Deuteronomy 1:17

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַכִּ֨ירוּ

H5234

Ye shall not respect

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

מִפְּנֵי

H6440

of the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט

H4941

for the judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

כַּקָּטֹ֤ן

H6996

the small

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

כַּגָּדֹל֙

H1419

as well as the great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּשְׁמַעְתִּֽיו׃

H8085

but ye shall hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָג֙וּרוּ֙

H1481

ye shall not be afraid

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#10

מִפְּנֵי

H6440

of the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#11

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

of man

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)

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט

H4941

for the judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#14

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

is God's

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#15

ה֑וּא

H1931

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

#16

וְהַדָּבָר֙

H1697

and the cause

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

יִקְשֶׁ֣ה

H7185

that is too hard

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

#19

מִכֶּ֔ם

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#20

תַּקְרִב֥וּן

H7126

for you bring

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

#21

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

וּשְׁמַעְתִּֽיו׃

H8085

but ye shall hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Deuteronomy's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Deuteronomy 1:17

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources