou cleave, with firm confidence, true affection, and constant attendance and obedience.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
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.Ver. 20. To him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.] Cleaving will call for swearing. Broken bones must have strong bands to close them fast again. A crazy piece of building must be crampt with iron bars, to keep it up from tottering.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:20
(20) Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve.—In the New Testament, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” It was our Lord’s last answer to the tempter in the wilderness. The order of the Hebrew gives the emphasis. “Jehovah thy God shalt thou fear, Him shalt thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave;” “and (adds Rashi) after all these qualities are established in thee, then thou shalt swear by His name.” At least His name would not be profaned in such a case.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 10:20
20. See on Deuteronomy 6:13, which this repeats (with LXX, Sam., read, as there, and him) but adds another clause, and to him shalt thou cleave] This verb dabaḳ ? is used in J of close and warm affection from man to woman (Genesis 2:24; Genesis 34:3), and in J and D of the adhesion of evil (Genesis 19:19; Deuteronomy 13:17 (18) of the devoted thing, Deuteronomy 28:21; Deuteronomy 28:60 of diseases). It is not applied to the relation of Israel to God in the Pent, except in D, Deuteronomy 10:20, Deuteronomy 11:22, Deuteronomy 13:4 (5), Deuteronomy 30:20, in which passages it is combined with some or other of the verbs love, fear, obey, serve, walk after. In Deuteronomy 4:4 the adj. dabeḳ ? is used by itself. Cp. deuteronomic passages in Joshua 22:5; Joshua 23:8.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 10:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema |
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The Humiliation of Manna by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The preacher emphasizes that this event signifies God's anger to |
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(Luke) 12 - Intro to the Temptation by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of Luke and presents Jesus as the Son of all mankind and the Savior of everybody. The key verse is Luke 19:10, which states that |
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Motivating Factors in Service by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the two motivating factors that influence our service to God: the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He encourages listeners to examine |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) by the Lake of Genesaret by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Peter and Jesus in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that salvation comes from the Lord and not from our |