Paragraph 13:4–8

In this paragraph, the LORD is the speaker. He states a complaint against the people of Israel. He always took care of them, but they forgot him. He must punish them in response.

13:4a–d

Notice the parallel lines. Lines a and c are similar in meaning. Lines b and d are also similar in meaning.

4a “Yet I am the LORD your God

4b
ever since the land of Egypt;

4c
you know no God but Me,

4d
for there is no Savior besides Me.

In these lines, the LORD speaks of his special relationship with the people of Israel. He alone is their God. He alone delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

13:4a–b

Yet: This word introduces a contrast between this verse and the preceding ones. Verses 1–3 describe the worthlessness of idols. By contrast, this verse describes the power of the LORD.

Some versions leave the contrast implied. For example:

The Lord says (Good News Translation)

Indicate the connection of this verse to 13:3 in a natural way in your language.

I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “and I [am] Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt.”

There are two main interpretations of the phase “from the land of Egypt.” As in 12:9a, it refers to location rather than to time. See the notes there for advice on how to translate this phrase.

LORD your God: In this phrase, the Hebrew word for LORD is Yahweh. The Hebrew word for God is a form of Elohim. Translate these words/names as you normally translate Yahweh and God.

13:4c

you know no God but Me: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “and gods besides me you not know.” There are two main interpretations of the function of this clause:

(1) This clause is a command. For example:

You must acknowledge no God but me (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) This clause is a statement. For example:

You know no God but me (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
You have never known a [true] God but Me (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This clause probably refers to the first commandment (or implies all ten commandments) in Exodus 20:2–17. The same tense (imperfect) is used both there and here. It is reasonable to understand the clause as a command in both places.

know: Here, know means to know the LORD in an intimate, personal way. See the note in 2:20b, which has the same interpretation. The context here is a close relationship with the LORD in which the people trust him and are faithful to him. To know the LORD also implies having knowledge about his ways, his promises, and his requirements.

God: In this clause, the Hebrew word for God is Elohim, not Yahweh. Use your general term for God here.

13:4d

there is no Savior besides Me: As in 13:4b, this clause probably also refers back to the exodus, when the LORD delivered Israel out of slavery in Egypt.

There are two main interpretations of the function of this clause:

(1) It is a statement. It gives a reason why the people should follow only the LORD. He saved them from slavery in Egypt. For example:

There is no savior except me. (God’s Word)

(2) It is a command. There is an ellipsis (deliberate omission) of the first three words in 13:4d. For example:

[You shall know] no savior except me. (New International Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions.

Savior: The Hebrew word means deliverer or savior. Here it refers to God as the deliverer of the nation of Israel out of Egypt.

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