Deuteronomy 16:20
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Original Language Analysis
צֶ֖דֶק
That which is altogether
H6664
צֶ֖דֶק
That which is altogether
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
1 of 13
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
צֶ֖דֶק
That which is altogether
H6664
צֶ֖דֶק
That which is altogether
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 13
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
shalt thou follow
H7291
תִּרְדֹּ֑ף
shalt thou follow
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
3 of 13
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
לְמַ֤עַן
H4616
לְמַ֤עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּֽחְיֶה֙
that thou mayest live
H2421
תִּֽחְיֶה֙
that thou mayest live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
5 of 13
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣
and inherit
H3423
וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣
and inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
6 of 13
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Historical Context
Moses spoke this before Israel's Canaan entry (1406 BC). The Canaanites practiced judicial corruption, bribery, and cultic prostitution. God's command for pure justice distinguished Israel morally, ensuring social stability. Prophets later condemned Israel for abandoning this standard (Isaiah 1:21-23, Jeremiah 5:28, Micah 3:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- What injustices (systemic oppression, personal unfairness, turning blind eye to wrong) must you 'aggressively pursue' correcting?
- How does Jesus's perfect justice (defending the weak, confronting the powerful) model your pursuit of righteousness?
- In what areas are you passively tolerating injustice rather than actively 'chasing' what's right?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף, tsedeq tsedeq tirdof)—The Hebrew doubling intensifies: 'Justice, justice you shall pursue!' This emphatic repetition demands relentless commitment to tsedeq (righteousness, justice). The verb follow (רָדַף, radaf, 'pursue, chase, persecute') implies aggressive pursuit, not passive waiting. Justice doesn't happen accidentally but requires active, vigorous pursuit.
That thou mayest live, and inherit the land—National survival depends on justice. Amos warned: Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24), else Seek ye the LORD, and ye shall live (Amos 5:6) becomes there shall be wailing in all streets (Amos 5:16). Jesus embodied perfect justice, bringing judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:20), and commands His followers: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33).