King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:18 in the King James Version says “He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 10:18 · KJV


Context

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.

20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow—The Hebrew mishpat (judgment/justice) emphasizes God actively intervenes to defend society's most vulnerable. In ancient Near East, orphans and widows lacked legal advocates and property rights, making them economically defenseless. God Himself becomes their go'el (redeemer/defender).

Loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raimentGer (stranger/sojourner) refers to foreign residents without tribal inheritance rights. God's love manifests practically through provision. This verse grounds the greatest commandment: because God loves impartially, His people must (v. 19). James 1:27 defines 'pure religion' as caring for orphans and widows. Jesus's sheep-and-goats judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) makes serving 'the least' the test of genuine faith. God's character defines righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses established a theocratic legal system where God's character defined justice. In surrounding pagan cultures, power determined justice; Yahweh reversed this, positioning Himself as advocate for the powerless. This revolutionary ethic distinguished Israel's covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'fatherless, widow, and stranger' equivalents in your community that God calls you to defend?
  2. How does God's practical provision for the vulnerable challenge comfortable Christianity that emphasizes spiritual blessings while ignoring physical needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עֹשֶׂ֛ה1 of 10

He doth execute

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִשְׁפַּ֥ט2 of 10

the judgment

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יָת֖וֹם3 of 10

of the fatherless

H3490

a bereaved person

וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה4 of 10

and widow

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

וְאֹהֵ֣ב5 of 10

and loveth

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

גֵּ֔ר6 of 10

the stranger

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

לָ֥תֶת7 of 10

in giving

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֖וֹ8 of 10
H0
לֶ֥חֶם9 of 10

him food

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְשִׂמְלָֽה׃10 of 10

and raiment

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle


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 10:18 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 10:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study