CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 23:13 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/23-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_23_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 23:13 - Sabbath Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/23-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/23-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm" title="Exodus 23:12">◄</a> Exodus 23:13 <a href="/exodus/23-14.htm" title="Exodus 23:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/23.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips. <a href="/nlt/exodus/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Pay close attention to all my instructions. You must not call on the name of any other gods. Do not even speak their names. <a href="/esv/exodus/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips. <a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/exodus/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/23.htm">New King James Version</a> “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be careful; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth. <a href="/nasb/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth. <a href="/lsb/exodus/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now concerning everything which I have said to you, beware; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth. <a href="/amp/exodus/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; do not mention the name of other gods [either in a blessing or in a curse]; do not let such speech be heard [coming] from your mouth. <a href="/csb/exodus/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Pay strict 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. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Pay strict 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.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/exodus/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Make certain that you obey everything I have said. Don't pray to other gods or even mention their names. <a href="/erv/exodus/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/exodus/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Be careful [to do] everything I told you. "Never mention the names of other gods or let them be heard on your lips. <a href="/gnt/exodus/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Listen to everything that I, the LORD, have said to you. Do not pray to other gods; do not even mention their names. <a href="/isv/exodus/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Be careful about everything I've told you, and don't mention the name of other gods. Don't let them be heard in your mouth!" <a href="/msb/exodus/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/exodus/23.htm">NET Bible</a> "Pay attention to do everything I have told you, and do not even mention the names of other gods--do not let them be heard on your lips. <a href="/nheb/exodus/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Be careful to do all things that I have said to you; and do not invoke the name of other gods, neither let them be heard out of your mouth. <a href="/wbt/exodus/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And in all things that I have said to you be circumspect: and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard from thy mouth. <a href="/web/exodus/23.htm">World English Bible</a> “Be careful to do all things that I have said to you; and don’t invoke the name of other gods or even let them be heard out of your mouth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and in all that which I have said to you—take heed; and you do not mention the name of other gods; it is not heard on your mouth. <a href="/ylt/exodus/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and in all that which I have said unto you ye do take heed; and the name of other gods ye do not mention; it is not heard on thy mouth. <a href="/slt/exodus/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And in all which I said to you ye shall watch; and ye shall not call to mind the name of other gods; it shall not be heard above thy mouth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Keep all things that I have said to you. And by the name of strange gods you shall not swear, neither shall it be heard out of your mouth. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Preserve all that I have said to you. And by the names of foreign gods you shall not swear; neither shall these be heard from your mouth. <a href="/nabre/exodus/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Give heed to all that I have told you. You shall not mention the name of any other god; it shall not be heard from your lips. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Be attentive to all that I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Take heed of all things that I have said to you; and make no mention of the name of false idols, neither think of them. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And pay attention to everything that I said to you and you shall not call to mind the name of other objects of worship and it shall not come up on your heart.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/exodus/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and ye shall make no mention of the name of other gods, neither shall they be heard out of your mouth. <a href="/parallel/exodus/23-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5830" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Sabbath Laws</a> …12For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. 13<a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: tiš·šā·mê·rū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">Pay close attention</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·ḇə·ḵōl (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I have said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: ṯaz·kî·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">invoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: wə·šêm (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">the names</a> <a href="/hebrew/312.htm" title="312: ’ă·ḥê·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Another. From 'achar; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.">of other</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">gods;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·šā·ma‘ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">be heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">your lips.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-14.htm">Deuteronomy 6:14</a> Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. <a href="/joshua/23-7.htm">Joshua 23:7</a> So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. <a href="/psalms/16-4.htm">Psalm 16:4</a> Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips. <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">2 Kings 17:35</a> For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. <a href="/jeremiah/11-12.htm">Jeremiah 11:12</a> Then the cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to which they have been burning incense, but these gods certainly will not save them in their time of disaster. <a href="/hosea/2-17.htm">Hosea 2:17</a> For I will remove from her lips the names of the Baals; no longer will their names be invoked. <a href="/zechariah/13-2.htm">Zechariah 13:2</a> And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a> No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Matthew 4:10</a> “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” <a href="/luke/4-8.htm">Luke 4:8</a> But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a> No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">1 Corinthians 10:14</a> Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16-17</a> What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” / “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” <a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">1 John 5:21</a> Little children, keep yourselves from idols.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And in all things that I have said to you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth.be circumspect<a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9,15</a> 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; … <a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Joshua 22:5</a> But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.<a href="/joshua/23-11.htm">Joshua 23:11</a> Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.make no mention<a href="/numbers/32-38.htm">Numbers 32:38</a> And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.<a href="/deuteronomy/12-3.htm">Deuteronomy 12:3</a> 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.<a href="/joshua/23-7.htm">Joshua 23:7</a> 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:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/genesis/41-35.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Invoke</a> <a href="/exodus/6-30.