King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:2 in the King James Version says “If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Deuteronomy 17:2 · KJV


Context

1

Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness : for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God. sheep: or, goat

2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

3

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

4

And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Conditional case law: If there be found among you—the community must actively investigate covenant violations. Within any of thy gates (שְׁעָרֶיךָ, she'arekha) means 'your cities'—local jurisdiction, not distant rumors. Apostasy isn't private sin; it's public covenant-breaking.

Wrought wickedness (עָשָׂה אֶת־הָרָע, asah et-hara)—'done the evil'—in God's sight, not merely human opinion. Transgressing his covenant (עָבַר אֶת־בְּרִיתוֹ, avar et-berito)—literally 'crossing over' or violating the binding treaty. Idolatry wasn't theological preference; it was treason against the suzerain King who redeemed Israel from Egypt.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant (berit) in ancient Near Eastern context meant a binding treaty with curses for violation. Deuteronomy 27-28 lists blessings and curses. Israel at Sinai swore allegiance to Yahweh alone (Exodus 20:3-5). Idolatry thus constituted political rebellion, not merely 'religious pluralism.' The death penalty for apostasy maintained covenant integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding idolatry as covenant treason (not mere 'personal choice') change how you view spiritual compromise?
  2. What modern idols—money, success, approval—compete with exclusive allegiance to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּֽי1 of 22
H3588

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

יִמָּצֵ֤א2 of 22

If there be found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְקִרְבְּךָ֙3 of 22

among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

בְּאַחַ֣ד4 of 22

you within any

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ5 of 22

of thy gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֲשֶׁר6 of 22
H834

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

יְהוָֽה7 of 22

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ8 of 22

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

נֹתֵ֣ן9 of 22

giveth

H5414

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

לָ֑ךְ10 of 22
H0
אִ֣ישׁ11 of 22

thee man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֽוֹ12 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אִשָּׁ֗ה13 of 22

or woman

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 22
H834

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֧ה15 of 22

that hath wrought

H6213

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

אֶת16 of 22
H853

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

הָרַ֛ע17 of 22

wickedness

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י18 of 22

in the sight

H5869

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

יְהוָֽה19 of 22

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ20 of 22

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

לַֽעֲבֹ֥ר21 of 22

in transgressing

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃22 of 22

his covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)


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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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