Deuteronomy 19:17

Deuteronomy 19:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.

King James Version KJV

Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;

American Standard Version ASV

then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the two men, between whom the argument has taken place, are to come before the Lord, before the priests and judges who are then in power;

Free Bible Version FBV

both those involved must come to be judged in the presence of the Lord by the priests and judges who are then in office.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then both the men which striue together, shall stand before ye Lord, euen before the Priests and the Iudges, which shall be in those daies,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

then have both the men who have the strife stood before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who are in those days,

World English Bible WEB

then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then both the men between whom the controversy is shall stand before the LORD, before the priests, and the judges, who shall be in those days;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Both of them, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord in the sight of the priests and the judges that shall be in those days.

Translation for Translators T4T

both of them must go to the place where the people worship, to talk to the priests and judges who are serving at that time.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:17

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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 19:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עָמְד֧וּ שְׁנֵֽי הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֛ים אֲשֶׁר לָ/הֶ֥ם הָ/רִ֖יב לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה לִ/פְנֵ֤י הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ וְ/הַ/שֹּׁ֣פְטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְי֖וּ בַּ/יָּמִ֥ים הָ/הֵֽם

וְ/עָמְד֧וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-3cp

שְׁנֵֽי shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֛ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לָ/הֶ֥ם Prep | Suff

הָ/רִ֖יב rîyb H7379 strife Art | N-cs

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp

וְ/הַ/שֹּׁ֣פְטִ֔ים shâphaṭ H8199 to judge Conj | Art | V-Qal

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִהְי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

בַּ/יָּמִ֥ים yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

הָ/הֵֽם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:17

וְ/עָמְד֧וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

שְׁנֵֽי shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֛ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

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.

לָ/הֶ֥ם "" Prep | Suff

הָ/רִ֖יב rîyb H7379 "strife" Art | N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.

Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | 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.

יְהוָ֑ה 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.

לִ/פְנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | 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.

הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וְ/הַ/שֹּׁ֣פְטִ֔ים shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" Conj | Art | V-Qal

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.

יִהְי֖וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בַּ/יָּמִ֥ים yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הָ/הֵֽם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:17
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 19:17
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:17

Context — The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses

15A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 16If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime,

17both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time.

18The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, 19you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 17:9	You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.
2	Deuteronomy 21:5	And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.
3	Malachi 2:7	For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.
4	Matthew 23:2–3	“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Deuteronomy 19:17 Summary

Deuteronomy 19:17 tells us that when there's a dispute, both parties should stand before God and the priests and judges to resolve the issue. This means that we should seek God's guidance and will in our conflicts, and be willing to listen to and respect the other person's perspective. By doing so, we can resolve our conflicts in a way that honors God and promotes fairness and justice, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17. This process helps us to remember that God is always present and active in our lives, guiding us towards peace and harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of standing in the presence of the LORD in Deuteronomy 19:17?

Standing in the presence of the LORD signifies that the dispute is being brought before God's judgment seat, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the importance of seeking His will, as seen in Psalm 100:4 and Exodus 18:15-16.

Why are both parties to the dispute required to stand before the priests and judges?

This ensures that both sides of the dispute are heard and that justice is administered fairly, reflecting the principle of fairness and impartiality found in Leviticus 19:15 and Deuteronomy 1:17.

What role do the priests and judges play in resolving the dispute?

The priests and judges serve as mediators and administrators of God's justice, guiding the process of resolving the dispute according to God's laws and principles, similar to the role of elders in the New Testament church, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-20.

How does this process reflect God's character?

This process reflects God's character as a just and fair God, who desires that His people live in harmony and resolve conflicts in a way that honors Him, as seen in Zechariah 8:16 and Matthew 18:15-17.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can apply the principle of fairness and impartiality in my own relationships and conflicts?
How can I seek God's will and guidance when faced with a difficult decision or dispute?
What are some potential consequences of not resolving conflicts in a way that honors God, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
In what ways can I demonstrate respect and reverence for God's presence in my life, particularly in times of conflict or difficulty?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:17

Then both the men between whom the controversy is,.... The man that bears the false witness, and the man against whom it is borne: shall stand before the Lord; as in the presence of him, the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:17

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; But if convicted of perjury, it will be sufficient for his own condemnation, and his punishment shall be exactly

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17

See Poole ",12", and observe that the controversies both here and there referred to, and to be determined by the priests and judges, are only between man and man, and not doctrines of faith and manners, as the papists for their own advantage pretend.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17

Deuteronomy 19:15-21. FALSE .The law of retaliation is sternly laid down here; but it must be administered by the judges, not by men acting on their own behalf. (17) Both the men . . . shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges.—This appears to mean that all cases of suspected false testimony were to go before the supreme court (see Deuteronomy 17:9); that the matter was not to be lightly decided. (21) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.—This is to be effected by the award of the judges, not as a matter of private revenge. But manifestly it rests with the injured party to press the case.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:17

17. shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, etc.] That is in the supreme court to be instituted at the One Altar, Deuteronomy 17:9. The construction is awkward and betrays expansion. Steuern. and Berth. and Marti take before the judges as alone original, as these only are mentioned in the next v., and understand the reference to be, not to the supreme court but to the newly instituted judges of Deu 16:18. But it is quite as probable that before the Lord was all that the original text of the law contained, and that the rest was added from Deuteronomy 17:9 by an editor. This is just one of the difficult cases, which in more primitive conditions were referred to some representative of the Deity and which, on the institution of the supreme court at Jerusalem, Israel was directed to take there (cp. Deuteronomy 17:8, between plea and plea, the same Heb. term as is here rendered controversy).

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 19:17

Both the men, between whom the controversy is - Not the accused and the false witness, but the plaintiff and defendant (compare Exodus 23:1) who were summoned before the supreme court held, as provided in Deut.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:17

17. The men, between whom the controversy is — The original parties in the case, one of whom is supposed to have brought into court the false witness.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:17

	Sermon	Description
	Commentary Notes - I Chronicles by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the Books of the Chronicles, emphasizing their division, retrospective nature post-Babylonian captivity, and focus on Judah's history from a heavenly pe
	The Fellowship of His Suffering by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern about the commercialization and profit-driven motives within the ministry. He criticizes the hiring of a promotion man and a
	The Glory of God and Missions by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to reconcile the idea that God does everything for Himself with the belief that God is a loving God who loves people. He u
	Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 4.-- Wednesday--(Continued) by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman preaches on the dangers of being rich and living a luxurious life without caring for the poor, emphasizing the need for repentance, mortification, and self-denial to le
	Commentary Notes - Malachi by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Malachi, highlighting the people's hardened hearts and insolent denials of guilt, the use of interrogation and reply in the book, and the ke
	A Special Vocation by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the special vocation of God's people, illustrating the distinctions within the community of faith through the example of Israel's structure around the t
	Biblical Courtship Session #2: The Parent's Responsibility in the Home by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we cannot make ourselves love God more through our own efforts. Just as we do nothing to make a beautiful sunset take our breath away, w