King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:9 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 17:9 · KJV

Context

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:

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.

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The priests the Levites (הַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם, hakohanim halviyim)—Levitical priests serving at the central sanctuary possessed both theological training and judicial authority. The judge that shall be in those days—civil magistrate alongside priests, ensuring both religious and civil dimensions receive expertise.

Enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment (דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט, dvar hamishpat)—'the word of justice/judgment.' Their decision binds because they represent God's throne of justice. This combines theological interpretation (priests) with practical jurisprudence (judge). Malachi 2:7 describes priests' role: 'the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The dual priest-judge system appears in 2 Chronicles 19:8-11: Amariah the chief priest for 'matters of the LORD,' Zebadiah the ruler for 'king's matters.' This prefigured separation of religious and civil authority, though both operated under God's law. Post-exile, the Sanhedrin combined priestly and lay members. Jesus challenged corrupt application of this authority (Matthew 23), but affirmed proper judicial structures (Matthew 23:2-3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians balance submission to both spiritual leaders and civil authorities today?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of seeking wise counsel in difficult decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּבָאתָ֗1 of 16

“And thou shalt come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙3 of 16

“unto the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 16

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְאֶל5 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט6 of 16

“and unto the judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 16
H834

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

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה8 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיָּמִ֣ים9 of 16

“that shall be in those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֑ם10 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙11 of 16

“and enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְהִגִּ֣ידֽוּ12 of 16

“and 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

לְךָ֔13 of 16
H0
אֵ֖ת14 of 16
H853

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

דְּבַ֥ר15 of 16

“thee the sentence”

H1697

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃16 of 16

“of judgment”

H4941

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

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 44:24Haggai 2:11Malachi 2:7Jeremiah 18:18Deuteronomy 19:17-21

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