King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:19 in the King James Version says “Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.”

Deuteronomy 27:19 · King James Version

Context

17

Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

18

Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.

19

Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

20

Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

21

Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow—The Hebrew matteh mishpat (מַטֶּה מִשְׁפָּט) means to twist or pervert justice for three particularly vulnerable groups: ger (stranger/sojourner), yatom (fatherless), and almanah (widow). These categories lacked natural advocates—no family connections, legal standing, or economic power to defend their rights.

This triad appears repeatedly throughout Scripture as God's special concern (Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:17-21, 27:19; Psalm 68:5, 146:9; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 7:6; Zechariah 7:10; James 1:27). Perverted judgment includes biased legal verdicts, denial of rights, economic exploitation, and withholding care. God Himself acts as their defender (Exodus 22:22-24, Psalm 68:5), making oppression of the vulnerable a direct challenge to divine justice.

The New Testament extends this principle through the Church's responsibility toward widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16), hospitality toward strangers (Hebrews 13:2), and care for the fatherless (James 1:27). Pure religion involves justice, not merely piety.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies routinely exploited those without male family protectors. Widows lost property rights, orphans were disinherited or enslaved, and foreigners faced discrimination and violence. Israel's law was radically counter-cultural in establishing legal protections and requiring positive care. The prophets repeatedly condemned Israel for violating these protections (Isaiah 1:23, 10:2; Jeremiah 7:6, 22:3; Ezekiel 22:7), showing that this curse was tragically often deserved.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the modern equivalents of 'stranger, fatherless, and widow' in your community—those lacking advocates and vulnerable to exploitation?
  2. How does your church's budget, time allocation, and ministry priorities reflect God's concern for the vulnerable, or does it mirror society's neglect?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אָר֗וּר1 of 10

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

מַטֶּ֛ה2 of 10

“be he that perverteth”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

מִשְׁפַּ֥ט3 of 10

“the judgment”

H4941

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

גֵּר4 of 10

“of the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

יָת֖וֹם5 of 10

“fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

וְאַלְמָנָ֑ה6 of 10

“and widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

וְאָמַ֥ר7 of 10

“shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל8 of 10
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם9 of 10

“And all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָמֵֽן׃10 of 10

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

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 27:19 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 27:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 10:18Deuteronomy 24:17Exodus 22:21-24Proverbs 17:23Exodus 23:2Malachi 3:5

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