You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 10:20
What does Deuteronomy 10:20 mean?
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Deuteronomy 10:20
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The command to "hold fast" to God isn't just about obedience; it uses a word often describing deep, warm affection or even a passionate clinging, like a spouse to another. This shows that our relationship with God is meant to be intensely personal and devoted, not just a matter of duty.
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this verse, Moses reminds Israel of the awesome things God has done for them, including His great deliverance and judgment. Now, he pivots to what God requires in response: a profound, life-defining allegiance. This isn't just about following rules; it's about a deep commitment to God—to revere Him, serve Him exclusively, stick to Him with all your heart, and only invoke His name when swearing.
We often hear 'fear God,' but what does that really mean? Is it just being scared, or something deeper?
The command to 'fear the LORD your God' isn't about terror, but about profound reverence and awe. It's recognizing His absolute sovereignty, His holiness, and His immense power, which naturally leads to a deep respect that shapes our lives. This isn't a fearful trembling, but a devoted allegiance that keeps us from straying.
Think of it like the awe you feel when witnessing something incredibly beautiful and powerful, like a majestic mountain range or a vast ocean. This awe inspires respect and a desire to draw near, not run away. In the same way, fearing God means acknowledging His greatness and letting that truth guide every action.
The Bible uses a powerful word for sticking close to God. What does it truly mean to 'cleave' to Him?
The instruction to 'cleave' to God is a beautiful picture of intimate connection. It’s more than just believing in Him; it's an active, devoted clinging that involves firm confidence, deep affection, and unwavering obedience. Imagine a strong vine that’s deeply rooted and tightly wrapped around its support – that’s the kind of tenacious bond this word describes.
This clinging isn't a passive state but an intentional choice. It means prioritizing God in our thoughts, affections, and actions, even when it's difficult. It's about staying connected, drawing life and strength from Him, and allowing His presence to shape our entire being.
Understand the original words
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yare' · Hebrew Verb
A profound, reverential awe of God that leads to obedience and worship. It is not mere terror, but the recognition of God’s majesty and holiness, resulting in a life lived in submission and devotion to Him.
'abad · Hebrew Verb
Formalized labor or worship rendered to God. It involves a life of exclusive devotion, adherence to His commands, and the active pursuit of His mission in the world.
dabaq · Hebrew Verb
To cling, stick, or stay close to something or someone. In a spiritual sense, it denotes a firm, enduring commitment and loyal relationship with God, characterized by trust, intimacy, and dependency.
shaba' · Hebrew Verb
To call upon the name of God as a witness to the truth of a statement or a vow. It acts as an invocation of God’s authority, acknowledging His presence and character as the guarantor of one's integrity.
Jesus quotes this very command in response to Satan's temptation, highlighting that 'fear,' 'serve,' and 'cleave' are all part of exclusive devotion to God alone.
Joshua 23:8Joshua echoes this directive, urging Israel to 'cleave unto the LORD your God,' emphasizing the continuous and unwavering loyalty required after entering the Promised Land.
Colossians 3:2-3This passage speaks to a similar concept of exclusive devotion, urging believers to 'set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,' reflecting the idea of cleaving to God and not to earthly distractions.
Romans 12:1-2Paul calls for believers to offer their 'bodies as a living sacrifice,' a response of wholehearted devotion and service to God, which aligns with the call to serve and cleave.
Acts 17:28The Apostle Paul explains that in God 'we live and move and have our being,' underscoring the intimate connection and dependence that forms the basis for cleaving to Him.
gillDeuteronomy 10:20: "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,.... 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 to him shall thou cleave; and not turn aside to follow other gods, and worship them: and swear by his name; and his only, whenever it is necessary to take an oath, which s…
pooleDeuteronomy 10:20: "Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name."
To him shalt thou cleave, with firm confidence, true affection, and constant attendance and obedience.
The command to "hold fast" to God isn't just about obedience; it uses a word often describing deep, warm affection or even a passionate clinging, like a spouse to another. This shows that our relationship with God is meant to be intensely personal and devoted, not just a matter of duty.
Just before this verse, Moses reminds Israel of the awesome things God has done for them, including His great deliverance and judgment. Now, he pivots to what God requires in response: a profound, life-defining allegiance. This isn't just about following rules; it's about a deep commitment to God—to revere Him, serve Him exclusively, stick to Him with all your heart, and only invoke His name when swearing.
Just before this verse, Moses reminds Israel of the awesome things God has done for them, including His great deliverance and judgment. Now, he pivots to what God requires in response: a profound, life-defining allegiance. This isn't just about following rules; it's about a deep commitment to God—to revere Him, serve Him exclusively, stick to Him with all your heart, and only invoke His name when swearing.
"You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear." — The command to "hold fast" to God isn't just about obedience; it uses a word often describing deep, warm affection or even a passionate clinging, like a spouse to another. This shows that our relatio…
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Last reviewed October 2026