Deuteronomy 27:25

KJV

Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that taketh {H3947} reward {H7810} to slay {H5221} an innocent {H5355} person {H5315}{H1818}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.' All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:25 is a solemn declaration within the covenant renewal ceremony, pronounced from Mount Ebal, condemning the egregious act of accepting a bribe or "reward" to unjustly take the life of an innocent person or to pervert justice against them. This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to absolute justice, the inviolable sanctity of human life, and the collective responsibility of the community to uphold these divine standards through their binding affirmation, "Amen."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:25 is situated within a profound covenant renewal ceremony, a pivotal event commanded by Moses to be enacted once the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This chapter meticulously details a series of twelve curses, to be proclaimed by the Levites from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:15-26), while blessings were to be declared from Mount Gerizim. Each curse addresses a specific transgression, often one that could be committed in secret or against the most vulnerable members of society, thereby emphasizing the pervasive reach and moral depth of God's law. The repeated communal response, "And all the people shall say, Amen," transforms these declarations from mere pronouncements into a binding, self-imprecatory oath, solidifying the entire nation's commitment to the covenant and its ethical demands. This particular curse, focusing on judicial corruption and murder, highlights a fundamental pillar of a just and righteous society, underscoring its immense gravity within the broader legal and moral framework of the Mosaic Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this monumental ceremony is the threshold of the Promised Land, marking a critical transition for Israel from a nomadic people to a settled nation with established institutions. The establishment of a fair and impartial legal system was paramount for the stability, righteousness, and divine favor of this nascent society. In the ancient Near East, bribery was a pervasive and destructive force, frequently undermining justice and leading to the oppression of the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. The concept of an "innocent person" (Hebrew: *naqi*) was foundational in a legal system that sought to protect the blameless from false accusations, malicious plots, and corrupt judgments. The public, ritualistic nature of the ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim was designed to deeply impress upon the collective consciousness of the Israelites the solemnity of their covenant obligations and the severe consequences of disobedience, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and reverential fear of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Justice and the Condemnation of Corruption**. God's character is inherently just and righteous, and He demands that His people reflect this attribute in their societal structures and individual conduct. The "reward" (Hebrew: *shachad*, bribe) is explicitly condemned as a profound affront to divine justice, aligning with other prohibitions against perverting judgment for illicit gain, such as those found in [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition Against Bribery") and [Proverbs 17:23](/proverbs/17-23 "Proverbs 17:23 - The Destructive Power of Bribes"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Sanctity of Human Life**. By protecting the "innocent person," it reinforces the fundamental biblical principle that human life is sacred and created in God's image, aligning directly with the Sixth Commandment, [You shall not murder](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment"). Thirdly, the repeated "And all the people shall say, Amen" emphasizes **Covenant Accountability and Communal Responsibility**. The "Amen" (Hebrew: *ʼâmên*, meaning "so be it" or "truly") is not passive agreement but an active, binding affirmation, signifying the community's collective commitment to uphold these laws and accept the consequences of their violation, echoing similar communal affirmations found elsewhere, such as in [Nehemiah 8:6](/nehemiah/8-6 "Nehemiah 8:6 - The People's Affirmation of God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reward (Hebrew, _shachad'_):** This term (H7810) consistently carries the negative connotation of a bribe throughout the Old Testament, particularly one offered or accepted to pervert justice or to influence a decision illicitly. It implies a payment made for an immoral or unjust purpose, highlighting the mercenary and corrupt nature of the act condemned in this verse. The acceptance of such a "reward" to harm an innocent person reveals a profound moral depravity, valuing illicit gain over human life and divine justice.
* **Innocent (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_):** The word (H5355) literally means "clean," "pure," or "blameless." In a legal context, it refers to someone who is free from guilt or culpability for the crime of which they are accused. The emphasis on the victim's innocence intensifies the heinousness of the act, as it is not merely murder but the unjust taking of a blameless life, often through a perversion of the legal process. This term underscores God's profound concern for the vulnerable and unjustly accused.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** This powerful Hebrew affirmation (H543) transcends mere agreement. It signifies "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." In this covenant context, the communal "Amen" functions as a solemn oath, a self-imprecation whereby the people bind themselves to the curse, acknowledging its truth and accepting its consequences if they violate the stated law. It transforms the curse from a mere declaration into a binding, communal commitment to uphold justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person":** This clause directly pronounces a divine curse upon any individual who accepts a bribe or illicit payment with the intent of causing the death of a blameless person. The phrase "to slay" (H5221, *nâkâh*, here in the Hiphil infinitive construct, *lehakkot*) implies not only direct murder but also judicial murder, where a person is unjustly condemned to death through a corrupted legal process. The "reward" (H7810, *shachad*) highlights the mercenary motive, emphasizing the profound moral corruption of valuing financial gain over the sanctity of human life and the integrity of justice. This is an act of profound wickedness, striking at the heart of both divine law and human dignity.
* **"And all the people shall say, Amen":** This second clause describes the mandatory communal response to the curse. The collective "Amen" (H543, *ʼâmên*) signifies the entire nation's solemn agreement with the curse's validity and their public commitment to its enforcement. It serves as a powerful deterrent and a binding oath, indicating that the community collectively assents to the divine judgment against such a heinous act and accepts responsibility for upholding the standard of justice that protects the innocent. It binds every member of the community to this moral and legal standard.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:25, within its broader context, employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "Cursed be he that..." at the beginning of each of the twelve curses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This creates a powerful, rhythmic, and memorable litany, emphasizing the gravity and universality of these prohibitions. The structured call-and-response format, with the Levites pronouncing the curse and "all the people" responding with "Amen," functions as a **Ritual Formula** or **Litany**, transforming the legal pronouncements into a solemn, communal act of covenant affirmation. This ritualistic repetition reinforces the collective responsibility and deepens the impact of each curse. Furthermore, the verse itself is an **Imprecation**, a direct invocation of divine judgment against a specific transgression. The stark **Contrast** between the "reward" (illicit gain) and the "innocent person" (blameless victim) powerfully underscores the moral depravity of the act, highlighting the perversion of justice for selfish ends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:25 powerfully articulates God's character as fundamentally just and righteous, demanding that His covenant people reflect this attribute in their societal structures and individual conduct. The condemnation of taking a bribe to harm the innocent underscores that perverting justice and devaluing human life for material gain is an egregious offense against God's holiness and His created order. This verse links the sanctity of life directly to the integrity of the judicial system, revealing that true justice is not merely about legal procedures but about protecting the vulnerable and upholding righteousness. It is a call to societal integrity, where the pursuit of wealth never justifies the oppression or destruction of the blameless.