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Mention</a> <a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Names</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/23-21.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/exodus/28-35.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/23-21.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/numbers/6-27.htm">Invoke</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/joshua/23-7.htm">Mention</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-2.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/exodus/28-9.htm">Names</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 23</div>1. <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Of slander, false witness, and partiality</a> 4. <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Of charitableness</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Of justice in judgment</a> 8. <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Of taking bribes</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Of oppressing a stranger</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/23-10.htm">Of the year of rest</a> 12. <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Of the Sabbath</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">Of idolatry</a> 14. <a href="/exodus/23-14.htm">Of the three feasts</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's commands. In the context of Exodus, God is establishing His covenant with the Israelites, providing them with laws and guidelines to live by. The call to "pay close attention" underscores the seriousness of these instructions, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. This echoes the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>, where Israel is commanded to hear and obey God's words diligently. It also foreshadows Jesus' teaching in the New Testament, where He emphasizes the importance of hearing and doing the Word (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>).You must not invoke the names of other gods; This command reflects the monotheistic foundation of Israel's faith, distinguishing them from the polytheistic cultures surrounding them. In ancient Near Eastern societies, invoking the name of a god was an act of worship and allegiance. By prohibiting this, God is reinforcing His exclusive claim to worship and loyalty. This command is part of the broader theme of idolatry prohibition found throughout the Old Testament, such as in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-5</a>). It also points to the spiritual warfare theme, where allegiance to God is paramount, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>.they must not be heard on your lips. This phrase further emphasizes the prohibition against idolatry by extending it to speech. The Israelites are to avoid even speaking the names of other gods, highlighting the importance of purity in worship and speech. This reflects the biblical principle that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart (<a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a>). The cultural context of the time involved frequent invocation of deities for blessings and protection, making this command a radical call to distinctiveness and holiness. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching on the power of the tongue and the need for speech that honors God (<a href="/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and commandments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> The place where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws, including the instructions in <a href="/bsb/exodus/23.htm">Exodus 23</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/o/other_gods.htm">Other gods</a> Refers to the deities worshiped by surrounding nations, which the Israelites were forbidden to acknowledge or worship. 5. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> The agreement between God and the Israelites, which included laws and commandments to guide their relationship with Him and with each other.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/exclusive_worship.htm">Exclusive Worship</a> God demands exclusive worship and allegiance. This commandment is a reminder of the covenant relationship that requires fidelity and devotion to God alone. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a> The prohibition against invoking other gods highlights the importance of guarding our speech and ensuring that our words reflect our commitment to God. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_influence.htm">Cultural Influence</a> The Israelites were surrounded by nations with different beliefs. This command serves as a warning to be vigilant against cultural influences that can lead us away from God. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a> Just as the Israelites were to be vigilant in their worship practices, Christians today must be aware of modern "idols" that can distract from our devotion to God. <a href="/topical/h/holistic_obedience.htm">Holistic Obedience</a> Paying close attention to God's commands involves both our actions and our words. Obedience is holistic, encompassing every aspect of our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_taborites_in_history.htm">What does the Bible say about religion?</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_say_'kill'_or_'murder'.htm">What does 'You anoint my head with oil' mean?</a> <a href="/q/does_ezekiel_43_7_conflict_with_omnipresence.htm">In Ezekiel 43:7, God declares His throne will be in the temple. Does this conflict with the doctrine of an omnipresent deity who cannot be confined?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_philippians_4_8_mean_by_'noble'.htm">What does it mean to consider what is right?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Be circumspect.--Rather, take heed. The verb used is a very common one.Make no mention of the name of other gods.--The Jewish commentators understand swearing by the name of other gods to be the thing here forbidden, and so the Vulg., "per nomen exterorum deorum non jurabitis." But the words used reach far beyond this. Contempt for the "gods of the nations" was to be shown by ignoring their very names. They were not to be spoken of, unless by preachers in the way of warning, or by historians when the facts of history could not be otherwise set forth. Moses himself mentions Baal (<a href="/numbers/22-41.htm" title="And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that there he might see the utmost part of the people.">Numbers 22:41</a>), Baal-peor (<a href="/numbers/25-3.htm" title="And Israel joined himself to Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.">Numbers 25:3</a>; <a href="/numbers/25-5.htm" title="And Moses said to the judges of Israel, Slay you every one his men that were joined to Baalpeor.">Numbers 25:5</a>), Chemosh (<a href="/numbers/21-29.htm" title="Woe to you, Moab! you are undone, O people of Chemosh: he has given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites.">Numbers 21:29</a>), and Moloch (<a href="/context/leviticus/20-2.htm" title="Again, you shall say to the children of Israel, Whoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that gives any of his seed to Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.">Leviticus 20:2-5</a>; <a href="/leviticus/23-21.htm" title="And you shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation to you: you shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.">Leviticus 23:21</a>). . . . <a href="/commentaries/exodus/23-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Pay close attention תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ (tiš·šā·mê·rū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to to everything וּבְכֹ֛ל (ū·ḇə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every I have said אָמַ֥רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to you. אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם (’ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to You must not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no invoke תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ (ṯaz·kî·rū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male the names וְשֵׁ֨ם (wə·šêm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name of other אֲחֵרִים֙ (’ă·ḥê·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> Hinder, next, other gods; אֱלֹהִ֤ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative they must not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be heard יִשָּׁמַ֖ע (yiš·šā·ma‘) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your lips. פִּֽיךָ׃ (pî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/23-13.htm">Exodus 23:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/23-13.htm">OT Law: Exodus 23:13 Be careful to do all things that (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/23-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 23:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/23-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 23:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 23:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>