Deuteronomy 19 17

Deuteronomy 19:17 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;

Deuteronomy 19:17 nkjv

then both men in the controversy shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days.

Deuteronomy 19:17 niv

the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time.

Deuteronomy 19:17 esv

then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days.

Deuteronomy 19:17 nlt

then both the accuser and accused must appear before the LORD by coming to the priests and judges in office at that time.

Deuteronomy 19 verses

Deuteronomy 19 17 Meaning

Deuteronomy 19:17 describes a crucial procedural step in the administration of justice under the Mosaic Law, particularly for cases involving potentially false testimony or difficult disputes. It mandates that when a serious legal matter arises, both the accuser and the accused, referred to as "the parties to the dispute," must personally appear before the highest judicial authority of the time. This appearance is declared to be "before the Lord," signifying that the judgment rendered by His appointed priests and judges is considered divine judgment. The verse establishes the foundational principle that justice in Israel was a sacred undertaking, reflecting God’s own righteous character, and aimed to discern truth with divine oversight.

Deuteronomy 19 17 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 19 outlines specific laws concerning justice and legal proceedings in Israel. The chapter begins by establishing the "cities of refuge" for unintentional manslayers, emphasizing the need for structured legal avenues for dispute resolution. Following this, verses 15-21 detail regulations concerning witnesses and false testimony. Verse 15 reiterates the necessity of multiple witnesses (two or three) for a conviction. Verse 16 then introduces the problem of a "malicious witness" who makes a false accusation. Deuteronomy 19:17 directly follows this, stipulating the procedure to be followed when such an accusation or any difficult legal dispute arises: the accuser and the accused must present their case before the established divine and legal authorities. This ensures due process and reinforces the severity of truthfulness within the community. Historically, these laws were critical for maintaining order, protecting the innocent, and demonstrating Israel’s distinct ethical framework as God’s chosen nation, reflecting His character of justice.

Deuteronomy 19 17 Word analysis

• then both parties to the dispute (Hebrew: sh'nei ha'anashim asher lahem ha'riv - "the two men who have the dispute")
  • significance: This phrase emphasizes that both individuals involved in the legal conflict, the accuser and the accused, are required to be physically present. It underscores the principle of hearing both sides for a just outcome, ensuring fairness and preventing a verdict based solely on one perspective.
  • implication: It suggests a face-to-face confrontation, demanding transparency and accountability from each litigant.
• shall appear (Hebrew: ve'amdu - "and they shall stand")
  • meaning: Implies a formal, solemn posture. To "stand" before someone often signifies being prepared to give an account, to submit to authority, and to await judgment.
  • significance: This verb conveys the seriousness and gravity of the judicial process. It's not a casual encounter but a deliberate act of presenting oneself for divine scrutiny.
• before the Lord (Hebrew: lifnei Yahweh - "before Yahweh's face")
  • meaning: This is a crucial theological statement. While the parties physically stand before human judges, the ultimate arbiter is Yahweh.
  • significance: It emphasizes that the court proceedings are imbued with divine authority. The human judges act as God's representatives, and their decision is ultimately seen as God's verdict. This served to remind judges of their weighty responsibility and to instill reverence and truthfulness in litigants. It contrasts Israelite justice with pagan systems that might lack a transcendent ethical foundation.
• before the priests and the judges (Hebrew: lifnei hakohanim hal'vuyim ve'hashoftim - "before the priests the Levites and the judges")
  • Priests (kohanim): Functioned not only in sacrificial and worship capacities but also had a judicial role, particularly in discerning divine will and applying the Torah to difficult cases (e.g., Numbers 5:11-31). They represented the divine element in judgment.
  • Judges (shoftim): Administered justice, applying the established laws to specific disputes. They represented the practical, legal aspect.
  • significance: This combination signifies that Israel's judicial system was both civil and religious, drawing on both spiritual discernment and legal administration. The presence of priests ensured that decisions were aligned with divine law and wisdom, while judges handled the practical application of justice, illustrating the comprehensive nature of justice in Israel. The reference to "Levitical priests" emphasizes the tribal group divinely appointed for spiritual and instructional leadership.
• who are in office in those days (Hebrew: asher yihyeh bayamim hahem - "who will be in those days")
  • meaning: Refers to the current, functioning judicial and priestly authorities.
  • significance: This phrase legitimizes the contemporary leadership, ensuring continuity and order in the administration of justice. It instructs the people to defer to the current appointed officials rather than attempting to bypass or undermine the established system. This underscores the need for an enduring and authoritative framework for resolving disputes.

Deuteronomy 19 17 Bonus section

• Theocratic Justice: The phrase "before the Lord" signifies that Israel's judicial system was ultimately a theocracy. Justice was not merely human invention but God-ordained and God-directed. This belief served as a powerful deterrent to corruption and injustice among judges and parties.
• Principle of Due Process: This verse is a cornerstone of due process within ancient Israelite law, ensuring that both parties have a right to be heard before an impartial and authoritative tribunal.
• Accountability: The required presence of both disputants fostered personal accountability and removed the option for anonymous or hearsay accusations, compelling direct confrontation with the charges.
• Application in the New Testament: While the New Testament introduces grace and new covenants, the underlying principles of justice, truth, and righteous judgment remain paramount. Jesus Himself affirmed the law (Mt 5:17-18) and the need for truthful testimony. The church, when called upon to settle disputes or discipline (Mt 18:15-17), operates on principles echoing a just hearing of both sides.

Deuteronomy 19 17 Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:17 lays down a foundational principle for Israel's legal system, particularly concerning complex disputes or accusations of false witness. By requiring both disputing parties to "appear before the Lord," epitomized by the priests and judges, the verse underscores the sacred and divinely mandated nature of justice. This meant that the verdict delivered was not merely a human decision but understood as one rendered under divine scrutiny, enhancing the integrity and solemnity of court proceedings. The combination of "priests" (representing the sacred law and divine wisdom) and "judges" (administering civil justice) highlighted the integrated spiritual and temporal aspects of Israelite governance. This comprehensive approach ensured that justice was pursued diligently, fairly, and with a keen awareness of God's presence, deterring perjury and safeguarding the community against falsehood. It established a rigorous system where truth was paramount, echoing God’s own righteous character in upholding what is just.