* [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition Against Bribery")
* [Proverbs 17:23](/proverbs/17-23 "Proverbs 17:23 - The Destructive Power of Bribes")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - God's Requirement: Justice, Mercy, Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:25 remains profoundly relevant, serving as a timeless and urgent warning against the insidious nature of corruption and injustice, particularly when it targets the vulnerable and blameless. For individuals, this verse calls for unwavering integrity, a refusal to compromise moral principles for personal gain, and a commitment to truth even when it comes at a cost. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any inclination to prioritize profit or advantage over the well-being and rights of others. For societies, it demands the establishment and vigilant protection of fair and impartial legal systems that genuinely defend the innocent and prosecute the guilty, irrespective of wealth, power, or influence. The communal "Amen" reminds us that upholding justice is not solely the responsibility of judges, lawyers, or leaders, but a collective duty of all citizens to speak out against injustice, to advocate for the oppressed, and to actively affirm righteousness in their communities. Christians, as followers of a just God, are called to be agents of justice in a world often swayed by greed and corruption, actively seeking to embody the principles of fairness, compassion, and truth in all spheres of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ancient curse against taking a "reward to slay an innocent person" manifest in contemporary forms of injustice or corruption?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, actively "say, Amen" to God's justice and stand against systems or practices that harm the innocent?**
* **How does our commitment to the sanctity of life extend beyond physical harm to include protecting the vulnerable from economic exploitation, slander, or systemic injustice?**
* **What role does personal integrity play in upholding the principles of justice outlined in this verse, especially when faced with opportunities for illicit gain?**

### FAQ

**Why is this specific curse included among others like idolatry and dishonoring parents?**

Answer: This curse is included because it addresses a foundational sin that strikes at the very heart of both divine justice and societal order. Unlike some sins that might be public (like idolatry), taking a bribe to slay an innocent person often involves hidden corruption and the perversion of legal processes, making it particularly insidious and difficult to uncover. By including it in this list of solemn curses, God underscores its extreme gravity. It highlights His unwavering commitment to the sanctity of human life and the integrity of justice, demonstrating that the perversion of the legal system for gain is as abhorrent to Him as direct rebellion or spiritual infidelity. It is a sin that undermines the very fabric of a righteous community, making it a prime candidate for a collective "Amen" and a divine curse, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Curses from Mount Ebal").

**What does "Amen" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "Amen" (H543, *ʼâmên*) is far more than a simple "yes" or "I agree." It functions as a solemn, binding oath, a public declaration of self-imprecation. When "all the people" say "Amen" after each curse, they are not merely acknowledging the curse; they are actively assenting to its truth, affirming its justness, and, crucially, binding themselves to its consequences should they or their community violate the stated law. It signifies a profound commitment to the covenant, a public pledge to uphold the divine standard, and an acceptance of the divine judgment that would follow disobedience. This communal "Amen" transforms a pronouncement into a shared act of accountability and a collective responsibility to maintain justice, echoing its use in other covenant affirmations like [Nehemiah 5:13](/nehemiah/5-13 "Nehemiah 5:13 - Nehemiah's Oath and the People's Amen").

**How does this curse relate to the broader biblical theme of the sanctity of life?**

Answer: This curse is directly and profoundly related to the sanctity of life. By condemning the act of taking a "reward" to "slay an innocent person," it reinforces the intrinsic value of human life, which is created in the image of God. It highlights that human life is not a commodity to be bought or sold, nor is it to be unjustly taken for personal gain or convenience. This aligns with the Sixth Commandment, [You shall not murder](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment"), and extends it to encompass judicial corruption that leads to the death of the blameless. The curse serves as a powerful deterrent against any action that devalues or unjustly extinguishes a human life, especially one that is vulnerable and blameless, thus upholding God's high regard for every individual's life as seen from the very beginning in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:25, like all the curses of the law, reveals the profound depth of human sin and the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling God's righteous demands, thereby pointing to the desperate need for a perfect deliverer. In a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate "innocent person" (see [Luke 23:41](/luke/23-41 "Luke 23:41 - The Penitent Thief's Confession")) who was "slain" not for a literal "reward" in the sense of a bribe, but for the "reward" of thirty pieces of silver by Judas's betrayal (as recorded in [Matthew 26:15](/matt/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Betrayal")), and for the political expediency of the Jewish leaders who sought His death (as seen in [John 19:12-16](/john/19-12-16 "John 19:12-16 - Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified")). He was perfectly blameless, yet He was unjustly condemned and executed. The curse pronounced in [Deuteronomy 27:25](/deuteronomy/27-25 "Deuteronomy 27:25 - Curse Against Taking a Bribe to Slay the Innocent"), which fell upon those who perverted justice against the innocent, ultimately fell upon Christ Himself, not because He was guilty, but because He willingly became a curse for us. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Through His sacrificial death, the truly innocent One bore the full weight of God's curse against all sin, including the perversion of justice and the shedding of innocent blood. His resurrection then vindicates His innocence and establishes Him as the righteous Judge who will one day execute perfect justice, ensuring that all who are truly innocent in Him will be protected and all injustice will be rectified (see [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son") and [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World")). Thus, in Christ, the demand for justice is met, the innocent are truly vindicated, and the curse is transformed into blessing for all who believe and are found righteous in Him.

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

Exodus 23:7

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Psalms 15:5

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

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.

Micah 3:10

They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.