King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:11 in the King James Version says “According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell th...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 17:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee (עַל־פִּי הַתּוֹרָה, al-pi hatorah)—'according to the mouth of the Torah'—their teaching must align with revealed law, not personal opinion. According to the judgment which they shall tell thee (הַמִּשְׁפָּט, hamishpat)—their application of law to specific cases.

Thou shalt not decline from the sentence...to the right hand, nor to the left—absolute language prohibiting any deviation. This doesn't mean blind obedience—their authority derives from faithfulness to Torah (v. 11a). When authorities contradict God's word, higher allegiance prevails (Acts 5:29). But within proper bounds, their decisions bind the community. This prevents anarchic individualism and maintains covenant order. Joshua 1:7 uses identical language about not deviating from Torah itself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This became foundational for later Jewish legal tradition emphasizing submission to rabbinic teaching authority. However, prophets repeatedly challenged corrupt priests/judges who violated Torah (Isaiah 1:23, 10:1-2; Jeremiah 5:28; Micah 3:11). Jesus condemned leaders who 'taught as doctrines the commandments of men' (Matthew 15:9), showing that human authority remains subordinate to divine revelation. The Reformation principle 'sola scriptura' echoes this—ecclesiastical authority must align with Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test whether spiritual leaders are teaching 'according to the Torah' (God's Word) or merely their own traditions?
  2. What's the difference between humble submission to godly authority and blind obedience to corrupt leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
עַל1 of 20
H5921

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

פִּ֨י2 of 20

“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

הַתּוֹרָ֜ה3 of 20

“of the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 20
H834

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

יוֹר֗וּךָ5 of 20

“which they shall teach”

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

וְעַל6 of 20
H5921

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט7 of 20

“thee and according to the judgment”

H4941

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 20
H834

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

יֹֽאמְר֥וּ9 of 20

“which they shall tell”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֖10 of 20
H0
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה11 of 20

“thee thou shalt do”

H6213

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

לֹ֣א12 of 20
H3808

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

תָס֗וּר13 of 20

“thou shalt not decline”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִן14 of 20
H4480

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

הַדָּבָ֛ר15 of 20

“from the sentence”

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁר16 of 20
H834

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

יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ17 of 20

“which they 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

לְךָ֖18 of 20
H0
יָמִ֥ין19 of 20

“thee to the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹֽאל׃20 of 20

“nor to the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 17:11 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 17:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 1:71 Peter 2:13-15Joshua 23:6Deuteronomy 5:322 Samuel 14:19Titus 3:1

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