King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:17 in the King James Version says “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not pers... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deuteronomy 10:17 · KJV


Context

15

Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked .

17

For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

18

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

19

Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords—This superlative title (Elohei ha'elohim, God of gods; Adonei ha'adonim, Lord of lords) declares Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly and heavenly powers. In polytheistic ancient Near East, this affirmed Yahweh alone is divine; lesser 'gods' are either false or subordinate angelic beings. A great God, a mighty, and a terrible uses gibbor (mighty warrior) and nora (terrible/awe-inspiring), emphasizing God's irresistible power.

Which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward introduces stunning contrast: the supreme Sovereign is incorruptibly just—He cannot be bribed or swayed by status. Verse 18 applies this to defending the oppressed. Paul quotes this title in 1 Timothy 6:15 for Christ: 'King of kings and Lord of lords.' Revelation 19:16 places this name on Jesus's robe, identifying Him as Yahweh incarnate, the God who judges justly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses declared God's supremacy as Israel faced Canaanite polytheism. The contrast between Yahweh's incorruptibility and pagan deities (often portrayed as capricious and bribable) would be stark to ancient hearers. This shaped Israel's understanding of justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's impartiality challenge favoritism or prejudice in your relationships and church?
  2. What does Jesus bearing the title 'Lord of lords' reveal about His deity and eternal authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֚י1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 19

For the LORD

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים3 of 19

is 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

ה֚וּא4 of 19
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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים5 of 19

is 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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים6 of 19

is 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

הָֽאֲדֹנִ֑ים7 of 19

and Lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הָֽאֲדֹנִ֑ים8 of 19

and Lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הָאֵ֨ל9 of 19

God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

הַגָּדֹ֤ל10 of 19

a great

H1419

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

הַגִּבֹּר֙11 of 19

a mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

וְהַנּוֹרָ֔א12 of 19

and a terrible

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 19
H834

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

לֹֽא14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשָּׂ֣א15 of 19

which regardeth

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פָנִ֔ים16 of 19

not persons

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְלֹ֥א17 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקַּ֖ח18 of 19

nor taketh

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שֹֽׁחַד׃19 of 19

reward

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)


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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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