King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:19 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of th...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. words: or, matters”

Deuteronomy 16:19 · KJV

Context

17

Every man shall give as he is able , according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. as: Heb. according to the gift of his hand

18

Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. words: or, matters

20

That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. That which: Heb. Justice, justice

21

Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

This foundational principle of biblical justice contains three distinct prohibitions that protect the integrity of judgment. The Hebrew verb natah ("wrest") means to bend, turn aside, or distort, suggesting that judgment must remain straight and unbending. The phrase "respect persons" translates the Hebrew nakar panim, literally "to recognize faces," warning against showing favoritism based on status, wealth, or personal relationships.

The final prohibition addresses bribery with stark honesty: gifts (shochad) don't merely influence judgment—they actively blind (ʿivver) even the wise and pervert (saleph, meaning to twist or distort) the words of the righteous. This acknowledges that corruption can affect even those with wisdom and righteousness, making impartiality systemically important. God's justice system requires structural protections, not just good intentions. This verse establishes that true justice must be blind to external influences and deaf to the seductions of gain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command was given as Israel prepared to enter Canaan and establish a judicial system. Ancient Near Eastern courts were notoriously corrupt, with justice often sold to the highest bidder. Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaanite societies all struggled with judicial bribery, as documented in texts like the Code of Hammurabi and Egyptian wisdom literature. By contrast, Israel's law code placed justice under divine authority, making corruption not just a civil crime but a sin against God himself. The placement of this command within Deuteronomy's festival calendar (chapter 16) suggests that justice was considered as sacred as worship. The appointment of judges in every city (Deuteronomy 16:18) created a decentralized system designed to prevent the concentration of corrupt power that plagued monarchies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prohibition against 'respecting persons' challenge modern systems of justice where wealth often determines legal outcomes?
  2. Why does the text say gifts blind 'the wise' and pervert 'the righteous'—shouldn't such people be immune to corruption?
  3. What structural safeguards can communities implement to prevent the subtle influence of gifts and favoritism in decision-making?
  4. How does this verse inform Christian ethics regarding conflicts of interest in business, ministry, or public service?
  5. In what ways might we 'wrest judgment' in everyday situations without realizing we're showing favoritism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לֹֽא1 of 17
H3808

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

תַטֶּ֣ה2 of 17

“Thou shalt not wrest”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

מִשְׁפָּ֔ט3 of 17

“judgment”

H4941

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

לֹ֥א4 of 17
H3808

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

תַכִּ֖יר5 of 17

“thou shalt not respect”

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

פָּנִ֑ים6 of 17

“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

וְלֹֽא7 of 17
H3808

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

תִקַּ֣ח8 of 17

“neither take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַשֹּׁ֗חַד9 of 17

“a gift”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

כִּ֣י10 of 17
H3588

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

הַשֹּׁ֗חַד11 of 17

“a gift”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

יְעַוֵּר֙12 of 17

“doth blind”

H5786

to blind

עֵינֵ֣י13 of 17

“the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

חֲכָמִ֔ים14 of 17

“of the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף15 of 17

“and pervert”

H5557

properly, to wrench, i.e., (figuratively) to subvert

דִּבְרֵ֥י16 of 17

“the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

צַדִּיקִֽם׃17 of 17

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

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 16:19 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 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:2Leviticus 19:15Proverbs 17:23Habakkuk 1:4Deuteronomy 10:17Deuteronomy 24:17

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