Deuteronomy 1:17

KJV

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not respect {H5234} persons {H6440} in judgment {H4941}; but ye shall hear {H8085} the small {H6996} as well as the great {H1419}; ye shall not be afraid {H1481} of the face {H6440} of man {H376}; for the judgment {H4941} is God's {H430}: and the cause {H1697} that is too hard {H7185} for you, bring {H7126} it unto me, and I will hear {H8085} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to show favoritism when judging, but give equal attention to the small and to the great. No matter how a person presents himself, don't be afraid of him; because the decision is God's. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me and I will hear it.'

Berean Standard Bible

Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

American Standard Version

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; ye shall hear the small and the great alike; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you ye shall bring unto me, and I will hear it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:17 serves as a foundational declaration of divine principles for the administration of justice within ancient Israel, emphasizing the non-negotiable requirements of impartiality, courage, and accountability for those in judicial roles. Moses, recalling the appointment of judges, underscores that human judgment is not merely a civic duty but a sacred trust, directly reflecting God’s own righteous character. The verse establishes a clear hierarchy of appeal for complex cases, ensuring that even the most difficult disputes ultimately receive divine wisdom, thereby safeguarding the integrity and equity of the nation's legal system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:17 is situated within Moses' opening address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This address, spanning the first four chapters of Deuteronomy, serves as a retrospective on their journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) and a reaffirmation of the covenant. Specifically, verses 9-18 of chapter 1 recount Moses' earlier decision to delegate judicial authority, prompted by the overwhelming burden of the people's disputes, a system initially suggested by Jethro in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"). Moses is reminding them of the divine origin and ethical demands of this established judicial structure, setting the stage for the detailed legal codes that follow in the rest of the book. The verse therefore functions as a foundational ethical mandate for the judges who would govern the people in the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, operated under legal systems that often involved local elders, priests, or designated judges resolving disputes. However, these systems were frequently susceptible to corruption, favoritism, and the influence of powerful individuals. In contrast, the Mosaic Law, as reiterated here, sought to establish a uniquely equitable and divinely-rooted system of justice. The command to "not respect persons" (i.e., show partiality) directly countered common practices where social status, wealth, or tribal affiliation often swayed legal outcomes. The reference to "the small as well as the great" highlights a radical egalitarianism for its time, ensuring that the marginalized and vulnerable had equal access to justice as the influential. The geographical setting, on the cusp of entering Canaan, implies the imminent need for a robust and just legal framework to govern the new society they were about to establish.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. **Divine Sovereignty and Justice** are paramount, as the declaration "the judgment is God's" elevates human judicial acts to a sacred reflection of God's own character and authority. This underpins the call for **Impartiality and Equity**, demanding that justice be administered without bias, treating all individuals equally under the law, a principle echoed throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment")). The theme of **Courage and Integrity** is also vital, as judges are commanded not to "be afraid of the face of man," emphasizing the moral fortitude required to uphold truth against intimidation or popular pressure. Finally, the establishment of a **System of Appeal** to Moses for "hard cases" demonstrates a practical wisdom in governance, ensuring that complex legal matters receive the highest level of discernment, ultimately rooted in divine revelation. These themes collectively paint a picture of a society striving for a justice system that mirrors the righteousness of God Himself, a recurring motif in the Deuteronomic covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Respect persons (Hebrew, _nakar panim'_):** This phrase literally means "to recognize faces" or "to show partiality by recognizing someone's status." It encapsulates the prohibition against favoritism, bias, or discrimination in judgment. It's a strong condemnation of any decision-making process that is swayed by external factors like wealth, social standing, family ties, or personal influence, rather than by the objective facts and the law.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yare'_):** While _yare'_ often means "to fear God" in a reverential sense, here it refers to human fear—fear of intimidation, retribution, or public opinion. The command "ye shall not be afraid of the face of man" demands moral courage and integrity from judges, ensuring their decisions are based on truth and righteousness, not on external pressures or the desire to please powerful individuals.
* **Judgment is God's (Hebrew, _mishpat le'elohim hu'_):** This is the theological bedrock of the entire verse. It declares that human judicial acts are not merely secular processes but are ultimately an extension or reflection of God's own divine justice. When a judge renders a verdict, they are acting as an agent of God, making their decision a sacred trust. This elevates the standard of justice and underscores the profound accountability of those in authority to God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not respect persons in judgment;":** This is the primary negative command, forbidding any form of partiality or favoritism. It establishes the foundational principle that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, wealth, or influence, must be treated equally before the law. Justice must be blind to external distinctions.
* **"but ye shall hear the small as well as the great;":** This positive command reinforces the previous prohibition. It mandates that judges must give equal attention and weight to the testimony and grievances of the humble and the powerful alike. The voice of the marginalized is to be heard with the same diligence and respect as that of the prominent.
* **"ye shall not be afraid of the face of man;":** This imperative calls for moral fortitude and courage in the face of potential intimidation or pressure. Judges must not allow fear of powerful individuals, public opinion, or personal consequences to sway their decisions from what is just and true.
* **"for the judgment is God's:":** This clause provides the profound theological rationale for all the preceding commands. It declares that human judgments are not merely human affairs but are ultimately God's judgments. Judges act as divine representatives, and therefore, their decisions must reflect God's perfect righteousness and impartiality. This grounds human justice in divine authority.
* **"and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.":** This practical instruction outlines a system of appeal. Moses, as God's chosen mediator and ultimate human authority, serves as the final court for complex or exceptionally difficult cases that local judges cannot resolve. This ensures that even the most challenging legal matters receive the highest level of wisdom and divine guidance, maintaining the integrity of the entire judicial system.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its critical message. The verse utilizes **parallelism** and **antithesis** to emphasize its core principles: "not respect persons" is directly contrasted with "hear the small as well as the great," highlighting the desired impartiality. The negative commands ("ye shall not respect persons," "ye shall not be afraid") are balanced by positive injunctions ("ye shall hear the small as well as the great"), creating a comprehensive ethical framework. The phrase "for the judgment is God's" serves as a powerful **theological grounding** or **divine rationale**, elevating the human act of judging to a sacred duty and providing the ultimate motivation for righteous conduct. This theological statement acts as a **metonymy**, where "God's judgment" represents not just God's authority, but His very character of perfect righteousness and impartiality that human judges are called to emulate. Finally, the verse demonstrates **practical instruction** through the clear appeal process, showcasing a structured approach to governance that combines divine ideals with administrative wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:17 is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical concept of justice, emphasizing that true justice is not merely a human construct but an attribute of God Himself, which He expects His people to reflect. This verse establishes that impartiality, courage, and accountability are not optional virtues but essential requirements for anyone wielding authority, because they are acting on behalf of the divine Judge. The principle that "the judgment is God's" transforms a civil duty into a sacred trust, demanding the highest ethical standards and reminding human authorities that they are ultimately answerable to a higher power. This divine standard for justice resonates throughout Scripture, forming the basis for ethical leadership and societal order.

* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment")
* [Proverbs 24:23](/proverbs/24-23 "Proverbs 24:23 - Avoiding Partiality in Judgment")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless principles of Deuteronomy 1:17 transcend the ancient Israelite judiciary, offering profound guidance for anyone in a position of authority or influence today. Whether in government, business, education, the church, or even within families, we are frequently called upon to make judgments, mediate disputes, or allocate resources. This verse challenges us to examine our own biases, to resist the temptation to favor the powerful or popular, and to ensure that the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized are heard and valued equally. It calls for a courageous integrity that prioritizes truth and righteousness over personal gain, fear of man, or external pressures. Ultimately, it reminds us that all authority is delegated, and our actions in leadership should reflect the character of the perfectly just and impartial God, whose judgment alone is final and true. Living out these principles fosters trust, promotes equity, and builds communities that genuinely reflect God's kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or leadership do I find myself tempted to "respect persons" or show partiality?**
* **What "faces of man" (fears, pressures, popular opinions) might be influencing my decisions, preventing me from acting with full integrity?**
* **How does understanding that "the judgment is God's" change my perspective on my responsibilities, whether in a formal leadership role or in daily interactions?**
* **How can I actively ensure that the "small as well as the great" are heard and valued in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the judgment is God's" in the context of human judges?**

Answer: This phrase is the theological bedrock of the verse, signifying that human judges are not merely exercising their own authority or personal opinions, but are acting as agents or representatives of God Himself. Their decisions, when rendered justly and impartially according to God's law, are meant to reflect God's own righteous character and will. This elevates the act of judging to a sacred duty, making partiality or corruption an affront to God. It means that while humans administer justice on earth, the ultimate source and standard of justice reside with God. Therefore, human judges are accountable to God for the integrity and fairness of their rulings, as seen in passages like [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Judges Among the Gods"). This understanding provides both the motivation for righteous judgment and the courage to act without fear, knowing that the ultimate authority and vindication belong to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:17, with its profound emphasis on impartial and courageous justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament judges served as fallible human instruments of God's justice, Jesus is the perfect and divine Judge, who "does not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth" ([Isaiah 11:3-4](/isaiah/11-3 "Isaiah 11:3-4 - The Righteous Reign of the Messiah")). He perfectly fulfills the command not to "respect persons," demonstrating radical impartiality by welcoming sinners and outcasts while confronting the hypocrisy of the powerful, as seen in His interactions with both the tax collector Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")) and the religious elite ([Matthew 23:1-39](/matthew/23-1 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus never feared "the face of man," boldly proclaiming truth even when it led to His crucifixion, because He knew that "the judgment is God's" and He Himself was God's appointed Judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). Ultimately, the system of appeal for "hard cases" points to Christ, who is our perfect Advocate and Intercessor ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")) and the One to whom all judgment has been committed, ensuring that in Him, perfect justice and mercy are fully realized, culminating in His final righteous judgment of all humanity ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God's Appointed Day of Judgment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

James 2:9

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Proverbs 24:23

¶ These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

2 Chronicles 19:6

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] with you in the judgment.

Exodus 18:22

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, [that] every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear [the burden] with thee.