Deuteronomy 25:1

ยถ If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that [the judges] may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

If there be a controversy {H7379} between men {H582}, and they come {H5066} unto judgment {H4941}, that the judges may judge {H8199} them; then they shall justify {H6663} the righteous {H6662}, and condemn {H7561} the wicked {H7563}.

"If people have a dispute, seek its resolution in court, and the judges render a decision in favor of the righteous one and condemning the wicked one;

If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned.

If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, and the judges judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 25:1 lays down a fundamental principle for the administration of justice within ancient Israel. It addresses situations where disputes arise between individuals, requiring intervention from appointed judges. The verse clearly mandates that these judges must act with integrity, distinguishing between the innocent and the guilty.

Context

This verse is found within the extensive legal and ethical framework of the Book of Deuteronomy, often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code. Following various civil laws concerning property, social interactions, and marriage, this passage emphasizes the critical role of a fair and impartial judiciary. It underscores that justice in the community was not merely a human endeavor but a reflection of God's own righteous character. The legal system was designed to maintain order, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that disputes were resolved equitably, preventing chaos and personal vengeance.

Key Themes

  • Impartial Justice: The primary message is that judges must be unbiased. Their role is to objectively assess the facts and apply the law without favoritism or prejudice. This principle is vital for any functioning society.
  • Righteous Judgment: The verse explicitly states that judges are to "justify the righteous" and "condemn the wicked." This means declaring the innocent free of wrongdoing and holding the guilty accountable for their actions. It's about upholding truth and moral rectitude in legal proceedings.
  • Societal Order: When justice is administered fairly, it fosters trust within the community and discourages wrongdoing. It ensures that individuals can bring their grievances to a legitimate authority, trusting that a just outcome will be reached.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are precise. "Justify" comes from the root tsadeq (ืฆื“ืง), meaning to be righteous, to acquit, or to declare righteous. It's a legal declaration of innocence. "Condemn" comes from the root rasha' (ืจืฉืข), meaning to be wicked, to find guilty, or to declare wicked. These terms highlight the binary nature of the legal outcome: one is either found innocent or guilty based on the evidence and the law. The parallelism emphasizes the clear distinction required in judgment.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

The principles in Deuteronomy 25:1 remain profoundly relevant today. In any legal system, business dealings, or even personal disputes, the call to seek truth and administer justice impartially is paramount. It reminds us that:

  • Those in positions of authority (judges, arbitrators, leaders) bear a heavy responsibility to act with integrity.
  • Individuals should strive for fairness and truthfulness in their interactions, seeking to resolve conflicts justly rather than through manipulation or deceit.
  • This verse provides a moral compass for evaluating justice systems and advocating for reforms that ensure the righteous are vindicated and the wicked are held accountable.

Understanding this verse helps us appreciate God's desire for order and fairness in all aspects of human society.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 17:15

    ยถ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 17:8

    ยถ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

  • Deuteronomy 17:9

    And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment:

  • Deuteronomy 1:16

    And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

  • Deuteronomy 1:17

    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.

  • Isaiah 1:17

    Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

  • Isaiah 32:1

    ยถ Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
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