Deuteronomy 16:19

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַטֶּ֣ה
Thou shalt not wrest
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#3
מִשְׁפָּ֔ט
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#4
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תַכִּ֖יר
thou shalt not respect
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#6
פָּנִ֑ים
persons
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תִקַּ֣ח
neither take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#9
הַשֹּׁ֗חַד
a gift
a donation (venal or redemptive)
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הַשֹּׁ֗חַד
a gift
a donation (venal or redemptive)
#12
יְעַוֵּר֙
doth blind
to blind
#13
עֵינֵ֣י
the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
חֲכָמִ֔ים
of the wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#15
וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף
and pervert
properly, to wrench, i.e., (figuratively) to subvert
#16
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
צַדִּיקִֽם׃
of the righteous
just

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Study Resources