King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:19 in the King James Version says “And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

Deuteronomy 1:19 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

20

And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.

21

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive scope—'between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him'—extends justice beyond blood relations to include foreigners residing among Israel. This reflects God's concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, as strangers lacked family protection and tribal advocacy. True righteousness transcends ethnic and social boundaries, treating all image-bearers with equal dignity under God's law.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The inclusion of strangers ('ger') in legal protections was revolutionary in ancient Near Eastern law codes. This principle flows from Israel's own experience as strangers in Egypt and God's command to remember and care for the vulnerable (Exodus 22:21; 23:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you treat those who lack social standing or family connections?
  2. In what ways can you extend justice and kindness to 'strangers' in your community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַנִּסַּ֣ע1 of 23

And when we departed

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מֵֽחֹרֵ֗ב2 of 23

from Horeb

H2722

choreb, a (generic) name for the sinaitic mountains

וַנֵּ֡לֶךְ3 of 23
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֵ֣ת4 of 23
H853

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

כָּל5 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּדְבָּ֣ר6 of 23

wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

הַגָּדוֹל֩7 of 23

all that great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְהַנּוֹרָ֨א8 of 23

and terrible

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הַה֜וּא9 of 23
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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רְאִיתֶ֗ם11 of 23

which ye saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

דֶּ֚רֶךְ12 of 23

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַ֣ר13 of 23

of the mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י14 of 23

of the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֛ה16 of 23

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה17 of 23

as the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ18 of 23

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֹתָ֑נוּ19 of 23
H853

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

וַנָּבֹ֕א20 of 23

us and we came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַ֖ד21 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קָדֵ֥שׁ22 of 23
H0
בַּרְנֵֽעַ׃23 of 23

to Kadeshbarnea

H6947

kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert


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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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