Definition: Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 10:20. It’s a really important verse that speaks about how we should treat God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Don’t just treat God; you fear him, serve him, and commit yourself to him .” Let’s unpack that a little further: "Thou shalt fear the LORD your God..." – This means you should respect and honor God. It's not about being terrified, but about recognizing his power and importance in your life. Think of it like acknowledging that he’s the ultimate authority. "...him shalt thou serve..." – This means you should obey God’s commands and rules. It’s about following what He tells you to do. "...and to him shalt thou cleave..." – This is a crucial part. “Cleave” means to be attached to, to be devoted to, or to have a strong connection with something. You should cling to God and not stray from Him. It's about being committed to him. "...and swear by his name." – This is the final part that emphasizes devotion. It means you should always use His name (God’s name) in a respectful and serious way, and never speak about him in a negative or disrespectful manner. In short, it's about a relationship of reverence and dedication to God. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foundation for the whole Old Testament – it’s a reminder that our lives are centered around God. It encourages us to be honest, trustworthy, and committed to following His will. Does this mean we need to be constantly worried about God? No! It means we should always be mindful of how we treat him. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might apply to your life?