Deuteronomy 16:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 16:19
19 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 16 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 16:19
19 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.
Analysis
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.
This foundational principle of biblical justice contains three distinct prohibitions that protect the integrity of judgment. The Hebrew verb natah ("wrest") means to bend, turn aside, or distort, suggesting that judgment must remain straight and unbending. The phrase "respect persons" translates the Hebrew nakar panim, literally "to recognize faces," warning against showing favoritism based on status, wealth, or personal relationships.
The final prohibition addresses bribery with stark honesty: gifts (shochad) don't merely influence judgment—they actively blind (ʿivver) even the wise and pervert (saleph, meaning to twist or distort) the words of the righteous. This acknowledges that corruption can affect even those with wisdom and righteousness, making impartiality systemically important. God's justice system requires structural protections, not just good intentions. This verse establishes that true justice must be blind to external influences and deaf to the seductions of gain.
Historical Context
This command was given as Israel prepared to enter Canaan and establish a judicial system. Ancient Near Eastern courts were notoriously corrupt, with justice often sold to the highest bidder. Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaanite societies all struggled with judicial bribery, as documented in texts like the Code of Hammurabi and Egyptian wisdom literature. By contrast, Israel's law code placed justice under divine authority, making corruption not just a civil crime but a sin against God himself. The placement of this command within Deuteronomy's festival calendar (chapter 16) suggests that justice was considered as sacred as worship. The appointment of judges in every city (Deuteronomy 16:18) created a decentralized system designed to prevent the concentration of corrupt power that plagued monarchies.
Reflection
- How does the prohibition against 'respecting persons' challenge modern systems of justice where wealth often determines legal outcomes?
- Why does the text say gifts blind 'the wise' and pervert 'the righteous'—shouldn't such people be immune to corruption?
- What structural safeguards can communities implement to prevent the subtle influence of gifts and favoritism in decision-making?
- How does this verse inform Christian ethics regarding conflicts of interest in business, ministry, or public service?
- In what ways might we 'wrest judgment' in everyday situations without realizing we're showing favoritism?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 24:17, 27:19, Exodus 23:2, Proverbs 17:23, 24:23, Isaiah 1:17
- Righteousness: Leviticus 19:15, Habakkuk 1:4
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 10:17, Ecclesiastes 7:7