Deuteronomy 17:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to the sentence {H6310} of the law {H8451} which they shall teach {H3384} thee, and according to the judgment {H4941} which they shall tell {H559} thee, thou shalt do {H6213}: thou shalt not decline {H5493} from the sentence {H1697} which they shall shew {H5046} thee, to the right hand {H3225}, nor to the left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In accordance with the Torah they teach you, you are to carry out the judgment they render, not turning aside to the right or the left from the verdict they declare to you.

Berean Standard Bible

according to the terms of law they give and the verdict they proclaim. Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from the decision they declare to you.

American Standard Version

according to the tenor of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do; thou shalt not turn aside from the sentence which they shall show thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:11 establishes the absolute and binding authority of the central judicial court in ancient Israel, composed of priests and judges, for resolving complex legal disputes. This verse mandates unwavering and precise obedience to their rulings, emphasizing that their decisions were considered the divinely sanctioned and authoritative interpretation of God's Law. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining judicial integrity, preventing any deviation from established legal precedent, and fostering national unity and order under the covenant, ensuring that justice in Israel reflected God's righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 17:11 is strategically placed within a section (Deuteronomy 17:8-13) that details the establishment of Israel's supreme judicial system. This passage immediately follows regulations concerning capital offenses and the eradication of idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-7), highlighting the need for a definitive legal authority to handle the most challenging cases that local courts could not resolve. Following these judicial instructions, the text transitions to outline the proper conduct and responsibilities of a future king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). The broader context of Deuteronomy is Moses's final address to Israel before entering the Promised Land, reiterating and expounding upon the covenant Law. This specific verse, therefore, serves as a crucial component in establishing the mechanisms for maintaining justice and order within the covenant community, ensuring that the principles of the [Torah](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4 - Moses Teaches the Law") are applied consistently and authoritatively across the nation, preventing fragmentation and legal chaos.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, legal systems were foundational for societal stability. However, Israel's system was unique in that its laws were not merely human decrees but divinely revealed commands from Yahweh. As Israel transitioned from a nomadic confederation of tribes to a settled nation, the need for a centralized, authoritative legal system became paramount. While local elders and judges handled everyday disputes, complex cases—especially those involving inter-tribal issues or difficult interpretations of the Law—required a higher court. This central court, likely located at the tabernacle or, later, the temple in the "place the Lord your God will choose" (Deuteronomy 17:8), often involved the Levites or priests, who were the custodians and interpreters of the Law, alongside civil judges. This structure ensured that justice was administered consistently and that the divine nature of the Law was upheld, distinguishing Israel's jurisprudence from that of surrounding nations whose laws often stemmed from the arbitrary will of a monarch.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 17:11 profoundly contributes to several core themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Supremacy and Divine Authority of the Torah**. The "sentence of the law" is not a human invention but God's revealed will, which the appointed judges and priests are tasked with faithfully interpreting and applying. This reinforces the idea that Israel's governance is ultimately a theocracy. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Unwavering Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness**. The command to "not decline... to the right hand, nor to the left" is a powerful reiteration of the absolute obedience required of Israel to maintain their covenant relationship with God, a theme echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from the Way"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **Finality and Integrity of Judicial Rulings**. The central court's decisions are binding and beyond appeal, designed to prevent endless disputes and ensure legal consistency, thereby promoting national unity. This system was crucial for preventing the societal chaos and moral relativism that characterized periods like the time of the [Judges](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"), where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sentence (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** While often translated as "word" or "thing," in this judicial context, _dâbâr_ (H1697) refers to an authoritative pronouncement, a decree, or a matter of legal decision. It carries the weight of a definitive declaration of the law's application to a specific case, emphasizing that what is taught and decided is a direct articulation of God's instruction, not merely human opinion.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term, _mishpâṭ_ (H4941), denotes a legal decision, a verdict, or a just ruling. It refers to the practical application of the law to a specific dispute or situation. The pairing of _dâbâr_ (the authoritative teaching or pronouncement) with _mishpâṭ_ (the concrete, practical judgment) highlights the seamless connection between the divine instruction and its specific implementation in legal matters.
* **Decline (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** Meaning "to turn off," "to turn aside," "to deviate," or "to depart," _çûwr_ (H5493) in this context signifies an intentional straying from the prescribed path or decision. The negative command "thou shalt not decline" emphasizes the absolute requirement for strict adherence, leaving no room for personal interpretation, disobedience, or even slight deviation once the authoritative ruling has been given.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee":** This clause establishes the authoritative source and nature of the court's pronouncements. The "sentence of the law" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) refers to the authoritative exposition and application of God's Torah. The priests and judges are not inventing new laws but are faithfully teaching and applying the existing divine law to specific, complex cases. Their teaching is presented as the definitive and authoritative interpretation of God's revealed will.
* **"and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do":** This part emphasizes the active and non-negotiable obligation of the individual to obey the court's ruling. Once the "judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_), or verdict, is pronounced and communicated ("tell thee"), the individual is commanded to "do" it, meaning to implement it fully, precisely, and without reservation. This highlights the binding nature of the court's decision and the requirement for immediate and complete compliance.
* **"thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, [to] the right hand, nor [to] the left.":** This is a powerful and frequently used Hebrew idiom that signifies absolute, unwavering adherence and strict obedience. It means there is to be no deviation whatsoever—no turning away even slightly, no personal reinterpretation, no seeking of alternative paths or compromises. The ruling is to be followed exactly as given, reinforcing the finality, supreme authority, and non-negotiable nature of the central court's pronouncements.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Deuteronomy 17:11 is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "thou shalt not decline... to the right hand, nor to the left." This idiomatic expression is a powerful rhetorical device used throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from the Way")) and other Old Testament books (e.g., [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Do Not Turn from the Law")) to convey the idea of absolute, unwavering obedience and strict adherence without any deviation or personal interpretation. Its use here serves to dramatically emphasize the non-negotiable and binding nature of the judicial ruling. Additionally, there is an element of **Repetition** and **Emphasis** through the repeated use of terms like "sentence" (_dâbâr_) and "judgment" (_mishpâṭ_), which underscores the gravity, authority, and finality of the court's pronouncements. The formal, declarative tone also contributes to the overall **Legal Language**, reinforcing the authoritative and binding nature of the commands within the framework of covenant law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:11 profoundly articulates the principle of divine authority mediated through human institutions. It teaches that true justice and societal order are rooted in God's revealed will, not in human caprice or localized interpretation. The command for unwavering obedience to the central court's rulings underscores the seriousness with which God views the administration of justice and the necessity of a unified interpretation of His law. This system was designed to prevent anarchy, promote legal consistency, and ensure that Israel remained a holy nation, governed by divine standards. The theological implication is that submission to legitimate, God-ordained authority, particularly in matters of divine truth and justice, is an act of obedience to God Himself. This principle extends beyond ancient Israel's specific judicial system to the broader biblical call for believers to respect and submit to righteous authority, whether civil or spiritual, as long as it aligns with God's ultimate Word and purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from the Way")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial system of ancient Israel is no longer in place, the enduring principles embedded in Deuteronomy 17:11 offer profound lessons for believers today. We are called to cultivate a spirit of discerning submission to God's Word and to those whom He has appointed to faithfully teach and apply it. This means actively listening to sound biblical teaching, seeking wise counsel from godly leaders, and allowing the clear principles of Scripture to guide our lives without personal deviation "to the right hand, nor to the left." It challenges us to resist the temptation to reinterpret God's commands to suit our preferences or to dismiss established biblical truths for the sake of convenience or cultural trends. Instead, we are to embrace the unity and order that come from a collective commitment to God's revealed will, fostering harmony within the church and our communities. This does not imply blind obedience, but rather a humble willingness to be taught, corrected, and guided by the unchanging truth of God's Word as faithfully expounded by those whom God has gifted to teach and lead. Our ultimate allegiance is always to Christ, who is the Living Word, and to His written Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively seek and discern godly counsel and authoritative biblical teaching in my life today?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to "decline to the right hand, nor to the left" from God's clear commands or biblical principles?**
* **How does my posture of submission to spiritual authority contribute to the unity, health, and order of the church body?**
* **What is the balance between personal conviction and the corporate understanding and teaching of Scripture within my faith community?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse advocating for blind obedience to religious leaders, even if they are wrong?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 17:11 emphasizes obedience to the *sentence of the law* and *judgment* taught by the priests and judges. The authority rests primarily in the Law itself, which they are to faithfully interpret and apply. The text presupposes that these leaders are acting in accordance with God's revealed will and are upholding the divine standard. Other passages in the Old Testament, such as [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets"), warn against false prophets and teachers who lead people astray. In the New Testament, believers are likewise called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" ([1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything")). Therefore, while submission to legitimate authority is crucial for order and truth, it is always predicated on that authority faithfully upholding and teaching God's truth, not on human infallibility or arbitrary commands.

