Deuteronomy 21:5

KJV

And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priests {H3548} the sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878} shall come near {H5066}; for them the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath chosen {H977} to minister {H8334} unto him, and to bless {H1288} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}; and by their word {H6310} shall every controversy {H7379} and every stroke {H5061} be tried:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the cohanim, who are L'vi'im, are to approach; for ADONAI your God has chosen them to serve him and to pronounce blessings in the name of ADONAI; they will decide the outcome of every dispute and matter involving violence.

Berean Standard Bible

And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.

American Standard Version

And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them Jehovah thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of Jehovah; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 21:5 profoundly outlines the divinely ordained and multifaceted responsibilities of the Levitical priests within ancient Israelite society, particularly emphasizing their indispensable role in both spiritual and judicial governance. This verse underscores their unique election by the LORD to serve Him, to be conduits of His blessing upon the covenant people, and, critically, to function as authoritative arbiters in all legal controversies and matters concerning physical injuries or ritual purity, thereby ensuring the maintenance of justice, order, and holiness in the community according to God's righteous standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 21 is part of a larger section (chapters 12-26) detailing specific laws that govern Israel's life in the promised land, serving as an expansion and application of the Ten Commandments and the covenant principles. The immediate literary context of verse 5 is the elaborate ritual for the expiation of an unsolved murder (vv. 1-9), a highly significant ceremony designed to cleanse the land of bloodguilt and avert divine wrath. Within this specific and solemn context, verse 5 explicitly details the indispensable role of the priests in officiating and validating this ritual, underscoring their authority in both ceremonial and judicial matters. This verse, however, serves as a general statement of priestly function, extending beyond the immediate case to their broader and enduring responsibilities as guardians of the law and arbiters of justice throughout the nation, as further articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Priests and Judges in Legal Cases"). The placement of this verse highlights that even in the most severe cases requiring communal atonement, the priests' divine appointment and judicial authority were paramount.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priesthood was not merely a religious office but a fundamental pillar of the theocratic society, which was governed directly by God's laws. Unlike many neighboring nations where religious and civil authorities might be distinct, Israel's covenant with Yahweh meant that divine law permeated and regulated every aspect of life, from worship to civil disputes. The priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi, were consecrated and set apart by God for sacred service (cf. [Numbers 3:6-10](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-10 - The Levites Chosen for Service")). Their functions were extensive, including officiating sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle/temple, teaching the intricate details of the Mosaic Law, and discerning God's will through means like the Urim and Thummim. Culturally, their presence and pronouncements carried immense weight and finality, as they were perceived as direct representatives and mouthpieces of the LORD. Their judicial role, as emphasized in this verse, reflects a system where legal disputes often possessed spiritual or ceremonial implications, necessitating the discerning judgment of those consecrated to God and intimately familiar with His statutes.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 21:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, explicitly stating that "the LORD thy God hath chosen" the Levites. This underscores that their authority is not self-derived or humanly conferred but is a direct, sovereign act of God, establishing their unique and sacred standing. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Holiness and Purity**. The priests were instrumental in maintaining the ritual and moral purity of the community and the land, a concept particularly evident in the unsolved murder expiation ritual (Deuteronomy 21:1-9) which immediately precedes this verse. Their role in discerning "strokes" (which could include ritual impurities like leprosy) directly relates to this theme. Thirdly, and perhaps most prominently, it emphasizes **Justice and Righteousness** within the covenant community. The priests' function in "trying" controversies and strokes ensured that disputes were resolved according to God's righteous standards, thereby promoting social harmony, preventing anarchy, and upholding the integrity of the covenant. This judicial function is a recurring and vital theme throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - The Law and Covenant"), reflecting God's profound desire for a just and orderly society that mirrors His own character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This verb (H977) signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection, implying a unique favor, distinction, and specific purpose. When applied to the Levites, it underscores that their priestly office was not merely inherited by lineage but was a divine election for a particular, sacred task. This divine choice conferred upon them a unique authority and responsibility, distinguishing them from all other tribes and individuals in Israel as those specially set apart for God's service.
* **Minister (Hebrew, _shârath'_):** This term (H8334) denotes service, attendance, or ministration, often in a sacred or official capacity. It describes the active, dedicated service of the priests to God in the tabernacle/temple, involving the performance of rituals, offerings, and the upkeep of holy things. Their ministry was not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual, facilitating the people's access to God and mediating His presence and commands.
* **Word (Hebrew, _peh'_):** This noun (H6310), literally "mouth," refers here to speech, utterance, or authoritative pronouncement. In a judicial context, "by their word" signifies the authoritative judgment, decision, or ruling issued by the priests. It implies their responsibility to thoroughly investigate a matter, distinguish between right and wrong, and provide a binding resolution based on divine law, ensuring that justice was not only sought but also properly administered and understood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near":** This phrase highlights the unique access and proximity of the Levitical priests to God, particularly in the holy places. "Coming near" (Hebrew, _nâgash'_ H5066) is a technical term for priestly service, signifying their consecrated status and their exclusive role as mediators who could approach the divine presence on behalf of the people, performing sacred duties.
* **"for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him":** This clause provides the divine rationale and ultimate source of their unique position and authority. Their function is not self-appointed or humanly derived but is a direct result of God's sovereign choice (Hebrew, _bâchar'_ H977). Their primary purpose is to serve God Himself (Hebrew, _shârath'_ H8334), implying a life dedicated to His commands, the sacred duties of the sanctuary, and the spiritual well-being of the nation.
* **"and to bless in the name of the LORD":** This highlights their mediatorial role in conveying God's favor and peace upon the people. The priests were conduits of divine blessing (Hebrew, _bârak'_ H1288), invoking God's name (Hebrew, _shêm'_ H8034) to impart well-being, prosperity, and spiritual favor, as exemplified in the Aaronic blessing. This function demonstrates their role in nurturing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **"and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]":** This crucial part of the verse defines their judicial authority and responsibility. "Controversy" (Hebrew, _rîyb'_ H7379) refers to legal disputes or quarrels, while "stroke" (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_ H5061) can refer to a physical blow, a plague, or a mark, often implying a matter of purity or injury (e.g., leprosy). The priests' "word" (Hebrew, _peh'_ H6310) signifies their authoritative pronouncement, judgment, or ruling. They were responsible for discerning truth, resolving complex legal and purity issues, and rendering definitive judgments based on God's law, thereby ensuring justice and maintaining communal order and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 21:5 skillfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey the multifaceted nature of the priestly office. The verse exhibits clear **Parallelism** in its description of the priests' functions, balancing their spiritual role ("to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD") with their judicial role ("and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried"). This highlights the comprehensive and integrated nature of their divine appointment. The phrase "for them the LORD thy God hath chosen" is a powerful example of **Divine Fiat**, emphasizing the absolute authority and divine origin of the priestly office, underscoring that their power is derived solely from God's sovereign will. Furthermore, "by their word" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "word" stands for their authoritative judgment, decision, or ruling, underscoring the weight, power, and finality of their pronouncements in legal and ceremonial matters. The use of "every controversy and every stroke" employs **Merism**, encompassing the full range of disputes and physical/purity issues that might arise, indicating the breadth and universality of their judicial oversight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 21:5 profoundly articulates the foundational principle of divinely ordained authority within the covenant community. The Levitical priesthood served as a living embodiment of God's commitment to order, justice, and the spiritual well-being of His people. Their dual role of conveying blessing and rendering judgment underscored the holistic nature of God's covenant, which encompassed both grace and righteousness. The priests were not merely ritualistic functionaries but essential guardians of the law, ensuring that the community lived in alignment with God's will, thereby maintaining the purity of the land and the integrity of the covenant relationship. This verse speaks to the enduring need for spiritual leadership that is both consecrated to God and equipped to guide His people in truth and justice, reflecting God's own character as both merciful and just. It reveals a God who actively intervenes in the lives of His people to establish and maintain righteousness.

