King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt do according to the sentence , which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And thou shalt do according to the sentence , which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:

Deuteronomy 17:10 · KJV


Context

8

If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

9

And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:

10

And thou shalt do according to the sentence , which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:

11

According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.

12

And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. and will: Heb. not to hearken


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt do according to the sentence (עַל־פִּי הַדָּבָר, al-pi hadavar)—literally 'according to the mouth of the word'—emphasizing authoritative declaration. Which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee—the central sanctuary's decision is binding, not optional advice.

Thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee (יוֹרוּךָ, yorukha—'they teach/instruct you'). The verb יָרָה (yarah) means to point, direct, teach—root of Torah. Compliance isn't grudging obedience but teachable submission to authoritative instruction. This ensures legal consistency and prevents judicial chaos where every person does 'what is right in his own eyes' (Judges 21:25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse established binding precedent in Israelite jurisprudence. Later rabbinic tradition developed extensive case law commentary (Mishnah, Talmud) attempting to faithfully apply Torah to new situations. The principle of submitting to authorized teaching appears in Hebrews 13:17 ('Obey them that have the rule over you') and Romans 13:1-7 (civil authority). Jesus's 'render unto Caesar' (Matthew 22:21) balances this with higher loyalty to God when authorities contradict divine law (Acts 5:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance submission to church/civil authority with personal conscience and Scripture?
  2. When is it right to disobey human authority in order to obey God (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת1 of 18

And thou shalt do

H6213

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

עַל2 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֤י3 of 18

according to the sentence

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

הַדָּבָר֙4 of 18
H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 18
H834

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

יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ6 of 18

shall shew

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֔7 of 18
H0
מִן8 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּק֣וֹם9 of 18

which they of that place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֔וּא10 of 18
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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר11 of 18
H834

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

יִבְחַ֣ר12 of 18

shall choose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָ֑ה13 of 18

which the LORD

H3068

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

וְשָֽׁמַרְתָּ֣14 of 18

thee and thou shalt observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת15 of 18

And thou shalt do

H6213

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

כְּכֹ֖ל16 of 18
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

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

יוֹרֽוּךָ׃18 of 18

according to all that they inform

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by


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 17:10 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 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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