King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:5 in the King James Version says “And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to ble...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: word: Heb. mouth”

Deuteronomy 21:5 · KJV

Context

3

And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer , which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;

4

And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley:

5

And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: word: Heb. mouth

6

And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:

7

And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried. Priestly involvement ensures religious authority oversees this legal-ceremonial ritual. The Levites' presence sanctifies the proceedings and represents God's perspective in determining community innocence.

The phrase the LORD thy God hath chosen establishes divine appointment. Priests serve not by human selection but God's sovereign designation. Their authority derives from divine commission, making their declarations authoritative.

Their dual function - minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD - connects worship and benediction. Priests mediate between God and people, offering worship upward and pronouncing blessing downward. This mediatorial role makes them appropriate authorities for this cleansing ritual.

The statement by their word shall every controversy...be tried gives priests judicial authority. They don't merely perform rituals but adjudicate disputes and determine legal matters. This foreshadows Christ's perfect mediation combining prophet, priest, and king.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical priests served throughout Israel's history as religious and legal authorities. Their training in the law made them suitable judges for complex cases requiring divine wisdom.

This role continued until the destruction of the temple ended the Levitical system. Christ's superior priesthood replaces the inadequate Aaronic mediation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does priestly involvement in legal matters teach about integrating worship and justice?
  2. How does divine appointment of priests establish their authority?
  3. In what ways does the priestly mediatorial role foreshadow Christ?
  4. Why is it appropriate that religious authorities oversee ceremonial legal proceedings?
  5. How has Christ's priesthood superseded the Levitical judicial role?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְנִגְּשׁ֣וּ1 of 20

“shall come near”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֮2 of 20

“And the priests”

H3548

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

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 20

“the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֵוִי֒4 of 20

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

כִּ֣י5 of 20
H3588

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

בָ֗ם6 of 20
H0
בָּחַ֞ר7 of 20

“hath chosen”

H977

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

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 20

“for them the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 20

“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

לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ10 of 20

“to minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּלְבָרֵ֖ךְ11 of 20

“unto him and to bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בְּשֵׁ֣ם12 of 20

“in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֑ה13 of 20

“for them the LORD”

H3068

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

וְעַל14 of 20
H5921

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

פִּיהֶ֥ם15 of 20

“and by their word”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה16 of 20
H1961

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

כָּל17 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רִ֥יב18 of 20

“shall every controversy”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

וְכָל19 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָֽגַע׃20 of 20

“and every stroke”

H5061

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

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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 23:13Deuteronomy 10:8Malachi 2:7Deuteronomy 19:17Deuteronomy 18:5Numbers 6:22-27

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