Deuteronomy 4:13
Deuteronomy 4:13 in Multiple Translations
He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.
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.
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.
And he gave you his agreement with you, the ten rules which you were to keep, which he put in writing on the two stones of the law.
He explained to you his agreement, the Ten Commandments, which he ordered you to follow. He wrote them down on two tablets of stone.
Then hee declared vnto you his couenant which he commanded you to doe, euen the ten commandements, and wrote them vpon two tables of stone.
and He declareth to you His covenant, which He hath commanded you to do, the Ten Matters, and He writeth them upon two tables of stone.
He declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments. He wrote them on two stone tablets.
And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
And he shewed you his covenant, which he commanded you to do, and the ten words that he wrote in two tables of stone.
And he declared to them his agreement. That agreement contained the Ten Commandments that he wants you to obey. He wrote those on two stone tablets.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:13
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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
לָ/כֶ֜ם
אֶת
בְּרִית֗/וֹ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
צִוָּ֤ה
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
לַ/עֲשׂ֔וֹת
עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֑ים
וַֽ/יִּכְתְּבֵ֔/ם
עַל
שְׁנֵ֖י
לֻח֥וֹת
אֲבָנִֽים
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּרִית֗/וֹ
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
צִוָּ֤ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לַ/עֲשׂ֔וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
הַ/דְּבָרִ֑ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
וַֽ/יִּכְתְּבֵ֔/ם
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
לֻח֥וֹת
lûwach
H3871
tablet
N-mp
אֲבָנִֽים
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:13
וַ/יַּגֵּ֨ד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ/כֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
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.
בְּרִית֗/וֹ
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֤ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
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.
לַ/עֲשׂ֔וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֑ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וַֽ/יִּכְתְּבֵ֔/ם
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
לֻח֥וֹת
lûwach
H3871
"tablet"
N-mp
This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.
Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.
אֲבָנִֽים
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:13
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:13
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:13
Context — An Exhortation to Obedience
11You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
12And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.
13He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.
14At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you the statutes and ordinances you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. 15So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be carefulCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 34:28 | So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. |
| 2 | Exodus 31:18 | When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 9:9–11 | When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water. Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, inscribed by the finger of God with the exact words that the LORD spoke to you out of the fire on the mountain on the day of the assembly. And at the end of forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. |
| 4 | Exodus 24:12 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.” |
| 5 | Exodus 19:5 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 10:1–5 | At that time the LORD said to me, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood. And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you are to place them in the ark.” So I made an ark of acacia wood, chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands. And the LORD wrote on the tablets what had been written previously, the Ten Commandments that He had spoken to you on the mountain out of the fire on the day of the assembly. The LORD gave them to me, and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained. |
| 7 | Exodus 24:17–18 | And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 5:1–21 | Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully. The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today. The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house or field, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” |
| 9 | Hebrews 9:4 | containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 3:7 | Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, |
Deuteronomy 4:13 Summary
Deuteronomy 4:13 reminds us that God gave us the Ten Commandments to guide us in living a life that honors Him, similar to how parents give rules to their children to keep them safe and happy. These commandments, written on two tablets of stone, symbolize the enduring nature of God's love and expectations for us. By following the Ten Commandments, we show our love for God, just as Jesus taught in John 14:15. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can better follow God's commandments in our everyday lives, just like the Israelites were called to do as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:1-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 4:13?
The Ten Commandments, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:13, are fundamental principles given by God to guide His people in their relationship with Him and with each other, as also seen in Exodus 20:1-17 and reiterated in other parts of the Bible like Matthew 22:37-40.
Why did God write the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone?
God wrote the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone to signify the permanent and unchanging nature of His covenant with His people, much like the stones used to memorialize significant events in the Bible, such as in Joshua 24:26-27.
How does Deuteronomy 4:13 relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 4:13 highlights God's covenant with His people, which is a central theme throughout the Bible, including in Genesis 17:1-14 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing God's promise and expectations for His people.
What role does obedience to the Ten Commandments play in our relationship with God?
Obedience to the Ten Commandments, as commanded in Deuteronomy 4:13, demonstrates our love and respect for God, as Jesus taught in John 14:15, and is essential for a deepening relationship with Him, as seen in the lives of believers like Abraham in Genesis 22:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- How do I reflect the importance of God's commandments in my daily life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's covenant as outlined in Deuteronomy 4:13?
- What are some modern-day challenges to keeping the Ten Commandments, and how can I overcome them?
