Overview
The Bible addresses obligation across 19 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, Psalms and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Unity of God, Miracles, Praise and Salvation.
Key Bible verses about obligation
Old Testament
Deuteronomy
For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?
Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.
And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;
To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.
This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
Psalms
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
New Testament
In the Bible dictionary
Studying obligation for yourself
- Begin with Deuteronomy 4:32, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Deuteronomy, Psalms and 1 Samuel each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Unity of God, Miracles, Praise and Salvation.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about obligation?
The Bible addresses obligation across 19 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Deuteronomy, Psalms and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Unity of God, Miracles, Praise and Salvation.
How many Bible verses are about obligation?
The Bible references obligation in 19 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention obligation?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Deuteronomy 4:32: “For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?”
Preach & teach
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