Deuteronomy 16:20
Deuteronomy 16:20 in Multiple Translations
Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
Let righteousness be your guide, so that you may have life, and take for your heritage the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
Always do what is right and just, so that you may go on living, occupying the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
That which is iust and right shalt thou follow, that thou maiest liue, and possesse the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee.
Righteousness — righteousness thou dost pursue, so that thou livest, and hast possessed the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee.
You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God gives you.
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt follow justly after that which is just: that thou mayst live and possess the land, which the Lord thy God shall give thee.
You must be completely fair and just [DOU], in order that you will enter and occupy the land that Yahweh our God is giving to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צֶ֥דֶק
צֶ֖דֶק
תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
לְמַ֤עַן
תִּֽחְיֶה֙
וְ/יָרַשְׁתָּ֣
אֶת
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
אֲשֶׁר
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
נֹתֵ֥ן
לָֽ/ךְ
צֶ֥דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
צֶ֖דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְמַ֤עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תִּֽחְיֶה֙
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/יָרַשְׁתָּ֣
yârash
H3423
to possess
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:20
צֶ֥דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
צֶ֖דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
לְמַ֤עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּֽחְיֶה֙
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וְ/יָרַשְׁתָּ֣
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 16:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:20
Context — Judges and Justice
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, 22and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 18:9 | He follows My statutes and faithfully keeps My ordinances. That man is righteous; surely he will live, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:5 | Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right: |
| 4 | Micah 6:8 | He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:1 | Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 25:13–16 | You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not have two differing measures in your house, one large and one small. You must maintain accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 7 | Romans 10:5 | For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: “The man who does these things will live by them.” |
Deuteronomy 16:20 Summary
This verse means that we should always try to do what is right and fair, without being influenced by our own interests or biases, as God wants us to live in a way that honors Him. Pursuing justice is important because it shows that we trust and obey God, and it helps us to live in harmony with Him and with others, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:20 and also in Psalm 15:1-5. By pursuing justice, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and that reflects His character, as seen in Micah 6:8. When we pursue justice, we can trust that God will be with us and will help us to possess the land, or to live a life that is fruitful and blessed, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Psalm 37:3-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pursue justice and justice alone?
Pursuing justice and justice alone means seeking what is right and fair in God's eyes, without being swayed by personal biases or interests, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:20, and also emphasized in Proverbs 21:3, where it says that to do what is right and just is more acceptable to God than sacrifice.
Why is pursuing justice important for living and possessing the land?
Pursuing justice is important because it reflects God's character and enables His people to live in harmony with Him and with each other, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:20, and also seen in Psalm 37:3-6, where trusting in God and doing good is connected to dwelling in the land and being fed.
How can we apply the principle of pursuing justice in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by treating others with fairness and kindness, and by standing up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, as seen in Micah 6:8, which says that God requires us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.
What is the relationship between pursuing justice and possessing the land?
The relationship is one of conditionality, where possessing the land is dependent on pursuing justice, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:20, and also seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where obedience to God's commands, including pursuing justice, is connected to blessing and possession of the land.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can pursue justice in my own life, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 23:23?
- In what ways can I use my voice and actions to stand up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9?
- What are some potential barriers to pursuing justice, and how can I overcome them, as seen in Isaiah 1:17 and Isaiah 58:6-12?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:20
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow,.... Or "justice", "justice" (a), strict justice, and nothing else: that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:20
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 16:20
That which is altogether just, Heb. righteousness, righteousness, i.e. nothing but righteousness in all causes and times, and to all persons equally. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:20
Deuteronomy 16:20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.Ver. 20. That which is altogether just.] Heb., Justice, justice; that is, let pure justice, without mud, run down; let all selfish affections be strained out.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:20
20. That which is altogether just] Heb. righteousness, righteousness. follow] Not only desire but indefatigably hunt after; cp. Deuteronomy 13:14, inquire, make search and seek diligently. that thou mayest live, etc.] See note on Deuteronomy 4:1 and introd. to this passage.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Life of Obedience by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of following what is just and righteous to experience a fulfilling life, as commanded by the Lord in Deuteronomy 16:20. She urges bel |
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that |
|
Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being e |
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(Om Orientation) Discipline - Part 1 by Jonathan McRostie | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts. He highlights that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our actions and words. The speake |
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Offering Your Bodies by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of building a fence to protect oneself. He emphasizes the importance of filling one's mind with things that are true, honorable, right, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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Managing Your Emotions by Erwin Lutzer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing our emotions in order to align ourselves with the will of God. He uses the analogy of a pilot who |