King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:8 in the King James Version says “If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between strok... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Deuteronomy 17:8 · KJV


Context

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.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A matter too hard for thee in judgment (יִפָּלֵא מִמְּךָ, yippalei mimkha)—'too difficult/extraordinary for you'—acknowledges limits of local judicial competence. Three categories: between blood and blood (capital vs. non-capital homicide? Different types of bloodguilt?), between plea and plea (דִּין לָדִין, din ladin—competing legal claims), between stroke and stroke (נֶגַע לָנֶגַע, nega lanega—distinguishing types of assault or injury).

Matters of controversy within thy gates—cases local judges can't resolve require appeal. Get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose—the central sanctuary (Jerusalem post-Davidic). Centralized appeals court ensures legal consistency and theological orthodoxy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel had tiered judicial system: elders at city gates (local cases), then central sanctuary for difficult appeals. Jehoshaphat institutionalized this (2 Chronicles 19:8-11). This prefigured later rabbinic courts (Beth Din) and ultimately secular appellate systems. Moses established this precedent via Jethro's advice (Exodus 18:13-26). The principle: difficult cases require specialized expertise.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you encountered situations 'too hard' for your wisdom, requiring appeal to higher authority or expertise?
  2. How does this passage validate both local decision-making and the need for centralized theological/judicial authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
כִּ֣י1 of 26
H3588

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

יִפָּלֵא֩2 of 26

too hard

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

מִמְּךָ֙3 of 26
H4480

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י4 of 26

If there arise a matter

H1697

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

לַמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט5 of 26

for thee in judgment

H4941

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

בֵּֽין6 of 26
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְדָ֜ם7 of 26

and blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

לְדָ֜ם8 of 26

and blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בֵּֽין9 of 26
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְדִ֗ין10 of 26

and plea

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

לְדִ֗ין11 of 26

and plea

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

וּבֵ֥ין12 of 26
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לָנֶ֔גַע13 of 26

and between stroke

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

לָנֶ֔גַע14 of 26

and between stroke

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

דִּבְרֵ֥י15 of 26

If there arise a matter

H1697

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

רִיבֹ֖ת16 of 26

of controversy

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ17 of 26

within thy gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְקַמְתָּ֣18 of 26

then shalt thou arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְעָלִ֔יתָ19 of 26

and get thee up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל20 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֔וֹם21 of 26

into the 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)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 26
H834

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

יִבְחַ֛ר23 of 26

shall choose

H977

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

יְהוָ֥ה24 of 26

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ25 of 26

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

בּֽוֹ׃26 of 26
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 17:8 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 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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