King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:5 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that ma...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.”

Deuteronomy 17:5 · KJV

Context

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:

5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bring forth that man or that woman—gender equality in covenant accountability. Unto thy gates (אֶל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ, el-she'arekha)—the city gate, where judicial proceedings occurred (Ruth 4:1; Deuteronomy 21:19). Public execution at the community center emphasized covenant solidarity.

Stone them with stones, till they die (סָקַל אֲבָנִים, sakal avanim). Stoning wasn't torture but communal execution—the whole community enforcing covenant loyalty. Verse 7 specifies witnesses cast first stones, ensuring accountability. This severity underscores idolatry's capital seriousness—spiritual cancer requiring surgical removal. Paul applies this principle to church discipline: 'purge the evil from among you' (1 Corinthians 5:13, citing this passage).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stoning served multiple purposes: (1) communal participation in covenant enforcement, (2) no single executioner bore sole responsibility, (3) public deterrent. Archaeological evidence suggests execution sites outside city gates. Jesus confronted hypocritical application of this law (John 8:3-11)—authorities eager to stone the adulteress but ignoring their own sin. New Covenant relocates 'putting to death' from physical to spiritual realm (Colossians 3:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage inform the seriousness with which God views idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness?
  2. How should the church 'purge evil from among you' today without becoming pharisaical or abusive?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְהֽוֹצֵאתָ֣1 of 24

“Then shalt thou bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת2 of 24
H853

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

הָאִ֕ישׁ3 of 24

“even that 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)

הַה֡וּא4 of 24
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

אוֹ֩5 of 24
H176

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

אֶת6 of 24
H853

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֑ה7 of 24

“or that woman”

H802

a woman

הַהִ֜וא8 of 24
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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 24
H834

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

עָ֠שׂוּ10 of 24

“which have committed”

H6213

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

אֶת11 of 24
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֨ר12 of 24

“thing”

H1697

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

הָרָ֤ע13 of 24

“that wicked”

H7451

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

הַזֶּה֙14 of 24
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶל15 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ16 of 24

“unto thy gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֶת17 of 24
H853

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

הָאִ֕ישׁ18 of 24

“even that 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)

א֖וֹ19 of 24
H176

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

אֶת20 of 24
H853

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֑ה21 of 24

“or that woman”

H802

a woman

וּסְקַלְתָּ֥ם22 of 24

“and shalt stone”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

בָּֽאֲבָנִ֖ים23 of 24

“them with stones”

H68

a stone

וָמֵֽתוּ׃24 of 24

“till they die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 24:14Joshua 7:25Leviticus 24:16Deuteronomy 13:10-11Deuteronomy 22:21Deuteronomy 22:24

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 17 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes