Deuteronomy 25:1
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 15
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
between men
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
between men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
וְנִגְּשׁ֥וּ
and they come
H5066
וְנִגְּשׁ֥וּ
and they come
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
6 of 15
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט
unto judgment
H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט
unto judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּשְׁפָט֑וּם
that the judges may judge
H8199
וּשְׁפָט֑וּם
that the judges may judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
9 of 15
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
וְהִצְדִּ֙יקוּ֙
them then they shall justify
H6663
וְהִצְדִּ֙יקוּ֙
them then they shall justify
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
10 of 15
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהִרְשִׁ֖יעוּ
and condemn
H7561
וְהִרְשִׁ֖יעוּ
and condemn
Strong's:
H7561
Word #:
13 of 15
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
Historical Context
Israel's judicial system operated at multiple levels: elders at city gates for local disputes (Ruth 4:1-2), appointed judges for regional cases (Deuteronomy 16:18), and difficult cases appealed to the central sanctuary (Deuteronomy 17:8-13). This verse establishes foundational principle that justice requires active discernment, not passive neutrality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's requirement for judges to actively distinguish righteous from wicked challenge modern relativism that refuses moral judgments?
- What does this verse teach about God's own character as the ultimate Judge who perfectly justifies the righteous (Romans 3:26)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment—the Hebrew riv (רִיב, controversy/dispute) requires formal adjudication. That the judges may judge them (shaphat, שָׁפַט)—the verb for rendering judicial decisions based on Torah. Then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked—the terms hitsdiq (הִצְדִּיק, declare righteous) and hirshi'u (הִרְשִׁיעוּ, declare wicked) use causative forms, meaning judges actively pronounce legal status.
This establishes judicial principles echoed throughout Scripture: impartial judgment (Deuteronomy 1:17), evidence-based verdicts (Deuteronomy 19:15), and clear distinction between innocent and guilty. These earthly judges foreshadow God's perfect judgment where every person is justly assessed (Romans 2:5-11, Revelation 20:11-15).