Deuteronomy Chapter 17 · Verse 10
And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:
Original Language Analysis
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
And thou shalt do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
And thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֤י
according to the sentence
H6310
פִּ֤י
according to the sentence
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 18
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
הַדָּבָר֙
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ
shall shew
H5046
יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ
shall shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַמָּק֣וֹם
which they of that place
H4725
הַמָּק֣וֹם
which they of that place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 18
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
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִבְחַ֣ר
shall choose
H977
יִבְחַ֣ר
shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
יְהוָ֑ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֣
thee and thou shalt observe
H8104
וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֣
thee and thou shalt observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
And thou shalt do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
And thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This verse established binding precedent in Israelite jurisprudence. Later rabbinic tradition developed extensive case law commentary (Mishnah, Talmud) attempting to faithfully apply Torah to new situations. The principle of submitting to authorized teaching appears in Hebrews 13:17 ('Obey them that have the rule over you') and Romans 13:1-7 (civil authority). Jesus's 'render unto Caesar' (Matthew 22:21) balances this with higher loyalty to God when authorities contradict divine law (Acts 5:29).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance submission to church/civil authority with personal conscience and Scripture?
- When is it right to disobey human authority in order to obey God (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29)?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt do according to the sentence (עַל־פִּי הַדָּבָר, al-pi hadavar)—literally 'according to the mouth of the word'—emphasizing authoritative declaration. Which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee—the central sanctuary's decision is binding, not optional advice.
Thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee (יוֹרוּךָ, yorukha—'they teach/instruct you'). The verb יָרָה (yarah) means to point, direct, teach—root of Torah. Compliance isn't grudging obedience but teachable submission to authoritative instruction. This ensures legal consistency and prevents judicial chaos where every person does 'what is right in his own eyes' (Judges 21:25).