**How does this verse apply when leaders in the church or society err or act unjustly?**

Answer: This verse speaks to the ideal function of a divinely instituted judicial system, where the leaders faithfully administer God's righteous law. In a fallen world, leaders, even those in positions of authority, can and do err or act unjustly. When human commands conflict with divine ones, the ultimate allegiance of the believer remains with God and His unchanging truth. The New Testament provides clear examples of apostles choosing to "obey God rather than men" when human commands directly contradicted divine ones ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men")). The principle of Deuteronomy 17:11 still calls for respect for the office and a default posture of submission to legitimate authority, but it does not demand complicity in sin or unbiblical teaching. Discernment, prayer, and adherence to the higher authority of Scripture are paramount in such complex situations.

**What is the practical difference between "sentence of the law" and "judgment" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often used in conjunction, "sentence of the law" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) refers more to the authoritative teaching, pronouncement, or declaration of what the law *is* in a given situation, often involving the interpretation of a complex legal principle. It's the articulation of the legal principle itself. "Judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) refers to the specific, concrete decision, verdict, or ruling rendered in a particular case based on that authoritative teaching. So, the priests and judges would "teach" the _dâbâr_ (the authoritative understanding of the law) and then "tell" the _mishpâṭ_ (the specific ruling that applies the law to the case at hand). Both are binding and require unwavering obedience, representing the theoretical and practical aspects of legal administration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:11, with its emphasis on unwavering obedience to the authoritative "sentence of the law" and "judgment" rendered by God's appointed representatives, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a teacher or interpreter of the Law, but its divine Author and perfect embodiment. Unlike the human priests and judges who could err in their pronouncements, Jesus perfectly lived out and fulfilled the Law in every respect ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His teachings, particularly as demonstrated in the Sermon on the Mount, reveal the full spiritual depth and intent of the Torah, demonstrating that His "sentence" is the final, absolute, and perfect word of God, spoken with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Authority of Jesus' Teaching")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate Judge, to whom "all judgment has been committed" by the Father Himself ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One")). Believers are called to follow Him without deviation, not turning "to the right hand, nor to the left," because His path is the only "way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way")). In the New Covenant, the Law is no longer merely an external code administered by human courts, but it is written on the hearts and minds of believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Therefore, our obedience to Christ's perfect teachings and His Spirit's guidance is the New Covenant expression of "not declining from the sentence" of God's perfect and righteous will, leading us into true freedom and life.

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

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Jude 1:8

¶ Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

1 Peter 2:13

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:15

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.