Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 19
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
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 19
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
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 19
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
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
is God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 19
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
הָאֵ֨ל
God
H410
הָאֵ֨ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
9 of 19
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
הַגָּדֹ֤ל
a great
H1419
הַגָּדֹ֤ל
a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 19
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וְהַנּוֹרָ֔א
and a terrible
H3372
וְהַנּוֹרָ֔א
and a terrible
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
12 of 19
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשָּׂ֣א
which regardeth
H5375
יִשָּׂ֣א
which regardeth
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
15 of 19
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פָנִ֔ים
not persons
H6440
פָנִ֔ים
not persons
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Galatians 2:6But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:Daniel 2:47The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.Nehemiah 9:32Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.Deuteronomy 7:21Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.Ephesians 6:9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.Joshua 22:22The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)
Historical Context
Moses declared God's supremacy as Israel faced Canaanite polytheism. The contrast between Yahweh's incorruptibility and pagan deities (often portrayed as capricious and bribable) would be stark to ancient hearers. This shaped Israel's understanding of justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's impartiality challenge favoritism or prejudice in your relationships and church?
- What does Jesus bearing the title 'Lord of lords' reveal about His deity and eternal authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords—This superlative title (Elohei ha'elohim, God of gods; Adonei ha'adonim, Lord of lords) declares Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly and heavenly powers. In polytheistic ancient Near East, this affirmed Yahweh alone is divine; lesser 'gods' are either false or subordinate angelic beings. A great God, a mighty, and a terrible uses gibbor (mighty warrior) and nora (terrible/awe-inspiring), emphasizing God's irresistible power.
Which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward introduces stunning contrast: the supreme Sovereign is incorruptibly just—He cannot be bribed or swayed by status. Verse 18 applies this to defending the oppressed. Paul quotes this title in 1 Timothy 6:15 for Christ: 'King of kings and Lord of lords.' Revelation 19:16 places this name on Jesus's robe, identifying Him as Yahweh incarnate, the God who judges justly.