Deuteronomy 19:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 19:20
20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 19 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, truth, hope. 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 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 19:20
20 And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.
Analysis
And those which remain shall hear, and fear (וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִים יִשְׁמְעוּ וְיִרָאוּ, ve-ha-nish'arim yishme'u ve-yira'u)—public justice serves both punishment and education. The verb shama (שָׁמַע, "hear") implies not just auditory reception but understanding and taking to heart. The verb yare (יָרֵא, "fear") indicates healthy fear that produces behavioral change, not paralyzing terror.
And shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you (וְלֹא־יֹסִפוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת עוֹד כַּדָּבָר הָרָע הַזֶּה בְּקִרְבֶּךָ, ve-lo-yosifu la'asot od ka-davar ha-ra ha-zeh be-qirbbekha)—the purpose of punishing perjury is deterrence. This same formula appears in similar contexts (Deuteronomy 13:11, 17:13, 21:21) regarding capital punishment for serious crimes. The assumption is that when people see justice executed, they will be deterred from similar wickedness. This presumes judicial transparency—punishments must be known and understood to deter.
Historical Context
Public execution of judgment served pedagogical purposes in ancient Israel. Unlike modern incarceration, which removes offenders from public view, ancient justice was often communal and visible. Stoning, for instance, required community participation (Deuteronomy 17:7), forcing witnesses to bear responsibility and teaching observers the seriousness of the crime. The emphasis on hearing and fearing suggests that judicial verdicts were publicly announced, perhaps at city gates where legal proceedings occurred. This communal approach to justice reinforced shared values and maintained social cohesion through collective accountability.
Reflection
- How does the deterrent purpose of punishment relate to contemporary debates about criminal justice philosophy?
- What role should "fear" (reverent caution) play in preventing sin among believers (cf. 1 Peter 1:17, Philippians 2:12)?
Cross-References
- Evil: Deuteronomy 13:11, 21:21
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 17:13