* [Numbers 3:6](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6 - Levites Appointed for Service to the Tabernacle")
* [Numbers 6:23-27](/numbers/6-23-27 "Numbers 6:23-27 - The Aaronic Priestly Blessing")
* [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Priestly and Judicial Authority in Difficult Cases")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial and ceremonial functions of the Levitical priesthood have been fulfilled and transformed through the new covenant, the enduring principles embedded in Deuteronomy 21:5 remain profoundly relevant for believers and the church today. This verse calls us to recognize the importance of God-ordained leadership within the church—individuals or bodies chosen and set apart by God to minister His truth, convey His blessing, and provide wise, biblically informed counsel in matters of faith and life. It underscores the church's ongoing responsibility to be a source of God's blessing in the world, radiating His grace, peace, and truth to a broken humanity. Furthermore, it reminds us of the critical need for impartial justice, Spirit-led discernment, and biblical wisdom in resolving conflicts and disputes within the Christian community, striving always to uphold truth, promote reconciliation, and maintain unity according to biblical principles. As believers, we are called to seek God's wisdom in all our controversies, trusting that His "word" provides the ultimate standard for what is right, just, and holy, guiding us toward lives that honor Him and reflect His character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine appointment of the Levitical priests inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and authority in the church today?**
* **In what practical ways can believers and the church "bless in the name of the LORD" in contemporary society, extending God's favor and peace?**
* **What principles can we draw from the priests' role in "trying" controversies that apply to conflict resolution and seeking justice within our communities or personal lives?**
* **How does the emphasis on maintaining purity and justice through the priests' word challenge us to live in alignment with God's standards and seek His truth in all matters?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary role of the Levitical priests as described in Deuteronomy 21:5?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 21:5 outlines a multifaceted primary role for the Levitical priests. Fundamentally, they were divinely chosen by the LORD to "minister unto him," which encompassed all aspects of sacred service in the tabernacle or temple, including officiating sacrifices, maintaining the holy place, and teaching the Law. Beyond this, they were empowered "to bless in the name of the LORD," acting as conduits of God's favor and peace to the people. Crucially, the verse also highlights their significant judicial function: "by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried." This meant they were responsible for discerning truth, resolving legal disputes, and making definitive judgments on matters of law, purity, and justice within the Israelite community, ensuring adherence to divine standards and maintaining the holiness of the land.

**How did the priests "bless in the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: The priests blessed in the name of the LORD primarily by invoking God's name to bestow favor, peace, and well-being upon the people. The most explicit example of this is the Aaronic Blessing found in [Numbers 6:23-27](/numbers/6-23-27 "Numbers 6:23-27 - The Priestly Blessing"), where God instructs Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with His presence, protection, and peace. This act was not merely a human wish but a divinely ordained declaration that conveyed God's actual favor and affirmed His covenant relationship with His people and His desire to prosper them. Beyond formal blessings, their entire ministry, by facilitating atonement and teaching God's law, served as a means of blessing the nation by keeping them in right relationship with God.

**What does "every controversy and every stroke be tried" mean in practice?**

Answer: In practice, "every controversy and every stroke be tried" meant that the Levitical priests served as the ultimate arbiters in complex legal and purity cases within Israel. "Controversy" (Hebrew: _rîyb'_) refers to legal disputes, quarrels, or lawsuits between individuals or groups. "Stroke" (Hebrew: _nega'_) could refer to physical injuries, but also to ritual impurities like leprosy (often called a "stroke" or "plague" in the Old Testament, e.g., [Leviticus 13:2](/leviticus/13-2 "Leviticus 13:2 - Law of Leprosy for Skin Diseases")). When a case was too difficult for local judges, or involved matters of ritual purity, it would be brought to the priests (often alongside judges) at the central sanctuary, as described in [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Difficult Cases and Priestly Judgment"). The priests, through their intimate knowledge of the Law and their access to divine guidance (e.g., Urim and Thummim), would investigate, clarify the facts, and render a binding, definitive judgment that was considered God's verdict on the matter. This ensured that justice was administered according to divine standards and that the land remained pure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 21:5, with its depiction of the Levitical priests as divinely chosen mediators, blessers, and arbiters of justice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, though essential for its time, was a shadow of the superior reality to come. Jesus is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who does not merely "come near" to God, but is Himself God incarnate, having perfect and eternal access to the Father. He was not chosen from the tribe of Levi, but from the tribe of Judah, after the order of Melchizedek, signifying a new and eternal priesthood (cf. [Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11-28 "Hebrews 7:11-28 - Christ's Superior and Eternal Priesthood")). As our High Priest, Jesus has offered the [perfect, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for sin, forever cleansing us and making us righteous before God. He is the ultimate source of blessing, bestowing not just temporal favor but [every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ") through His atoning work and resurrection power. Furthermore, Jesus is the righteous Judge, whose "word" definitively tries every controversy and every stroke, not just in legal disputes, but in the ultimate spiritual sense. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly reveals God's truth and will, and who will one day [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") with perfect justice and righteousness. Thus, all the functions, hopes, and divine purposes placed upon the Levitical priesthood are fully and eternally realized in Christ, who is our perfect Mediator, Blesser, and Judge.

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

1 Chronicles 23:13

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

Deuteronomy 10:8

At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Deuteronomy 18:5

For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

Numbers 6:22

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 6:27

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Deuteronomy 19:17

Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;