It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 6:13
What does Deuteronomy 6:13 mean?
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Deuteronomy 6:13
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This verse isn't just about worship; it's about total allegiance. The command to "swear by his name" highlights that oaths were a profound public declaration of one's ultimate loyalty, meaning even everyday promises were meant to be a testament to who God is. This reveals how ancient Israelites were called to integrate their faith not just into religious acts, but into the very fabric of their civic and personal dealings.
It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This command comes as Moses is reiterating the Shema, the core declaration of Israel's faith, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God. Having just been told to love the Lord with all their being, the text now specifies how that love is to be expressed: through reverence, devoted service, and exclusive loyalty shown even in the act of swearing oaths, rather than by any other god or idol. This verse encapsulates the total commitment God requires, laying the foundation for the obedience that follows.
When we hear 'fear God,' does it sound like a threat? Or something deeper?
The Hebrew word for 'fear' here isn't about being terrified like you would be of a monster. It's about a profound, respectful awe. Think of the feeling you get when you witness something truly magnificent – a breathtaking sunset, a powerful symphony, or even looking at the vastness of space.
This kind of fear acknowledges God's absolute greatness, His power as Creator and Judge, and His incredible love. It’s a recognition that He is sovereign and holy, and that we are His creation. This awe naturally leads to a desire to honor Him and keep His commands, not out of a dread of punishment, but out of deep respect.
The Bible is clear: God wants your undivided attention. What does that really mean in practice?
Jesus himself quoted this verse when facing temptation, emphasizing that we are to serve only God (Matthew 4:10). This means our devotion isn't optional or partial; it’s exclusive.
Serving God isn't just about attending church or praying. It's about directing the core of your life – your energy, your decisions, your talents – towards Him. It’s about aligning your will with His, making Him the ultimate priority in everything you do, from your job to your relationships.
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Why would the command to 'swear by His name' be linked to serving God?
Swearing an oath in ancient times was a profound act. It was calling God, the all-knowing and all-powerful, as a witness to the truth of your words or the sincerity of your promise. It wasn't meant for everyday conversation or trivial matters.
This command highlights that our words have weight. When we swear by God's name, we acknowledge His sovereignty over truth and His ability to judge. This practice underscores the importance of honesty and integrity, reminding us that our commitments are made under His gaze. It's a crucial reminder that our relationship with God permeates every aspect of our lives, even our most serious spoken agreements.
Understand the original words
yārēʾ · Hebrew Verb
A profound reverence, awe, and submission before the holiness of God. It is the beginning of wisdom and the proper response of a creature to their Creator, leading to obedience.
ʿāḇaḏ · Hebrew Verb
To render work, worship, or ministry unto God. It signifies total devotion, allegiance, and the active performance of duty as an act of worship.
šāḇaʿ · Hebrew Verb
A vow or solemn oath taken in the name of God, acknowledging His authority and truthfulness. Swearing by His name is an act of recognizing Him as the ultimate witness and judge of one's integrity.
Jesus directly quotes this verse to Satan during the temptation, emphasizing that only God deserves our ultimate worship and service.
Jeremiah 5:7This passage highlights the sin of swearing by gods that are not gods, showing how oath-taking was a public declaration of allegiance and therefore intimately tied to one's worship.
Psalm 63:11This verse connects praising God with swearing by His name, illustrating how acknowledging God's truthfulness in oaths is a form of worship and testimony to His character.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus addresses the misuse of oaths in common speech, contrasting it with the lawful and reverent use of oaths as commanded here in Deuteronomy, urging sincerity in all our speech.
Hebrews 6:13-20This passage explains God's use of an oath to confirm His promise to Abraham, demonstrating that oaths are serious matters that, when used by God, underscore the certainty and immutability of His Word.
clarkeDeuteronomy 6:13: "Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name."
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God - Thou shalt respect and reverence him as thy Lawgiver and Judge; as thy Creator, Preserver, and the sole object of thy religious adoration. And serve him - Our blessed Lord, in Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8, quotes these words thus: And him Only (αυτῳ μονῳ) shalt thou serve. It appears, therefore, that לבדו lebaddo was anciently in the Hebrew text, as it was and is in…
pooleDeuteronomy 6:13: "Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name."
When thou hast a call and just cause to swear. By his name , understand only , as Deu 5:2 , not by idols, or any creatures.
This verse isn't just about worship; it's about total allegiance. The command to "swear by his name" highlights that oaths were a profound public declaration of one's ultimate loyalty, meaning even everyday promises were meant to be a testament to who God is. This reveals how ancient Israelites were called to integrate their faith not just into religious acts, but into the very fabric of their civic and personal dealings.
This command comes as Moses is reiterating the Shema, the core declaration of Israel's faith, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God. Having just been told to love the Lord with all their being, the text now specifies how that love is to be expressed: through reverence, devoted service, and exclusive loyalty shown even in the act of swearing oaths, rather than by any other god or idol. This verse encapsulates the total commitment God requires, laying the foundation for the obedience that follows.
This command comes as Moses is reiterating the Shema, the core declaration of Israel's faith, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God. Having just been told to love the Lord with all their being, the text now specifies how that love is to be expressed: through reverence, devoted service, and exclusive loyalty shown even in the act of swearing oaths, rather than by any other god or idol. This verse encapsulates the total commitment God requires, laying the foundation for the obedience that follows.
"It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear." — This verse isn't just about worship; it's about total allegiance. The command to "swear by his name" highlights that oaths were a profound public declaration of one's ultimate loyalty, meaning even e…
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Last reviewed October 2026