- How does understanding the historical context of Deuteronomy 4:13 influence my personal application of the verse?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:13
And he declared unto you his covenant,.... So the law was called, because it contained, on the part of God, things which he would have done or avoided, to which were annexed promises of long life and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:13
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:13
(13) His covenant . . . ten commandments.—See on Deuteronomy 5. He wrote them.—See on Deuteronomy 10:2.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:13
13. his covenant, which he commanded you] Heb. berξth (prob. from a root = to bind) meant any compact, contract or bargain: between friends, 1 Samuel 18:3; man and wife, Proverbs 2:17; master and servant, Job 41:4; king and people, 2 Samuel 5:3; former foes, whether individuals, id. Deuteronomy 3:12 f., or peoples, J, Exodus 23:32; Deuteronomy 7:2 (the only instance in D of its non-religious use); conqueror and conquered, 1 Samuel 11:1. Berξth might apply either to the transaction or to the binding conditions on which it was based; the covenant or the terms of the covenant, i.e. ordinance or constitution. When the parties were of unequal power the terms were imposed by the stronger. So between God and Israel; His covenant which He commanded, here and Deuteronomy 29:1. Used first in a religious sense by JE, Genesis 15:18, etc. of God’s covenant with the patriarchs; Exodus 19:5; Exodus 24:7 ff. etc. with Israel at Ḥ ?oreb; less used by the prophets, e.g. Hosea 6:7; Hosea 8:1; Jeremiah 11:10; Jeremiah 31:32; but very frequent in Deuteronomy 4:31; Deuteronomy 7:12; Deuteronomy 8:18, etc., with patriarchs (cp. Deuteronomy 6:18, Deuteronomy 9:5, Deuteronomy 11:9, etc.); Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 4:23, Deuteronomy 5:2, Deuteronomy 9:9; Deuteronomy 9:11; Deuteronomy 9:15, at Ḥ ?oreb; Deuteronomy 17:2 (?), Deuteronomy 29:1; Deuteronomy 29:9; Deuteronomy 29:12; Deuteronomy 29:14; Deuteronomy 29:21; Deuteronomy 29:25 renewed in Mo‘ab. The terms commanded by God were the words of the covenant, J, Exodus 34:28, or the covenant alone as here, i.e. the Decalogue, but in Deuteronomy 29:1 the whole Deuteronomic Code; book of the covenant, E, Exodus 24:7, the Ḥ ?oreb legislation, but in 2 Kings 23:2 f., 21, cp. Deuteronomy 29:21, the Deuteronomic Code.
The tables of the Decalogue were the tables of the covenant, Deuteronomy 9:9; Deuteronomy 9:11; Deuteronomy 9:15; hence D’s characteristic name for the Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, Deuteronomy 10:8, Deuteronomy 31:9; Deuteronomy 31:25 and in Josh. A covenant was solemnised by a sacrificial feast, Genesis 21:28 ff; Genesis 31:46; Genesis 31:54. Hence probably the phrase to cut or strike a covenant (karath berξth), cp. ὅρκιατέμνειν. Beyond the frequent use of this phrase, e.g. Deuteronomy 4:23, D nowhere associates the covenant with sacrifice. God makes (karath) it and it is His; swears to it; forgets it not, keeps, fulfils and establishes it, Deuteronomy 4:31, Deuteronomy 7:12, Deuteronomy 8:18, etc.; keeping covenant and true love, Deuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 7:12. Israel enters into it, Deuteronomy 29:12, and is bound to keep and to do it, passim. the ten commandments] Words. So also Deuteronomy 10:4. E, Exodus 20:1, all these words. A gloss in Exodus 34:28 has the ten words.
See Driver’s note on both passages; and below on Deuteronomy 5:5, ‘The Ten Words.’ he wrote them upon two tables of stone] See below on Deuteronomy 5:22. On the ‘covenants’ mentioned in the Pentateuch see Driver, Exod. p. 175.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:13
13. Ten commandments — Literally, ten words. Comp. Exodus 20:1-17. Upon two tables of stone — Comp. Exodus 31:18; Exodus 34:1.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:13
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(Saved Through the Fire) 04 - Love & Righteousness by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving and encouraging one another, as words can hurt. He expresses a desire to share the teachings with the Pope, emphasiz |
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(Guidelines) Archaeology by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how archaeology has provided evidence that supports the authenticity of the Word of God. They mention that in the past, some people denied the |
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Are You a Living Epistle? by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a dilapidated house that was bought by a new owner. The new owner completely transformed the house, fixing the foundation and makin |
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Funeral Service / Mike Morrow by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He highlights that the gospel is the most precious and powerful thing entr |
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The Better Ministry of Christ. by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the superiority of Christ's ministry as the ultimate high priest, contrasting it with the old covenant priesthood. He explains that while the Jewi |
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The Covenants by Charles Finney | Charles Finney discusses 'The Covenants,' emphasizing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as outlined in Hebrews 8:13. He explains the nature of covenants, the |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |