Deuteronomy 17:2

KJV

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

KJV (with Strong's)

If there be found {H4672} among {H7130} you, within any {H259} of thy gates {H8179} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, man {H376} or woman {H802}, that hath wrought {H6213} wickedness {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, in transgressing {H5674} his covenant {H1285},

Complete Jewish Bible

"If there is found among you, within any of your gates [in any city] that ADONAI your God gives you, a man or woman who does what ADONAI your God sees as wicked, transgressing his covenant

Berean Standard Bible

If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant

American Standard Version

If there be found in the midst of thee, within any of thy gates which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that doeth that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:2 initiates a critical legal and spiritual directive within the Mosaic Covenant, addressing the grave offense of covenant transgression, primarily idolatry. This verse establishes the foundational premise for judicial action against any individual, male or female, found within Israel's towns who has committed an act of "wickedness" that fundamentally breaches their sacred agreement with the Lord God. It underscores the severity with which the community was to treat spiritual infidelity, setting the stage for the detailed judicial processes outlined in subsequent verses aimed at maintaining the nation's purity and fidelity to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Deuteronomy (chapters 16-18) that meticulously details the legal framework for Israel's life in the Promised Land. Following instructions regarding the annual feasts ([Deuteronomy 16:1-17](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Deuteronomy 16:1-17 - Feasts of the Lord")) and the appointment of judges and officers ([Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointment of Judges")), Deuteronomy 17:2 transitions to specific laws concerning capital offenses, particularly idolatry. It serves as the preamble to the judicial procedure for dealing with those who have worshipped other gods ([Deuteronomy 17:3-7](/deuteronomy/17-3 "Deuteronomy 17:3-7 - Punishment for Idolatry")), and it precedes regulations for difficult legal cases ([Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Difficult Cases and Supreme Court")) and the establishment of kingship ([Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Law of the King")). This placement highlights the paramount importance of maintaining covenant fidelity as the bedrock of Israelite society and governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers these laws on the plains of Moab to the second generation of Israelites, poised to enter the land of Canaan. This setting is crucial, as the people were about to encounter the polytheistic and idolatrous practices of the Canaanite nations. The phrase "within any of thy gates" refers to the towns and cities that Israel would inhabit, emphasizing that these laws were to be enforced universally at the local level. The Mosaic Law, reiterated and expounded in Deuteronomy, served as the constitution for the nascent nation, outlining not only religious duties but also civil and criminal statutes. The severe penalty for idolatry reflected the unique nature of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, which demanded exclusive worship and absolute loyalty, distinguishing them sharply from surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 17:2 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. The primary theme is **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing that the relationship between Yahweh and Israel was predicated on exclusive worship and obedience. "Transgressing his covenant" signifies a direct and profound breach of this sacred agreement, often referring to idolatry, which was considered the ultimate act of rebellion against God's sovereignty. This leads to the theme of **Divine Justice and Purity**, as God's demand for holiness necessitated the removal of "wickedness" (Hebrew: *ra'ah*) from the community to prevent defilement of the land and the people. The presence of such sin jeopardized God's blessings and the nation's spiritual well-being, as seen in warnings throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the phrase "If there be found among you" underscores **Community Responsibility**, indicating that the entire nation shared the burden of vigilance and action in upholding the covenant and maintaining communal purity, a principle echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry") concerning the eradication of idolatry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This term broadly denotes evil, badness, or moral depravity. In the context of Deuteronomy 17:2, it specifically points to actions that are an affront to God's holiness and covenant demands, most prominently idolatry or apostasy—the turning away from the one true God to worship false deities. It signifies not merely a minor transgression but a grave offense that undermines the very foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Transgressing (Hebrew, _'abar'_):** Literally meaning "to cross over" or "to pass beyond," this verb implies a deliberate and intentional act of violating a boundary or limit. When applied to "covenant," it signifies a conscious and willful breach of the sacred agreement, moving beyond the established parameters of loyalty and obedience to God. It highlights the profound nature of the spiritual rebellion involved.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berith'_):** This refers to the solemn, binding agreement established between Yahweh and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")). It outlines the terms of their unique relationship, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. To "transgress his covenant" is to break this fundamental, foundational bond, severing the relationship and inviting divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee,":** This opening clause establishes the scope and jurisdiction of the law. "Among you" signifies within the Israelite community as a whole, while "within any of thy gates" specifies the local, urban context—any city or town in the land God is granting them. This emphasizes that the law's authority and application were pervasive, extending to every corner and every individual of the promised inheritance. It underscores God's omnipresence and His expectation of holiness throughout the land.
* **"man or woman,":** This phrase highlights the universality of the law's application, indicating that gender, social status, or any other personal characteristic provided no exemption from accountability for covenant transgression. Both male and female individuals were equally bound by the covenant and subject to its penalties for violation.
* **"that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God,":** This identifies the nature of the offense. "Wrought wickedness" refers to committing an act of moral depravity or evil, as defined by God's law. The crucial addition "in the sight of the LORD thy God" emphasizes that the transgression is not merely a civil crime but a direct affront to God Himself, committed under His watchful eye, thus underscoring the divine awareness and ultimate judgment of such acts.
* **"in transgressing his covenant,":** This final phrase precisely defines the ultimate nature of the "wickedness." It clarifies that the offense is not just any evil act, but specifically one that constitutes a breach of the sacred covenant relationship between God and Israel. This is the gravest form of sin, representing a betrayal of loyalty and an act of spiritual rebellion against the divine King.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:2 employs several literary devices characteristic of biblical legal texts. The verse begins with a **Conditional Clause** ("If there be found..."), which is typical of ancient Near Eastern legal codes, setting up a hypothetical situation that, if met, triggers a prescribed legal response. The repeated phrase "the LORD thy God" functions as a form of **Emphasis** and **Divine Authority**, constantly reminding the audience of the divine origin and ultimate authority behind these laws. The scope of the law is defined through **Inclusio** and **Specificity** with the phrases "among you" and "within any of thy gates," demonstrating the pervasive reach of God's law into every aspect of Israelite communal life. The language itself is a form of **Legal Formulary**, precise and declarative, leaving no ambiguity about the nature of the offense and the seriousness with which it is to be treated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:2 profoundly connects to the theological bedrock of God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. The "wickedness" described is not merely a social misdemeanor but a direct affront to God's holiness and His unique relationship with Israel. It underscores the gravity of idolatry, viewing it as the ultimate act of spiritual adultery and rebellion against the divine Husband. This verse establishes that the purity of the community and the integrity of the land depended directly on the unwavering fidelity of its inhabitants to the covenant. God's justice is revealed in His insistence on rooting out such evil, ensuring that His people reflect His character and maintain their distinct identity among the nations.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Joshua 23:16](/joshua/23-16 "Joshua 23:16 - Consequences for Breaking the Covenant")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not under the judicial system of the Mosaic Law, the enduring principles of Deuteronomy 17:2 remain profoundly relevant for spiritual reflection and application. This verse calls us to a radical faithfulness to God, reminding us that any act that "transgresses His covenant" with us—whether through overt disobedience, spiritual apathy, or placing anything above Him—is a serious offense in His sight. In our contemporary context, "idolatry" often manifests not as bowing to physical statues but as prioritizing career, possessions, relationships, comfort, or self-gratification above our devotion to God. The call to remove "wickedness" from our midst translates into a personal commitment to repentance and a communal responsibility within the church to uphold biblical truth, practice loving accountability, and strive for holiness, not through legalistic judgment, but through grace-filled discipline and restoration. It challenges us to examine our hearts and lives for any area where we might be "transgressing His covenant" and to recommit ourselves to exclusive devotion to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, as modern believers, be tempted to "transgress God's covenant" by placing other things before Him?**
* **How does the church community, guided by grace and truth, address "wickedness" or spiritual compromise among its members today?**
* **What does it mean for us to live a life of "covenant fidelity" in a world that constantly pulls us towards various forms of idolatry?**

