Deuteronomy 1:16
And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
and judge
H8199
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
and judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 17
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
בָּעֵ֥ת
at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֥ת
at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
4 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
הַהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שָׁמֹ֤עַ
Hear
H8085
שָׁמֹ֤עַ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בֵּין
H996
בֵּין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
8 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אָחִ֖יו
and his brother
H251
אָחִ֖יו
and his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
9 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
and judge
H8199
וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם
and judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
10 of 17
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
צֶ֔דֶק
righteously
H6664
צֶ֔דֶק
righteously
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
11 of 17
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
בֵּֽין
H996
בֵּֽין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
12 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אִ֥ישׁ
between every man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
between every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וּבֵין
H996
וּבֵין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
14 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אָחִ֖יו
and his brother
H251
אָחִ֖יו
and his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
15 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.Exodus 22:21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.Leviticus 24:22Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.
Historical Context
This judicial reform occurred early in the wilderness period, soon after Sinai, when Jethro visited Moses (Exodus 18). The system parallels ancient Near Eastern administrative structures but is unique in being grounded in covenant law rather than royal decree. The judges were to decide cases based on God's revealed standards, making this a theocratic legal system where all authority derives from divine revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' willingness to share leadership responsibility model healthy spiritual authority?
- What burdens are you trying to carry alone that God intends to be shared within the community of faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses recalls his establishment of a judicial system based on Jethro's advice (Exodus 18:13-26). The appointment of 'captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens' created an efficient hierarchical structure for adjudicating disputes. This wasn't merely administrative convenience but theological necessity—Moses as sole judge couldn't bear the burden alone, and the people needed accessible justice. The delegation demonstrates both human limitation and God's provision of leaders to shepherd His people. It also establishes the principle that spiritual leadership requires shared responsibility, not autocratic control.