The Promise Perspective Podcast

What Does it Really Mean to "Keep" or "Break" the Commandments? | Episode 43

Stephanie Green Season 4 Episode 43

You can watch this podcast episode on YouTube by clicking here

In this episode, we will explore some foundational but deeply misunderstood questions: 

What is the Hebrew definition of “obey?”

What does it actually mean to “keep” or “break” the commandments? 

How did the original Hebrew audience understand obedience, law, covenant, and faith—long before Western theology reshaped those ideas?

This episode will challenge modern Christian assumptions by calling us to deconstruct inherited paradigms and return to a Hebraic understanding of Scripture, language, and covenant. The goal is not to burden Believers with rules, but to restore clarity about the heart of the Father and the true nature of the gospel that we are called to “carry to the ends of the earth.”

The ultimate goal of this episode is to reframe the biblical definition of obedience in a way that reveals the HEART of the Father. You might be surprised when you learn that the biblical definition of obedience isn’t “do” –  it’s “listen.” 

 This episode will restore the depth of crucial Hebrew concepts:

  • Shema (often translated “obey”) means to hear, listen, internalize, and respond appropriately.
  • Shamar (often translated as “keep”) means to guard, protect, and watch over.
  • Parar (often translated as “break”) means to trample, disregard, or nullify

“Keeping” the commandments is not about flawless performance, but about guarding the Father’s word with a faithful, responsive heart. Likewise, “breaking” the commandments is not about imperfection, but about contempt—casting them behind one’s back and disregarding them.

The gospel isn’t about “getting saved.” It’s about learning how to hear the Father, walk in covenant and guard what He loves. Salvation is the door that begins the lifelong journey of learning how to be a covenant people—a “treasured possession” who listens to the Father’s voice with a desire to bring Him the glory and honor He is due. 

This restores peace, removes fear-driven theology of making things a “salvation issue,” and reframes the Believer’s walk as a journey of learning and intimacy, not simply a list of “do’s and don’ts.” I pray that if you listen to this episode, your heart is filled with joy and excitement as an invitation gets poured into your heart--an invitation that you may have never heard before.

The invitation is simple: “SHEMA.” That’s it. To simply “listen.”

I pray that this episode helps someone who may be wrestling with obedience, faith, or the purpose of the Father’s commandments. I pray that it encourages and equips you to understand that obedience isn’t just about “doing,” it’s about listening first. 

So take this as an invitation to slow down. Read the Bible without commentary. Stop listening to men to teach you the Father’s heart and go straight to the Source.

Contact me: stephanie@promise-perspective.com

Visit my website: www.promise-perspective.com 

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