Self-knowledge supports devotion.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
इति क्षेत्रं तथा ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं चोक्तं समासतः |मद्भक्त एतद्विज्ञाय मद्भावायोपपद्यते ||१३-१९||
iti kṣetraṃ tathā jñānaṃ jñeyaṃ coktaṃ samāsataḥ . madbhakta etadvijñāya madbhāvāyopapadyate ||13-19||
Use this verse to integrate learning with devotion.
Meaning
Thus the field, knowledge, and the object of knowledge have been briefly explained. My devotee, knowing this, becomes fit for My state.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Understanding field, knowledge, and the known prepares the devotee for Krishna’s state.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
Krishna shows that philosophy serves devotion. Knowing the body-mind field, true knowledge, and Brahman helps the devotee become aligned with Krishna.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna pauses to draw together the three threads he has woven: the field (kshetra) of body and nature, the knowledge (jnana) that consists of virtue and Self-awareness, and the knowable (jneya), the supreme Brahman. These three together form a complete map of reality and the way to traverse it.
Then comes the verse's heart: it is 'My devotee' (mad-bhakta) who, understanding this, attains to the divine being. Note the tender word — not the mere scholar or analyst, but the devotee. Krishna fuses knowledge and devotion into one path.
Intellectual grasp of these truths matters, but it ripens only when carried in a loving heart. The one who both understands and loves is lifted into God's own nature (mad-bhava). This reassures the sincere seeker: you need not be a philosopher to reach the goal. Understanding offered with devotion is itself the doorway into the Divine.
In daily life
Use philosophy to become more devoted, not more proud.
A person studying deep concepts should ask whether the study increases love for Krishna.
Try this today
After study, offer one thought to Krishna.
My understanding brings me closer to Krishna.Reflect
Is my knowledge bringing me closer to Krishna?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘मद्भावाय उपपद्यते’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on bhakti, in other chapters
- Verse 18.55It is through wholehearted devotion that one truly knows the Divine and finally enters into it.
- Verse 11.54Only wholehearted, single-minded devotion opens the path to truly know, see, and unite with the Divine.
- Verse 14.26Unwavering devotion to the Divine carries you beyond Nature's qualities more surely than struggle ever could.
- Verse 15.19To truly know the Supreme is to love and worship Him with your whole heart.
Swipe left for 13.20 · Prakriti produces changing qualities; consciousness witnesses them.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 13.19
Who says Bhagavad Gita 13.19, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 13.19, in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 13.19 mean?
Thus the field, knowledge, and the object of knowledge have been briefly explained. My devotee, knowing this, becomes fit for My state. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 13.19 for daily life?
Use philosophy to become more devoted, not more proud. A person studying deep concepts should ask whether the study increases love for Krishna.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 13.19 mean?
इति क्षेत्रम् — thus the field; तथा ज्ञानम् ज्ञेयम् च — as well as knowledge and the knowable; उक्तम् समासतः — have been briefly stated; मद्भक्तः — My devotee; एतत् विज्ञाय — knowing this.
Where does verse 13.19 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 19 of 35 in Chapter 13, Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga. The next verse is 13.20.