King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:25 in the King James Version says “Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person . 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 taketh reward to slay an innocent person . And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy 27:25 · KJV


Context

23

Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.

24

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

25

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person . And all the people shall say, Amen.

26

Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person—the Hebrew shochad (שֹׁחַד, bribe/reward) identifies corrupt judges, assassins-for-hire, or false witnesses paid to secure wrongful execution. The victim is naki (נָקִי, innocent/clean), legally blameless of capital crimes. This curse targets the corruption of justice for financial gain, echoing Exodus 23:7-8 and Deuteronomy 16:19.

The specificity—not just taking bribes generally, but specifically to kill the innocent—highlights bloodguilt as particularly abominable. Those who pervert justice to kill share guilt with the actual executioner. Jesus died as the ultimate innocent one killed through bribed false witnesses and corrupt religious/political theater (Matthew 26:59-66; John 19:6). Every Christian says 'Amen' to God's curse on those who crucified Christ, yet recognizes our own sin put Him there.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient courts operated with fewer procedural safeguards than modern systems. Two or three witnesses could secure execution (Deuteronomy 17:6), making false testimony especially dangerous. Professional witnesses who testified for payment corrupted justice, as did judges who accepted bribes to condemn the innocent while acquitting the guilty. The prophets repeatedly condemned such perversion of justice (Isaiah 1:23; Micah 3:11; Amos 5:12), which provoked God's judgment on Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this curse apply to modern systems where legal outcomes can be 'purchased' through expensive lawyers or influence?
  2. When you witness injustice against the innocent, do you say 'Amen' to God's curse by pursuing justice, or remain complicitly silent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אָרוּר֙1 of 11

Cursed

H779

to execrate

לֹקֵ֣חַ2 of 11

be he that taketh

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שֹׁ֔חַד3 of 11

reward

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

לְהַכּ֥וֹת4 of 11

to slay

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

נֶ֖פֶשׁ5 of 11

person

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

דָּ֣ם6 of 11
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

נָקִ֑י7 of 11

an innocent

H5355

innocent

וְאָמַ֥ר8 of 11

shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל9 of 11
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם10 of 11

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׃11 of 11

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 27:25 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 27:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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