King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 16:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 16:20 in the King James Version says “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God give...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 16:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the LORD thy God hateth. image: or, statue, or, pillar

Read Deuteronomy 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף, tsedeq tsedeq tirdof)—The Hebrew doubling intensifies: 'Justice, justice you shall pursue!' This emphatic repetition demands relentless commitment to tsedeq (righteousness, justice). The verb follow (רָדַף, radaf, 'pursue, chase, persecute') implies aggressive pursuit, not passive waiting. Justice doesn't happen accidentally but requires active, vigorous pursuit.

That thou mayest live, and inherit the land—National survival depends on justice. Amos warned: Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24), else Seek ye the LORD, and ye shall live (Amos 5:6) becomes there shall be wailing in all streets (Amos 5:16). Jesus embodied perfect justice, bringing judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:20), and commands His followers: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spoke this before Israel's Canaan entry (1406 BC). The Canaanites practiced judicial corruption, bribery, and cultic prostitution. God's command for pure justice distinguished Israel morally, ensuring social stability. Prophets later condemned Israel for abandoning this standard (Isaiah 1:21-23, Jeremiah 5:28, Micah 3:9-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. What injustices (systemic oppression, personal unfairness, turning blind eye to wrong) must you 'aggressively pursue' correcting?
  2. How does Jesus's perfect justice (defending the weak, confronting the powerful) model your pursuit of righteousness?
  3. In what areas are you passively tolerating injustice rather than actively 'chasing' what's right?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
צֶ֖דֶק1 of 13

“That which is altogether”

H6664

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

צֶ֖דֶק2 of 13

“That which is altogether”

H6664

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

תִּרְדֹּ֑ף3 of 13

“shalt thou follow”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

לְמַ֤עַן4 of 13
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּֽחְיֶה֙5 of 13

“that thou mayest live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣6 of 13

“and inherit”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת7 of 13
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ8 of 13

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר9 of 13
H834

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

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 13

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ11 of 13

“thy 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

נֹתֵ֥ן12 of 13

“giveth”

H5414

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

לָֽךְ׃13 of 13
H0

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:8Ezekiel 18:9Micah 6:8Ezekiel 18:5Deuteronomy 4:1Romans 10:5

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