Deuteronomy 17:9
And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:
Original Language Analysis
וּבָאתָ֗
And thou shalt come
H935
וּבָאתָ֗
And thou shalt come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
unto the priests
H3548
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
unto the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט
and unto the judge
H8199
הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט
and unto the judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
6 of 16
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
that shall be in those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
that shall be in those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and enquire
H1875
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and enquire
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
וְהִגִּ֣ידֽוּ
and they shall shew
H5046
וְהִגִּ֣ידֽוּ
and they shall shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ezekiel 44:24And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.Malachi 2:7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.Haggai 2:11Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,Jeremiah 18:18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Historical Context
The dual priest-judge system appears in 2 Chronicles 19:8-11: Amariah the chief priest for 'matters of the LORD,' Zebadiah the ruler for 'king's matters.' This prefigured separation of religious and civil authority, though both operated under God's law. Post-exile, the Sanhedrin combined priestly and lay members. Jesus challenged corrupt application of this authority (Matthew 23), but affirmed proper judicial structures (Matthew 23:2-3).
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians balance submission to both spiritual leaders and civil authorities today?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of seeking wise counsel in difficult decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The priests the Levites (הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם, hakohanim halviyim)—Levitical priests serving at the central sanctuary possessed both theological training and judicial authority. The judge that shall be in those days—civil magistrate alongside priests, ensuring both religious and civil dimensions receive expertise.
Enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment (דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט, dvar hamishpat)—'the word of justice/judgment.' Their decision binds because they represent God's throne of justice. This combines theological interpretation (priests) with practical jurisprudence (judge). Malachi 2:7 describes priests' role: 'the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.'