Deuteronomy 16:19
Deuteronomy 16:19 in Multiple Translations
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
Thou shalt not wrest justice: thou shalt not respect persons; neither shalt thou take a bribe; for a bribe doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
You are not to be moved in your judging by a man's position, you are not to take rewards; for rewards make the eyes of the wise man blind, and the decisions of the upright false.
Don't pervert justice or show favoritism. Don't take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the wise and twists the words of the truthful.
Wrest not thou ye Law, nor respect any person, neither take rewarde: for the reward blindeth ye eyes of the wise, and peruerteth ye worde of ye iust.
Thou dost not turn aside judgment; thou dost not discern faces, nor take a bribe, for the bribe blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift; for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
And not go aside to either part. Thou shalt not accept person nor gifts: for gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and change the words of the just.
They must not judge unjustly. They must not favor one person more than another. The judges must not accept bribes, because if a judge accepts a bribe, even if he is wise and honest, it will be very difficult for him to judge fairly [IDM]; he will do what the person who gave him the bribe wants him to do and declare that the righteous/innocent people must be punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:19
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 16:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תַטֶּ֣ה
מִשְׁפָּ֔ט
לֹ֥א
תַכִּ֖יר
פָּנִ֑ים
וְ/לֹא
תִקַּ֣ח
שֹׁ֔חַד
כִּ֣י
הַ/שֹּׁ֗חַד
יְעַוֵּר֙
עֵינֵ֣י
חֲכָמִ֔ים
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
דִּבְרֵ֥י
צַדִּיקִֽם
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַטֶּ֣ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
מִשְׁפָּ֔ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַכִּ֖יר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
פָּנִ֑ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
שֹׁ֔חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/שֹּׁ֗חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
Art | N-ms
יְעַוֵּר֙
ʻâvar
H5786
to blind
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
חֲכָמִ֔ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
to pervert
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
צַדִּיקִֽם
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:19
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַטֶּ֣ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
מִשְׁפָּ֔ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַכִּ֖יר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
פָּנִ֑ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שֹׁ֔חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/שֹּׁ֗חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
יְעַוֵּר֙
ʻâvar
H5786
"to blind"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make someone blind, either physically or spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in 1 Samuel 11:2 to describe what the Ammonites did to the people of Jabesh. The word is also used figuratively in Isaiah 6:10 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: (Piel) to blind, make blind, put out the eyes of
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: blind, put out. See also H5895 (עַיִר). See also: Exodus 23:8; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7.
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
חֲכָמִ֔ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וִֽ/יסַלֵּ֖ף
çâlaph
H5557
"to pervert"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To pervert means to twist or subvert something, often referring to bribery or corruption. It can also mean to overthrow or ruin, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to twist, pervert, distort, overturn, ruin 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to pervert (of bribery) 1a2) to subvert, turn upside down, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: overthrow, pervert. See also: Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 13:6; Proverbs 19:3.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
צַדִּיקִֽם
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 16:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:19
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:19
Context — Judges and Justice
17Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.
18You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
19Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
20Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 21Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole next to the altar you will build for the LORD your God,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:15 | You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. |
| 2 | Exodus 23:2 | You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:23 | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 24:17 | Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 10:17 | For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 1:4 | Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:23 | These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 27:19 | ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 9 | Isaiah 1:17 | Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 7:7 | Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. |
Deuteronomy 16:19 Summary
[Deuteronomy 16:19 teaches us that we should always try to be fair and honest in our interactions with others, and not let personal biases or temptations influence our decisions. This means treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances, as encouraged in Galatians 3:28. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate our commitment to living according to His standards. As we strive to uphold justice and righteousness, we can trust that God will guide and empower us, as promised in Psalm 37:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to deny justice in Deuteronomy 16:19?
To deny justice means to withhold or distort what is right and fair, as seen in the context of judges and officials being appointed to judge the people with righteous judgment, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:18. This can be compared to the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as mentioned in Leviticus 19:18.
How does showing partiality affect our relationships with others?
Showing partiality can lead to favoritism and discrimination, causing harm to those who are treated unfairly, as warned against in James 2:9. This can damage our relationships and undermine the trust and respect that are essential for building strong, healthy communities, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:32.
What is the significance of not accepting a bribe in this verse?
Not accepting a bribe is crucial because it can blind the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the righteous, leading to corruption and injustice, as seen in the example of Samuel in 1 Samuel 12:3. This principle is also reflected in the teachings of Proverbs 17:23, which warns against the dangers of bribery.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives as Christians?
This verse reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we are called to live with integrity and honesty, upholding justice and righteousness in all our interactions, as encouraged in Micah 6:8. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate our commitment to living according to His standards, as seen in Matthew 5:16.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I uphold justice and righteousness in my own life, and what are some areas where I may be tempted to show partiality or accept 'bribes' of some kind?
- How can I ensure that I am treating others with fairness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances?
- What are some potential consequences of denying justice or showing partiality, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own relationships and decisions?
- In what ways can I seek to pursue justice and righteousness, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 16:20, and what role can I play in promoting fairness and equality in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:19
Thou shall not wrest judgment,.... Or pervert it, pass a wrong sentence, or act contrary to justice; this is said to the judges as a direction to them, and so what follows: thou shalt not respect
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:19
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Judges and officers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
Not wrest judgment, i.e. not give a perverse, forced, and unjust sentence. See Poole "". Not respect persons, i.e. not give sentence according to the quality of the person, his riches or poverty, friendship or enmity, but according to the justice of the cause. A gift doth blind the eyes of the wise; corrupts and biasseth his mind, that as he will not, so ofttimes he cannot, discern between right and wrong. The words of the righteous; either, 1. The words, i.e. the sentence, of those judges who are inclined and used to do righteous things, and have the repute of righteous men, it makes them give wrong judgment. Or, 2. The words, i.e. the matters, or causes, (as word oft signifies,) of righteous persons, or of them whose cause is just.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
Deuteronomy 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Ver. 19. Neither take a gift.] Rain is good, and ground is good; yet, ex eorum coniunctione fit luturn, by the mixture of those two is made dirt: so giving is kind, and taking is courteous; yet the mixing of them makes the smooth paths of justice foul and uneven.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:19
(19) See Exodus 23:6; Exodus 23:8.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:19
19. Thou] The whole people are responsible for the impartial discharge of justice: characteristic of D. shalt not wrest judgement] E, Exodus 23:6 : the judgement of thy poor in his cause. thou shalt not respect persons] See on Deuteronomy 1:17. neither shalt thou take a gift, etc.] So E, Exodus 23:8, except that for the eyes of the wise it has the open-eyed or them that have sight. a gift] Heb. shoḥ ?ad, of a present in order to influence justice, a bribe (Deuteronomy 10:17), a prevalent temptation of judges in the East, where he is regarded as still a just judge who takes gifts only from the party in the right, as it were a fee for his judgement or an inducement to hasten it. Here, however, the acceptance of any gift by a judge is forbidden. In the Code of Ḫ ?ammurabi the 5th law, expelling from office the judge who alters his decision, implies that he does this for some unjust reason such as a bribe. On bribery among the settled Arabs see Doughty Ar. Des. i. 607. words] Statements or pleas, equivalent to cause or case.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:19
| Sermon | Description | |
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God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |
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Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face |
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Homily 37 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the journey of Paul and his companions through various cities, emphasizing Paul's dedication to sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite |
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How to Treat Doubtful Things by John Hames | John Hames emphasizes the importance of avoiding doubtful practices and conduct, as they can lead to sin and separation from God. He warns against engaging in activities or going t |
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |