King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:16 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:16 in the King James Version says “And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between eve...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.”

Deuteronomy 1:16 · KJV

Context

14

And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.

15

So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. made: Heb. gave

16

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.

17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. respect: Heb. acknowledge faces

18

And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses recalls his establishment of a judicial system based on Jethro's advice (Exodus 18:13-26). The appointment of 'captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens' created an efficient hierarchical structure for adjudicating disputes. This wasn't merely administrative convenience but theological necessity—Moses as sole judge couldn't bear the burden alone, and the people needed accessible justice. The delegation demonstrates both human limitation and God's provision of leaders to shepherd His people. It also establishes the principle that spiritual leadership requires shared responsibility, not autocratic control.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This judicial reform occurred early in the wilderness period, soon after Sinai, when Jethro visited Moses (Exodus 18). The system parallels ancient Near Eastern administrative structures but is unique in being grounded in covenant law rather than royal decree. The judges were to decide cases based on God's revealed standards, making this a theocratic legal system where all authority derives from divine revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' willingness to share leadership responsibility model healthy spiritual authority?
  2. What burdens are you trying to carry alone that God intends to be shared within the community of faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וָֽאֲצַוֶּה֙1 of 17

“And I charged”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם3 of 17

“and judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בָּעֵ֥ת4 of 17

“at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֖וא5 of 17
H1931

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁמֹ֤עַ7 of 17

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בֵּין8 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אָחִ֖יו9 of 17

“and his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּשְׁפַטְתֶּ֣ם10 of 17

“and judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

צֶ֔דֶק11 of 17

“righteously”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

בֵּֽין12 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אִ֥ישׁ13 of 17

“between every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּבֵין14 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אָחִ֖יו15 of 17

“and his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּבֵ֥ין16 of 17
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

גֵּרֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“and the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:24Exodus 23:7-91 Timothy 5:21Exodus 22:21Leviticus 24:22Deuteronomy 16:18-19

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