### FAQ
**Why is idolatry considered such a severe transgression in Deuteronomy?**
Answer: Idolatry is considered the paramount transgression because it directly violates the first and greatest commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). It is a fundamental breach of the exclusive covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, akin to spiritual adultery. By worshipping false gods, Israel would be attributing divine honor to created things, thereby denying God's unique sovereignty, holiness, and redemptive power. Such an act undermined the very foundation of their national identity and jeopardized the blessings of the covenant, leading to spiritual and moral corruption within the community, as evidenced by the consequences outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**What does "within any of thy gates" imply about the application of this law?**
Answer: The phrase "within any of thy gates" signifies that the law against covenant transgression, particularly idolatry, was to be universally applied and enforced throughout all Israelite settlements. It meant that justice was not solely centralized but was also a responsibility of local communities and their appointed judges within each town or city. This underscored that the covenant's demands for purity and exclusive worship were not confined to the tabernacle or temple but extended to every corner of the promised land and every individual residing within it. It emphasized the pervasive nature of God's law and the communal responsibility for upholding it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:2, with its stern warning against covenant transgression, particularly idolatry, foreshadows the ultimate revelation of sin's gravity and the necessity of a perfect covenant keeper. The Mosaic Law, while righteous, exposed humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's covenant, highlighting the need for a Savior. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need, perfectly keeping the Father's will and establishing a New Covenant, "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the penalty for all who "wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord" and "transgressed His covenant." Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are freed from the condemnation of the law and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in true covenant fidelity. The "wickedness" of idolatry is overcome by worshipping God "in spirit and truth" through Christ ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), and the call to remove evil from our midst is transformed into a spiritual imperative to put off the old self and put on the new, created in righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Self")), crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the law's demands but also enables His followers to live out its spirit, empowered by grace.

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

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Judges 2:20

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Joshua 23:16

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Joshua 7:15

And it shall be, [that] he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

Deuteronomy 17:5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, [even] that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

Hosea 6:7

But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;